NECA cautions government on EV infrastructure monopolies

The National Electrical and Communications Association’s (NECA’s) Head of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs, Kent Johns, and Neil Roberts, NECA Director of Policy, Technical and Safety, appeared before the NSW Parliament’s Inquiry into EV Infrastructure this week to provide evidence on behalf of the electrotechnology industry.

NECA highlighted growing concerns regarding the influence of electricity network operators in the EV charging market. Among the most concerning issues raised were the limited transparency, shared staffing and commercial conduct that may be disadvantaging independent contractors and undermining fair competition.

NECA made it clear to the inquiry that the current ring-fencing framework is not keeping pace. It contains too many exemptions, lacks strong enforcement, and does not provide the separation needed between monopoly services and competitive markets. 

NECA also cautioned against the risk that EV infrastructure costs could be added to the regulated asset base. This would result in all electricity customers, including those who may never own an EV, subsidising network-led charging infrastructure through their power bills. 

NECA reiterated the opportunity to strengthen local industry. “Australia has innovative manufacturers producing high-quality EV charging equipment. These businesses support jobs and regional economies, but are too often overlooked in favour of cheaper options with limited long-term value”, said NECA CEO, Oliver Judd.

Finally, NECA called on the NSW Government to take a stronger role in oversight. “Network operators should focus on core responsibilities such as reliability, maintenance and housing connections. Any commercial activity in the EV space must be clearly separated, transparent and accountable”, Mr Judd said.

“The current regulatory oversight is not sufficient to ensure accountability, and having electricity users subsidising network operator owned EV infrastructure is not equitable, and should not be allowed”.