By Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association Executive Manager for Employment and Training Elisha Radwanowski.
As consumers and retailers pivot to a higher uptake of electric vehicles there are broader concerns than range and charge rates. The delivery of charge to customers becomes a matter for the NMI when the customer is to be paying for this access. The appropriate regulation of these EV Charging Stations is now open for consultation.
The National Measurement Institute (NMI) is the regulator responsible for enforcing compliance of traditional fuel pumps, and as the world pivots to include EV in the mix it is NMI that will be responsible for ensuring that customers get what they pay for when paying for EV charge.
ACAPMA has worked closely with NMI over many years and will continue to do so as the role of EV Charging Stations (EVCS) increases in relevance in the forecourt mix. In addition to this detailed engagement a broader consultation has been opened where the NMI is now seeing feedback from industry on policy options.
In opening the broader consultation NMI notes that “EVCS use electricity meters to determine the amount customers pay. Australia’s measurement laws currently require electricity meters to be pattern approved and verified to ensure accuracy. The electric vehicle industry has indicated that current requirements that apply to electricity meters may not be appropriate. Internationally, EVCS are generally considered different to standard electricity meters and many countries have put in place requirements specific to EVCS.”
The consultation is happening in the context of a detailed and comprehensive review of the Australian measurement legislation.
ACAPMA will continue to engage on these matters directly with the NMI on behalf of all members, however individual businesses can also submit comments directly until 15 October 2021 – read the consultation paper and provide feedback on our consultation hub.
Published with permission from ACAPMA.
Source: https://acapmag.com.au/2021/09/consultation-open-on-ev-charging-station-regulation/
