The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has welcomed the Northern Territory Government’s $300,00 clean energy grant that’s aimed at accelerating EV update and contributing to the territory’s target of net zero by 2050.

The grant, which came into effect on 1 July 2022, is intended to support the purchase and installation of EV chargers across 80 businesses and 100 residences, increasing the availability of chargers.

NECA has praised the initiative as a crucial step towards guaranteeing the viability and uptake of electrical transportation and achieving ambitions outlined in both the Territory’s Climate Change Response Towards 2050 and Digital Territory strategies.

The commencement date also coincided with the government’s reduction of registration and stamp duty fees for plug-in EVs.

“It is fantastic to see the Northern Territory Government begin to remove the barriers to electric vehicle uptake and provide incentives for adoption. NECA and our members are willing and keen to work on realising the Territory’s clean, electrically powered future,” NECA SA/NT executive director Larry Moore says.

“However, given the urgent shortage of skilled workers, it is crucial that governments use every lever available to ensure that electrical contractors and businesses are well supported to make the transition possible.”