CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy are set to roll out pole-mounted electric vehicle chargers across their networks after receiving approval from the Australian Energy Regulator for an innovative new trial.

Under the program, the distributors will install, own and maintain 100 22kW chargers, each operated by multiple e-mobility service providers.

The first-of-its-kind model is designed to boost competition, giving EV drivers more choice and potentially lower charging costs.

The rollout comes as electric vehicle uptake accelerates across Victoria, particularly in urban areas where off-street parking is limited.

The trial will focus on these high-demand locations and explore sites within parts of the network with strong rooftop solar generation to make use of surplus daytime energy.

CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy’s Head of Customer Connections, Dan Bye, welcomed the approval, saying the trial would fill a void in Victoria’s charging market.

“More people are investing in EVs and it’s essential they have easy access to reliable and affordable charging,” Mr Bye said.

“Our trial aims to give EV drivers the charging options they need in the locations where they want them.

“EV drivers, councils and communities are asking for pole-mounted chargers to be installed in their areas, so we will work with interested parties to find the best locations for these points.”

The first 10 trial sites will be operating before the end of 2025, with the remaining chargers to be delivered in 2026. The location of the first charger will be announced in coming weeks.

The 100-charger trial will use 0.01 per cent of the 879,500-plus power poles across the three electricity networks, allowing other charging companies to develop their own pole-mounted solutions and maximise choice for customers.

Recently, United Energy supported RACV and EVX to install two pole-mounted chargers in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy’s trial charging infrastructure will remain separate from the networks’ regulated asset base.

“We can deliver faster, more reliable pole-mounted EV infrastructure while potentially avoiding network upgrades by dynamically controlling the chargers,” Mr Bye said.

“Drivers are desperate for more chargers and pole-mounted technology is available, so we will install these chargers and help more Victorians switch to an electric vehicle.”