PLUS ES says the decision by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) to approve a landmark trial will transform the landscape of public kerbside electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
The regulatory sandbox waiver will enable PLUS ES to integrate the electricity meter directly into the EV charger unit, eliminating the need for a separate, external metering enclosure, reducing costs and improving access to charging for customers.
Head of Metering for PLUS ES, Nural Omer, said the waiver will help bridge the gap between EV ownership and access to charging infrastructure.
“This first-of-its-kind initiative in Australia unlocks a more efficient and cost-effective way to deploy public EV charging infrastructure,” she said.
“By removing barriers to installation, this decision simplifies the rollout of kerbside chargers, making EVs more accessible for everyone.
“Eliminating the need for an external meter box also means less unnecessary infrastructure on our streets.”
PLUS ES applied for the waiver through the AER’s Energy Innovation Toolkit designed to help energy innovators navigate regulatory complexities and trial new products and services that benefit consumers.
The waiver will temporarily exempt PLUS ES from certain metering requirements within the National Electricity Rules, allowing them to implement the more cost-effective solution for pole-mounted chargers.
PLUS ES plans to partner with charge point operators for the trial of 7-22kW single or double-port chargers across New South Wales, with potential expansion into South Australia.
The first installations will begin as early as March 2025.
