Statement in response to NSW Legislative Committee on Transport and Infrastructure report on infrastructure for EV’s 

5 August 2026 

 The following can be attributed to Acting CEO, Dominic Adams: 

 “The Committee’s report highlights a challenge Energy Networks (ENA) has long identified: too many Australians – particularly those without a driveway or garage – are missing out on affordable public charging, and the market alone is not reaching them.  

The report validates the ‘chicken-and-egg’ problem holding back EV uptake and recognises a role for networks in addressing regional blackspots. 

Networks don’t want to be retailers. ENA’s proposal has always been about using infrastructure we already own – power poles – to deliver open-access charging, with competition happening at every socket.  

It opens up the chargers for retailers to compete to provide customers with more choice and lower costs charging for the long term. This will drive real and enduring benefits for EV owners, particularly those who can’t charge at home.  

Any investment would still be subject to strict approval by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), with the same prudency and efficiency tests that apply to every other network investment. 

We will continue to work constructively with the AER, the Government and industry, including to make sure no community is left behind.” 

 -ends- 

 ENA is the national industry body representing Australia’s electricity transmission and distribution and gas distribution networks. Our members provide more than 16 million electricity and gas connections to almost every home and business across Australia. 

Media enquiries: news@energynetworks.com.au