Australia power bills to rise about $1 a year to help fund EV charging infrastructure
By Eve
Australians are expected to pay $1 per year more on electricity bills after the Energy Market Commission backed a proposal to support electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the government does not support the price hike, arguing that companies profiting from EV chargers should fund the rollout instead of ordinary consumers. The plan has sparked debate over who should bear the cost of expanding charging networks to support EV adoption.
Why it matters
The proposal highlights ongoing tension over funding models for public charging infrastructure, with governments and regulators weighing consumer levies against private sector investment. For CPOs and contractors, the outcome could shape whether future network expansion relies on public subsidies or commercial returns alone.
Source
- Published
- 16 October 2026
- Updated
- 17 October 2026
In this story
- Topic
- EV Charging
- Place
- Australia
Related news
PPC blue and Cometex to install over 300 charging points across Romania with 20 MW capacity
PPC blue and Cometex have deployed 20 charging points to date across six Romanian cities, including an eight point, 450 kW hub at Aurora Retail Park in Giurgiu. The partnership will add more than 300 new charging points with an estimated total installed capacity exceeding 20 MW, including sites at Bricostore locations, while PPC blue will take over Cometex's existing network of more than 87 charging points at retail parks nationwide.
Why it matters
The rollout demonstrates a retail focused charging strategy targeting high footfall locations, with the network integration offering procurement teams a consolidated operator relationship across multiple Romanian retail sites. The 20 MW pipeline signals significant grid connection and equipment supply opportunities for contractors and hardware vendors in the Romanian market.
Andersen EV launches Range Rover Collection home chargers in six configurations
Andersen EV has introduced the Andersen Range Rover Collection of home chargers, comprising six configurations for the Andersen Quartz and A3 models, inspired by the Range Rover Electric and Range Rover Sport Electric. The collection features three palettes based on Range Rover exterior colours, including the Blackthorn collection inspired by Santorini Black paint. Each charger is made to order at Andersen's Bedfordshire facility, with in house development, production quality control and dedicated customer care.
Why it matters
The partnership between Andersen EV and Range Rover signals growing collaboration between premium automotive and charging brands to offer integrated home charging solutions. For CPOs and installers, branded charger collections tied to specific vehicle models may open new sales channels through dealership networks and affluent homeowner segments.
Seattle opens applications for 200 curbside Level 2 chargers targeting apartment areas by 2030
Seattle City Light is accepting resident applications for up to 200 new curbside Level 2 EV chargers to be installed from fall 2027 through 2030, prioritising multifamily housing areas with limited existing charging. The city will review applications and select locations in batches of 40 to 50 sites, with design and permitting starting spring 2027 and each site requiring approximately two weeks of construction. Seattle already operates 58 chargers from an earlier pilot programme.
Why it matters
The resident led application process and phased procurement model offers a replicable framework for cities targeting underserved multifamily housing, with clear timelines for design, permitting and installation that CPOs and contractors can plan around. The batch selection approach creates predictable tender windows for equipment suppliers and installation firms through to 2030.