Plug and Play

Share Plug and Play on Facebook Share Plug and Play on X (formerly Twitter) Share Plug and Play on Linkedin Email Plug and Play link

Essential Energy is accelerating the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging across regional, rural and remote NSW with our Plug and Play kerbside charging program.

The initiative will enable charge point operators (CPOs) to connect 1,000 new public EV chargers to existing power poles and install 300 composite streetlight chargers. This will almost double the number of chargers currently available across our footprint.

By using existing network assets, Plug and Play reduces complexity and cost for operators, helping fast-track EV charging in communities that have lagged behind urban areas.

General Manager Commercial Development, Andrew Hillsdon, says the program is about creating a scalable model for future installations. “We’re taking the complexity and some of the costs out of installing EV chargers so operators can simply come into our communities and plug in,” Andrew said.

Partially funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the program will offer two solutions. Stream 1 will pre-enable 1,000 existing power poles to be connection ready for pole mounted EV Chargers. Stream 2 The Deployment of 300 innovative composite (fibreglass) streetlight columns with integrated 7kw EV chargers.


Essential Energy is accelerating the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging across regional, rural and remote NSW with our Plug and Play kerbside charging program.

The initiative will enable charge point operators (CPOs) to connect 1,000 new public EV chargers to existing power poles and install 300 composite streetlight chargers. This will almost double the number of chargers currently available across our footprint.

By using existing network assets, Plug and Play reduces complexity and cost for operators, helping fast-track EV charging in communities that have lagged behind urban areas.

General Manager Commercial Development, Andrew Hillsdon, says the program is about creating a scalable model for future installations. “We’re taking the complexity and some of the costs out of installing EV chargers so operators can simply come into our communities and plug in,” Andrew said.

Partially funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the program will offer two solutions. Stream 1 will pre-enable 1,000 existing power poles to be connection ready for pole mounted EV Chargers. Stream 2 The Deployment of 300 innovative composite (fibreglass) streetlight columns with integrated 7kw EV chargers.


  • Stream 2 Ring-fencing Waiver Consultation Open

    Share Stream 2 Ring-fencing Waiver Consultation Open on Facebook Share Stream 2 Ring-fencing Waiver Consultation Open on X (formerly Twitter) Share Stream 2 Ring-fencing Waiver Consultation Open on Linkedin Email Stream 2 Ring-fencing Waiver Consultation Open link

    The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) is currently consulting on Essential Energy's Stream 2 ring-fencing waiver application. The waiver application was submitted to the AER on 20 April 2026 and relates to the proposed deployment of composite streetlight columns with integrated EV charging infrastructure.

    The AER's public consultation period opened on 3 June 2026 and will remain open until 14 July 2026. Stakeholders can view the application and consultation materials via the AER website here: Application | Australian Energy Regulator (AER)

    The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) is currently consulting on Essential Energy's Stream 2 ring-fencing waiver application. The waiver application was submitted to the AER on 20 April 2026 and relates to the proposed deployment of composite streetlight columns with integrated EV charging infrastructure.

    The AER's public consultation period opened on 3 June 2026 and will remain open until 14 July 2026. Stakeholders can view the application and consultation materials via the AER website here: Application | Australian Energy Regulator (AER)

  • Plug and Play Reference Groups Complete Initial Engagement Phase

    Share Plug and Play Reference Groups Complete Initial Engagement Phase on Facebook Share Plug and Play Reference Groups Complete Initial Engagement Phase on X (formerly Twitter) Share Plug and Play Reference Groups Complete Initial Engagement Phase on Linkedin Email Plug and Play Reference Groups Complete Initial Engagement Phase link

    The Plug and Play project has recently completed an initial phase of engagement with both local government representatives and Charge Point Operators (CPOs).

    Between March and June 2026, Essential Energy facilitated a series of reference group sessions designed to gather practical feedback on key elements of the program, including site selection, use of the Plug and Play mapping tool, delivery pathways, council assessment processes and broader deployment considerations. The sessions provided an opportunity to test concepts, identify potential challenges early and ensure the program reflects both local government and industry perspectives.

    As the project moves into direct council engagement and site assessment activities, both reference groups will transition to a quarterly update format, providing ongoing opportunities for stakeholders to help shape the future rollout of Plug and Play across regional New South Wales.

    The Plug and Play project has recently completed an initial phase of engagement with both local government representatives and Charge Point Operators (CPOs).

    Between March and June 2026, Essential Energy facilitated a series of reference group sessions designed to gather practical feedback on key elements of the program, including site selection, use of the Plug and Play mapping tool, delivery pathways, council assessment processes and broader deployment considerations. The sessions provided an opportunity to test concepts, identify potential challenges early and ensure the program reflects both local government and industry perspectives.

    As the project moves into direct council engagement and site assessment activities, both reference groups will transition to a quarterly update format, providing ongoing opportunities for stakeholders to help shape the future rollout of Plug and Play across regional New South Wales.

Page last updated: 02 Jul 2026, 03:56 PM