Installing EVCI on network assets

Third parties can apply to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI) on our electricity distribution network poles.

There is a six step process to follow:

  1. Equipment approval
  2. Pole access agreement and costs
  3. Individual license application
  4. No go zone assessment
  5. Installation
  6. Connection

Equipment approval

Before you can install EVCI on our electricity distribution network poles, we need to review your plans.

Please provide the following information via email to EVCIpoleaccess@powercor.com.au:

  • Documents showing the type of equipment and where it will be placed on the pole.
  • A single line diagram of your electrical components.
  • Details of the device’s electricity requirements, including kWh and amps.
  • A specification sheet from the device manufacturer.

A response will typically be provided within 30 business days.

Pole Access Agreement and Costs

Pole Access Agreement

Once your equipment has been approved, you can apply for a Master Pole Access Agreement.

Our standard Pole Access Agreement can be viewed via the links below:

CitiPower: Pole Access Agreement

Powercor: Pole Access Agreement

The Agreement outlines the parties’ terms and conditions such as responsibilities, liabilities and associated actions and costs.

 

There is no charge to establish a Pole Access Agreement

For more information on the arrangements underpinning a Pole Access Agreement, please refer to the current CitiPower and Powercor negotiating frameworks:

CitiPower: Negotiating framework

Powercor: Negotiating framework

 

Indicative Costs:

There is an application fee and an annual licence fee for each EVCI installation.

The licence fee is structured in two stages:

  • Years 1 and 2: a higher annual fee applies to recover additional initiation costs.
  • Years 3 to 5: a reduced annual fee applies.
  • Annual adjustment: fees are adjusted by CPI each year from establishment.

2026/2027 Financial Year:

Application fee: $533

Please note we will consider reduced Application fees where multiple poles are in reasonable proximity.

Annual licence fees:

  FY26/27  FY27/28  FY28/29  FY29/30  FY30/31 
  Year 1*  Year 2  Year 3**  Year 4  Year 5 
CitiPower  $1,504  $1,556  $1,037  $1,073  $1,111 
Powercor  $1,254  $1,298  $857  $887  $918 
CPI escalation assumption  3.50%  3.50%  3.50%  3.50% 

* Base year 1 & 2 and ** Base year 3-5  

 

Working example: 

If a Powercor customer applies in March and is approved for three licences, the upfront amount would include: 

Application fees: 3 × $533 = $1,599 

Licence fees: 3 × $1,254 pro-rated for April to June = $940.50 

From the next financial year, the annual licence fee would be billed each year and adjusted by CPI. 

Expected response time is 20 business days, subject to negotiation.  

Licence application

Now your equipment is approved and a Pole Access Agreement is in place, you can apply for each pole to obtain a licence and power supply offer. We will assess the suitability of each proposed installation against the Pole Mounted Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Guideline.

Please provide the following information via email to EVCIpoleaccess@powercor.com.au:

  • Pole number and site location
  • Power supply required in amps
  • Applicant and Customer company and contact details
  • Site diagrams
  • Design documents
  • Feasibility assessment (if applicable)
  • Structural assessment of pole (if applicable)

Licence application responses are typically provided within 20 business days.

No-Go Zone assessment

Customers are required to apply for a permit to work in the vicinity of our electrical assets. Our No-Go Zone team will review your application and issue a Permit to Work or set out the requirements to operate safely in the proposed asset location.

Applications for a No-Go Zone assessment can be made through our MySupply portal.

A No-Go Zone application response is typically provided within 20 business days.

Installation

Only suitably qualified tradespersons are permitted to install assets on poles. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that all onsite staff meet the current VESI Safety & Compliance Training Requirements for Communications Work on Victorian Electricity Supply Industry (VESI) Network Operator Assets.

You will need to:

  • Complete the installation in accordance with the approved licence for each pole.
  • Follow the conditions set out in the No-Go-Zone assessment or Permit to Work.
  • Install in accordance with the Victorian Electricity Supply Industry standards.

Connection

Your Registered Electrical Contractor can guide you on the requirements to energise your installation and can submit a New Connection request on your behalf via our eConnect portal.

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