Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Eighty locations have been identified based in areas with high EV ownership. Community consultation will determine the final 20 sites.The chargers, which would feature single and dual ports to accommodate multiple vehicles, would be placed in public spaces near major roads and amenities.CitiPower and Powercor’s new energy services head Daniel Bye said increased accessibility would help curb unsafe practices such as drivers running extension cords across roads, footpaths, and nature strips.“It really makes sense to utilise the existing infrastructure that we have to make it faster and cheaper to install these devices,” he said.Councils would need to ensure the chargers were placed in locations that don’t interfere with pedestrian access or that create parking conflicts.But the project still requires approval from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), as the distributors are seeking a waiver to install and maintain chargers on regulated assets like power poles.Bye said that a mix of on-street and dedicated EV parking was expected.“We know that off-street parking can be a bit of a sensitive topic to the residents in those areas, and we’re fully aware of that. But we do think that they both play a part,” he said.An AER spokesperson confirmed that a trial application was received this week and would be reviewed under the regulator’s ring-fencing rules.“The AER has rules for ring-fencing that apply to some electricity services from the electricity distributors such as EV charging. Ring-fencing seeks to protect consumers by separating monopoly electricity distributors from services that can be provided in a contestable market,” the spokesperson said.The regulator said it welcomed waiver applications, which are considered through a set process that can involve public consultation before a decision is made.“In considering an application, the AER is required to take into account a number of issues. These include the national electricity objective that aims for long-term benefit for consumers and the impact on competition.”The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
