EV charging report delivers strong result for NSW electrical contractors

The NSW Parliamentary Committee’s final report into electric vehicle and alternative energy infrastructure has delivered a major win for electrical contractors. The report backs NECA’s call to protect competition and prevent monopoly network businesses from gaining an unfair advantage in the rapidly growing EV charging market.

The Committee has recognised that EV charging is a contestable market and that allowing monopoly electricity networks to compete in that market risks distorting competition, reducing innovation and increasing costs for consumers.

Critically, the Committee has supported maintaining the Australian Energy Regulator’s existing ring-fencing framework, a key issue raised by NECA throughout the inquiry.

NECA NSW Executive Director, Mark Stedfut, said the findings send a clear message that the energy transition must not become an opportunity for monopoly businesses to shut out independent electrical contractors and small businesses.

“This is a strong result for electrical contractors across NSW and a clear endorsement of the principles NECA has long been advocating for,” Mr Stedfut said.

“EV charging is a competitive market. It should be open to the businesses with the skills, experience and capacity to deliver it, not tilted in favour of monopoly network businesses.”

The Committee has also backed practical reforms strongly supported by NECA, including greater transparency of network capacity data, standardised connection fees and timeframes, stronger reporting obligations, and minimum performance and pricing standards for public chargers.

NECA’s evidence is specifically referenced in the report, including concerns that network-affiliated entities can use shared staff, vehicles, branding and data systems in ways that give them an unfair commercial advantage and exclude qualified electrical contractors and small businesses.

Mr Stedfut said the recommendations were particularly important as NSW accelerates its transition to electric vehicles and works towards its legislated emissions reduction targets.

“The energy transition will require a huge amount of electrical work and create significant opportunities for contractors, apprentices and businesses across NSW,” Mr Stedfut said.

“But those opportunities must be delivered through a fair and competitive market. Consumers should not be forced to carry the costs of commercial charging infrastructure while independent contractors are locked out.”

NECA will now work with the NSW Government to support implementation of the Committee’s recommendations and continue pressing for stronger ring-fencing rules and enforcement, transparent and competitive procurement, and protections against commercial charging costs being transferred to electricity consumers.

“The Committee has provided a strong foundation. Now the focus must turn to implementation,” Mr Stedfut said.

“NECA will continue to lead this debate to ensure the EV charging market delivers investment and innovation, protects consumers and gives electrical contractors, apprentices and regional businesses a genuine opportunity to share in Australia’s energy transition.”