On 17 December 2024, the AER received an initial ring-fencing waiver application from CitiPower, Powercor, and United Energy (collectively referred to as CPU) for a waiver from clauses 3.1(b) and 4.2 of the Ring-fencing guideline (electricity distribution) to allow them to provide and maintain kerbside EV chargers (electric vehicle charging infrastructure – or EVCI) in their distribution areas. The full waiver application was received in March 2025.
On 22 October 2025, the AER granted a time-bound, limited scope ring-fencing waiver to CPU to conduct a kerbside electric vehicle charging trial at sites that meet specific criteria in Victoria until mid-2031, with strict conditions to safeguard market competition.
The waiver, from clauses 3.1(b) and 4.2 of the guideline, will allow CPU to install up to 100 EV chargers (which must include at least 5% vehicle-to-grid chargers) to test, analyse and publicly report on how EV charging can be used to manage local network constraints, improve voltage stability, and shift demand away from peak periods.
The AER has imposed 9 waiver conditions, including obligations for CPU to ensure an even playing field for third‑parties.
The waiver will expire on 30 June 2031, unless varied or revoked sooner.
Update
On 12 August 2026, the AER decided to vary condition 6 to allow CPU 12 months from the original decision date to identify its EVCI sites.
In accordance with condition 4, CPU has also published procedures for third parties seeking pole access and standard terms for a master facilities access agreement. These materials include annual lease fees and other charges, with supporting justification. They are available at CitiPower and Powercor website and the United Energy website.
Other waiver conditions require CPU to publish annual reports on the trial’s financial performance, relevant learnings and the time taken to energise third-party EV chargers (conditions 7, 8 and 9). Reports for October–December 2025 are available on CPU’s website.
The AER will assess whether CPU’s publications and reports meet the conditions’ objectives, including transparency about CPU’s conduct and safeguards against competitive harm to third parties. We welcome stakeholder feedback on the format and structure of CPU’s reporting.
The AER will continue to monitor the trial and engage with CPU to support contestable EV charger delivery alongside CPU’s own rollout. A coordinated approach can support broad EV charger delivery in the long-term interests of consumers.