NSW inquiry warns against letting power distributors dominate EV charging rollout
By Eve
A NSW Legislative Assembly Committee on Transport and Infrastructure report, released on Thursday, cautions that allowing the state's three major electricity distributors (Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and Essential Energy) to lead the EV charging rollout risks creating a monopoly that would raise power bills for all consumers, not just EV owners. The committee heard from dozens of witnesses across five hearings, with RACQ and charger company EVSE both warning that distributor dominance would stifle competition, deter private investment and distort the market.
Why it matters: The findings signal potential regulatory barriers to utility ownership of charging assets in New South Wales, shaping procurement strategies for CPOs and infrastructure investors. If adopted, the recommendations could preserve a competitive market for independent charge point operators and equipment suppliers across Australia's most populous state.