Customers to be paid by network to charge EVs in Australian first trial

Customers who are part of AusNet’s distribution network may be eligible to join a three-year trial to be paid to charge their EVs at certain times of the day.

The trial is being described as an Australian first and will run from July 2023 to June 2026 with up to 300 people taking part per year.

“The aim of this trial is to see if EV customers respond to network pricing signals and to get a better understanding of customers charging patterns,” says Liz Ryan, AusNet’s head of strategy, regulation and corporate affairs.

“From this, we hope to gain the knowledge to better manage potential network issues which may arise as the take-up of electric vehicles increases.”

The AusNet developed tariff will pay 1 cent per kWh for every kWh charged between 10 am and 3pm. There will also be a separate, SMS rebate system to alert people when is best to start or stop charging.

This will be a payment of $1 for every kW the customer decreases or increases their use. This will be a minimum of 3kW and capped at 6 kW. A spokesperson told TheDriven that they may call up to 10 such events per financial year.

“AusNet will provide customers participating in the trial with a rebate when they respond to SMS requests to change their charging behaviour,” said Ryan.

“The SMS would be activated to help AusNet manage high excess solar capacity in the network or when there is high electricity demand.”

Most electric vehicle charging happens at homes. Charging during the day – specifically between the hours of 10am and 3pm – is better for the grid because of the extra solar power produced,  and also when less power is being used in homes.

Grid systems need to be set up so they can pump enough energy through the system to satisfy our energy use at peak demand. But with many of our appliances and products electrifying – like stoves, heating and cars – networks are making sure that EVs at least are charged out of peak times.

If energy companies can convince people to undertake energy intensive activities during off-peak times, or times when there’s more solar energy available to be used, it will mean less battery storage is required, less grid infrastructure and hopefully lower premiums.

A report published by Ergon and Energex earlier this year found that most EV owners are happy to be flexible about charging their cars, using more solar and less grid power during peak times.

“We encourage AusNet’s distribution network customers with EVs to contact their retailer and ask about this trial,” said Ryan.

“Learnings from the trial will help inform the development and design of tariffs to complement the adoption of electric vehicles and other emerging technologies.”