Minister’s foreword

As New Zealand’s energy system transitions, my priority as Minister for Energy is ensuring it remains affordable, reliable, and resilient for all consumers. We also need to empower smarter use of electricity as this lowers New Zealanders’ power bills. That’s why I’m pleased to release this consultation document on proposals to support the uptake of smart electric vehicle (EV) charging.

EVs are becoming more common on our roads, and most charging happens at home. While this is convenient for drivers, it also adds to electricity demand—especially during peak times when the grid is already under pressure. If we don’t manage this demand effectively, we risk higher infrastructure costs that will ultimately be passed on to Kiwi households and businesses in their power bills.

Smart EV chargers offer a practical solution to this challenge. By enabling charging to occur when electricity is cheaper and more readily available, they can help reduce pressure on the grid, lower household power bills, and delay the need for costly network upgrades. They also give consumers more control over their energy use and help ensure our electricity system remains secure and affordable.

This document outlines a range of options to encourage the uptake of smart chargers, including voluntary and mandatory labelling, and a proposal to require that all new EV chargers supplied in New Zealand have smart functionality. It also considers how we can align with international best practice, while ensuring consumer choice and market flexibility.

While smart charging will support energy security and affordability, it is also an important step in achieving New Zealand’s broader climate goals by making better use of our renewable electricity and reducing the need for fossil-fuelled generation during peak periods.

I am seeking your views on these proposals. Your feedback will help develop our understanding of the opportunities and challenges of smart charging, and ensure that any future regulation is well-informed, proportionate, and effective. Whether you are an EV owner, a network operator, a technology provider, or simply interested in the future of energy, I encourage you to engage with this consultation.

Hon Simon Watts
Minister for Energy

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