The government of Queensland may potentially hinder the progressive electric vehicle adoption in the state if it passes a proposal that allows a state-owned energy firm to control power across home chargers, Clean Energy Council warns.
New Home Charging Rule – Proposal
Energy Queensland reportedly submitted a proposal to gain control over home chargers with a capacity of more than 20A using single-phase power under a demand-management system.
It would basically enable the company to switch off home chargers in peak periods and activate them again if there is a power surplus.
That said, Clean Energy Council (CEC) opposes the proposal, saying that the state would be the only one to impose such rules.
“We are concerned the proposed changes to EVSE [electric vehicle supply equipment] installation may deter consumers from investing in EVs.”
Clean Energy Council
The Electric Vehicle Council and various organizations are also protesting for the government to turn down the proposal. The council emphasized in its appeal that Energy Queensland’s concept reflects its belief that people “can’t be trusted to manage their own EV charging.”
Queensland looks to improve grid stability, but how?
Master Electricians Australia’s National Advocacy Manager Chris Lehmann explained that the energy firm only aims to improve grid stability amid the growing number of EVs needing power. However, he admitted that the state picked the wrong approach.
“We do believe there’s a better way that they could do it. We think at the moment the approach is all stick, not much carrot. We should be going for a little bit more carrot, a little less stick approach, and incentivising people to change their energy-usage behaviour.”
Chris Lehmann, Master Electricians Australia’s National Advocacy Manager
He suggested imposing “time of use tariffs” that would require energy users to pay higher on peak periods and offer discounts during low demand. Therefore, it would give EV owners control over how they save or consume energy.
Moreover, the EVC contested Energy Queensland’s study that suggests EVs will significantly impact the electric grid by 2030.
See Also:
- Queensland advanced as the best state to buy an EV in Australia
- Chinese-made MGs are now part of Queensland’s police fleet
- Queensland targets 100% EV Fleet
- Tesla clears inventory and dominates the Australian market against Toyota as EV enthusiasm grows
- Australia must adopt ambitious EV targets for climate goals, Australian industry group says
This proposed home charging rule may undoubtedly hamper the state’s electric vehicle uptake as it can potentially discourage customers from joining the shift.
That said, Queensland must adopt other measures for improving grid stability without compromising the EV industry.
