Australian households are set to see a minor increase of approximately $1 per year on their electricity bills for five years to fund a national rollout of 14,000 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) published a draft rule on 24 September 2026, enabling electricity distributors to play a key role in delivering the Commonwealth Government’s Accelerating EV Charging Program. This move aims to address critical charging blackspots and improve access in high-density urban areas, where off-street parking is often limited.
The draft rule is a response to a request from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and is designed to integrate the program into the National Electricity Rules. It facilitates Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs) in efficiently providing and recovering costs for services approved under the program. Submissions on the draft determination are open until 5 November 2026, with a final decision expected by the end of the year, paving the way for the program to commence in 2027.
Addressing Australia’s Charging Gaps
The Accelerating EV Charging Program, a component of the broader Driving the Nation Fund, is a $40 million Commonwealth initiative focused on expanding public EV charging infrastructure. The program specifically targets regional charging blackspots and kerbside charging solutions in metropolitan areas where residents, particularly those in apartments, struggle with access to home charging.
Under the proposed framework, DNSPs will identify suitable sites and first offer them to commercial charge point operators (CPOs). If CPOs do not take up these opportunities, the DNSPs will then act as a ‘last resort supplier’ to install and operate the necessary AC chargers. This mechanism aims to ensure that commercially less attractive but geographically crucial areas receive the infrastructure they need.
“Having weighed all factors, the Commission is satisfied the program’s likely benefits outweigh its costs to consumers, given its targeted and time-limited design.” – AEMC Chair Anna Collyer
This approach is critical for supporting the growing number of Australians adopting EVs. The program is set to deliver an estimated 14,000 new EV chargers across the country. For those living in apartments or strata complexes, expanded kerbside charging can be a game-changer, complementing existing solutions for EV Charging for Australian Apartments & Strata in 2026: Solutions & Costs from $1,000.
The Cost to Consumers
The Commonwealth Government will fund approximately 30% of the eligible infrastructure costs, with the remaining 70% to be recovered by participating networks from electricity consumers. The AEMC estimates this will translate to an annual increase of approximately $1 on a typical residential customer’s power bill over five years. While a minor cost, it has drawn some industry criticism regarding the principle of shifting transport decarbonisation costs onto electricity bills, regardless of EV ownership.
AEMC Chair Anna Collyer has defended the draft rule, highlighting the program’s targeted and time-limited nature, and its significant benefits in emissions reduction and equitable access to EV charging. The lessons learned from this trial program are intended to inform future decisions on EV infrastructure.
Driving Australia’s EV Transition
The necessity for enhanced charging infrastructure is underscored by Australia’s accelerating EV uptake. For the second consecutive month, electric vehicles outsold petrol-only cars in Australia in September 2026. Data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) shows that EVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) accounted for 24.2% of the new vehicle market in September, just ahead of petrol’s 23.9% and diesel’s 23.1%.
This sustained shift in consumer preference demonstrates a clear demand for more accessible and reliable charging options. The AEMC’s draft rule aims to reduce ‘range anxiety’ and encourage further EV adoption by ensuring essential charging points are available where they are most needed. Understanding the different types of public and home charging available, including AC and DC options, is becoming increasingly important for Australian drivers. For a comprehensive overview, refer to AC vs DC EV Charging in Australia 2026: The Definitive Guide to Home & Public Options.
This regulatory development, alongside other government initiatives like the DRIVEN Program which supports automotive dealerships and repairers in transitioning to EV service work, is crucial for Australia’s journey towards a cleaner transport future. The focus on regional and kerbside charging ensures a more equitable distribution of infrastructure, benefiting a broader range of EV owners and those considering the switch.