Australia has taken two steps toward placing about 14,000 public EV chargers on kerbsides and in regional blackspots. On September 24, 2026, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) released a draft rule supporting the Commonwealth’s A$40 million Accelerating EV Charging Program. On September 29, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) opened a A$33.2 million grant round for the program on GrantConnect.
Key Takeaways
- The AEMC backed a draft rule for the A$40 million Accelerating EV Charging Program on September 24, 2026.
- About 14,000 kerbside and regional chargers are targeted, with networks as last-resort suppliers.
- A A$33.2 million invitation-only grant round closes on November 24, 2026.
- Consumers would pay an estimated A$1 a year for five years.
Key Figures
- Program size: A$40 million, targeting about 14,000 chargers.
- Cost split: the Commonwealth funds about 30% of eligible infrastructure; participating networks recover the other 70% from electricity customers.
- Bill impact: estimated at about A$1.00 a year for a typical household for five years.
- Grant round GO8637: A$33.2 million (GST exclusive) over 2027–28 and 2028–29; invitation only; closes 9:00 pm ACT time on November 24, 2026.
- Deadlines: grant activities must finish by April 30, 2029; the program ends June 30, 2029.
What Changes
Under the draft rule, participating distribution networks must help private charge point operators connect kerbside chargers in dense urban areas through efficient connection and access arrangements. If no operator takes up an identified site, the network becomes the supplier of last resort. In regional blackspots, where commercial interest is weaker, the network must supply the chargers itself.
The AEMC said the rule applies only to this time-limited program. It does not create a broader role for networks in EV charging, which the Commission is reviewing separately. Submissions on the draft close on November 5, 2026, with a final decision due by the end of 2026.
What It Means
Kerbside charging serves renters and apartment residents who cannot charge at home, so most sites will be pole-mounted or compact AC units, with DC in regional towns. Charge point operators and installers should talk to their local network now, because operators get the first chance at urban sites before networks step in.
Any equipment must meet Australian electrical safety and certification rules. For multi-user AC sites, the EV-AC03201T dual-connector station (two Type 2 connectors, up to 22 kW per connector, OCPP 1.6J) is one option; our commercial EV charging page lists others.
Related Reading
- EV Charging News: New South Wales Offers A$16.5 Million for Kerbside and Fleet Chargers
- EV Charger Certification for Australia: SAA, RCM and EESS Explained
- How to Charge an EV When You Live in an Apartment
