NECA has called for the government to intervene in the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) plans, hoping to prevent the monopoly electricity distribution networks (DNSPs) into contestable electricity service markets.

The AER opened consultation for CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy to own, install and maintain electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure as network assets. This is a trial to test implementing and maintaining public EV charging stations in a cost-effective and efficient manner to accelerate the installation of EV charging points.

The AER also recently approved an exclusive waiver for PlusES to distribute 1,000 pole mounted EV chargers under the ‘sandbox’ provisions.

NECA will alert the ministers responsible to act on behalf of the public and the economy so effective regulation of the sector is ensured before more gorging happens. NECA supports the development of EV infrastructure, but it wants to promote a clean energy future but it must be built by local contractors using Australian made equipment.

NECA is calling the Australian Government to review all the waivers issued by the AER’s, halt all future waivers, sandbox trials and exemptions, launch a full parliamentary inquiry into DNSP conduct and regulatory failures and overhauling to AER and its Ring-Fencing framework with real enforcement powers and public accountability.