Сайт Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has granted a ring-fencing waiver на CitiPower, Powercor, and United Energy (collectively known as CPU), allowing them to conduct a kerbside electric vehicle (EV) charging trial across Victoria until mid-2031. The waiver is accompanied by nine strict conditions designed to protect market competition while maximizing the insights gained from the trial.
Under Australian energy law, ring-fencing rules prevent monopoly electricity network providers from using their position to gain advantages in competitive sectors. The AER’s conditional approval enables CPU to install up to 100 EV chargers, with at least 5% featuring vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities. The project aims to explore how local kerbside charging can help manage network constraints, stabilize voltage, and shift energy demand away from peak periods.
AER Chair Clare Savage said the decision was made after careful consideration of stakeholder feedback and a detailed risk–benefit assessment.
“We’ve seen strong interest and a wide range of views from stakeholders during consultation,” Ms Savage said. “On balance, we believe this limited and time-bound trial offers clear potential benefits for Victorian consumers, provided strong safeguards are maintained to protect competition.”
The $1.2 million pilot, fully funded by CPU, will not impact customer electricity bills. Chargers will be mounted on existing power poles and leased to multiple commercial operators, who will set pricing and manage day-to-day operations. CPU will maintain ownership of the chargers throughout the trial period.
The AER’s conditions require CPU to:
Maintain transparent public reporting on performance and outcomes;
Ensure equal treatment for third-party service providers; and
Charge itself the same pole access fees as competitors to guarantee a level playing field.
At the end of the trial, CPU must either remove the chargers, transfer them to contestable market operators, or apply for an additional waiver.
CPU plans to test demand management mechanisms, в том числе customer response to pricing signals и direct energy modulation. The insights could improve voltage management, reduce peak load stress, and optimize the use of existing network assets — potentially expanding the suitability of kerbside power poles for EV charging in the future.
Ms Savage noted that the AER continues to support innovation within regulatory frameworks, encouraging projects that enhance efficiency and reduce costs for consumers.
“As more consumer energy resources like EVs become part of our grid, we welcome innovative proposals that demonstrate how to use the network more efficiently,” she said. “Each waiver is carefully considered to balance innovation with the long-term interests of energy consumers.”
The AER’s approval signals growing regulatory openness to pilot programs that could pave the way for smart, decentralized charging networks и more efficient grid management across Australia.
