SECCCA contributes to inquiry into electricity supply for electric vehicles
SECCCA recently appeared before the Victorian Parliament’s Inquiry into Electricity Supply for Electric Vehicles, representing the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances (VGA) and more than 60 councils across the state.
SECCCA’s Projects Energy Lead, Aaron Gray, gave evidence as a witness on behalf of the Alliances, outlining the critical role local governments are already playing in supporting electric vehicle (EV) uptake — and what is needed to ensure charging infrastructure is rolled out in an affordable, equitable and grid friendly way.
Councils are already leading — but can’t do it alone
In his opening statement, Aaron emphasised that councils have been early leaders in EV charging, delivering regional charging frameworks, kerbside and pole mounted charging trials, fleet transition plans and community education programs. These efforts have helped overcome early barriers to EV uptake, particularly in regional and outer metro areas.
However, stronger coordination and leadership from state and federal governments is now essential to scale this work and manage the impact of EV charging on electricity supply.
Plan charging with the grid — not against it
A central message from SECCCA and the VGA submission was that EV charging infrastructure must be planned strategically and at a regional scale, rather than rolled out in an ad hoc or purely market driven way.
Key points included:
Daytime and workplace charging should be prioritised, as it aligns with solar generation, reduces pressure on the grid and improves equity for people without off-street parking.
Slow and managed charging plays a critical role alongside fast chargers, helping avoid expensive grid upgrades that ultimately increase costs for all electricity users.
Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs) need to be more actively involved in planning, with greater transparency about where grid capacity exists and what types of chargers can be supported.
Equity and access must be front and centre
SECCCA highlighted that many inner-city residents live in apartments or homes without access to private charging, while regional communities face long travel distances and limited infrastructure. Encouraging charging at workplaces, transport hubs, destinations and tourist locations helps address these inequities while supporting local economies.
The evidence also noted that councils face rising costs from pole access fees, land tax and proposed congestion levies, which can undermine efforts to deliver affordable public charging. SECCCA recommended exemptions and continued fee caps to keep charging viable.
Education, trust and future opportunities
Building community confidence was another key theme. Aaron told the hearing that education is critical to overcoming misinformation and helping people understand charging options, costs and reliability — particularly for businesses and fleets.
The VGA submission also pointed to the future role of vehicle to grid and vehicle to home technologies, which could allow EVs to act as mobile batteries, reducing peak demand and strengthening energy resilience if supported by clear standards and policy settings.
A clear role for state government
SECCCA and the VGA called for a statewide EV charging strategy and implementation plan, developed in partnership with councils, DNSPs and industry. Such a plan would help Victoria deliver charging infrastructure in the most efficient and cost effective way, while supporting climate targets and ensuring no communities are left behind.
As Aaron concluded, planning now for how the system needs to work in 2040 and beyond is essential if Victoria is to achieve its EV uptake goals at the lowest possible cost to households, councils and the grid.