Australian households are facing a potential increase of approximately $1 per year on their electricity bills over the next five years to fund the rollout of 14,000 new electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the nation. This development follows a draft rule released by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) on September 24, 2026, designed to accelerate the Commonwealth Government’s $40 million Accelerating EV Charging Program. The AEMC’s proposal, confirmed on October 5, 2026, outlines a mechanism for electricity distributors to install and operate kerbside EV charging infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas.
The Accelerating EV Charging Program targets two critical areas: regional charging blackspots and high-density kerbside locations in cities where residents often lack access to off-street charging. The Federal Government will fund approximately 30 per cent of the eligible infrastructure costs, with the remaining expenses passed on to consumers via their power bills.
Why the Bill Increase?
The AEMC’s draft rule allows participating electricity distributors to act as a “last resort supplier” for EV charging infrastructure. This means if private charge point operators do not take up identified sites, the distributors can step in to ensure the necessary infrastructure is delivered. This is particularly crucial for regional areas deemed commercially less attractive.
“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,” stated AEMC Chair Anna Collyer.
In assessing the proposed rule, the AEMC considered the program’s significant emissions-reduction benefits, its impact on consumer bills, competition among charging providers, and crucially, access to EV charging for Australians without off-street parking, including renters and apartment residents. This initiative is designed to place approximately 14,000 EV chargers where they are most needed.
For apartment dwellers and those in high-density living, the focus on kerbside charging is particularly relevant. Access to reliable charging has been a major barrier for many considering an EV. For more insights into solutions for multi-residential properties, read our guide on EV Charging for Australian Apartments & Strata in 2026: Solutions & Costs from $1,000.
Context: Australia’s Rapid EV Uptake
The need for expanded charging infrastructure is underscored by the unprecedented growth in Australia’s EV market. The Electric Vehicle Council’s ‘State of EVs 2026 Report’, released on September 30, 2026, revealed that electric vehicles accounted for 25.8 per cent of all new car sales in the first half of 2026. This represents a staggering 117 per cent increase from the same period in 2025, with 157,957 EVs sold nationwide.
This surge in adoption means an EV was purchased every 100 seconds on average during the first half of the year. The report attributes this to greater vehicle availability (196 EV models now on offer), improved affordability, and a growing awareness of EVs’ ability to cut cost-of-living expenses amid fluctuating fuel prices.
As the EV fleet rapidly expands, reaching approximately 612,000 vehicles by the end of June 2026, the demand for accessible and reliable charging solutions intensifies. The current public charging network has also seen growth, with 1,364 public charging sites listed as of October 1, 2026, an increase of 20 sites in September alone.
Industry Investment and Future Outlook
Beyond government initiatives, private investment is also flowing into the charging sector. Notably, Ampol Energy announced on October 1, 2026, its agreement to acquire Evie Networks for $225 million. Subject to ACCC clearance, this acquisition will combine Ampol’s AmpCharge network with Evie’s, creating a formidable network of approximately 1,425 charging bays across more than 400 locations by the first half of 2027. This consolidation signifies increasing confidence in the long-term viability and profitability of public EV charging in Australia.
Another significant player, Exploren, committed $30 million on September 25, 2026, to expand its charging network with over 600 new DC fast chargers in the next two years, prioritising contactless payment options for user convenience.
The AEMC’s draft rule is open for public submissions until November 5, 2026, with a final determination expected by the end of the year. This targeted program represents an interim step, with the Commission’s broader work on the long-term role of electricity networks in EV charging continuing separately. This ongoing work, including consideration of further rule change requests from Energy Networks Australia, aims to ensure that Australia’s grid can effectively support the rapidly growing EV fleet. Understanding the different charging speeds and options is crucial for new EV owners; explore our detailed guide on AC vs DC EV Charging in Australia 2026: The Definitive Guide to Home & Public Options.
While the $1 annual increase on power bills is a minor cost, it highlights the collective effort required to build out the essential infrastructure for Australia’s transition to electric transport. As EV affordability continues to improve, with models like the BYD Atto 3 receiving upgrades and new pricing from $41,990 (before on-road costs) for the Dynamic FWD variant, and other brands like Nissan slashing Ariya prices by up to $15,000 from October 1, 2026, the demand for robust charging solutions will only grow.
This strategic investment in charging infrastructure, even with a small shared cost, is critical for addressing range anxiety and ensuring that Australia can meet its ambitious emissions reduction targets by supporting widespread EV adoption across all communities.
Table: Key EV Charging Network Developments in Australia (September-October 2026)
| Initiative | Organisation/Body | Key Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accelerating EV Charging Program | Federal Government/AEMC | $40 million program for 14,000 chargers in regional blackspots & high-density areas. Draft rule allows distributors to be ‘last resort’ installers. Submissions close Nov 5, 2026. | Potential approx. $1/year increase on household power bills for 5 years. Ensures charging access in underserved areas. |
| Evie Networks Acquisition | Ampol Energy | Ampol to acquire Evie Networks for $225 million. Expected H1 2027 (ACCC clearance). | Creates combined network of approx. 1,425 charging bays across 400+ locations. Major industry consolidation. |
| Charging Network Expansion | Exploren | $30 million investment over 2 years to add 600+ new DC fast chargers. Focus on contactless payment. | Increases public fast charging availability and convenience across Australia. |
| Public Charging Network Growth | EV Roadside | 20 new public charging sites added in September 2026, bringing total to 1,364. 759 sites now have DC fast charging. | Steady expansion of Australia’s public charging network, improving accessibility. |