PUBLIC pole-mounted electric vehicle chargers will be installed across the peninsula as part of United Energy’s Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) Trial.
The United Energy trial is delivering chargers across its network to improve access to convenient charging and support the transition to electric vehicles.
The proposed sites are 157 Marine Dr, Safety Beach; 46 Hotham Rd, Sorrento; 29 Hurley Ct, Balnarring; 23 Marine Drive, Safety Beach; 87 Byrnes Rd, Shoreham; and 42 Lochiel Ave, Mt Martha.
Director of Planning and Liveability at the shire, Andrew Pomeroy, said they provided feedback to United Energy about location appropriateness, community demand, and safety considerations.
“We promoted the trial’s consultation with our community, encouraging people to input their preferred locations,” said Pomeroy.
“The shire supports additional charging stations in suitable locations throughout the peninsula, to service the increasing need.”
The community was invited to suggest locations via United Energy’s portal as well as the council’s Integrated Transport Strategy public exhibition process.
Sites were then assessed and selected by the shire’s Traffic and Transport team and United Energy’s Infrastructure team.
United Energy said the program provides an opportunity for the shire to expand local charging infrastructure on the peninsula, particularly in areas where there is an absence of EVCI.
They said the trial will also contribute to emissions reduction goals and support residents and visitors to adopt EVs.
United Energy will share data from the trial with the shire.
In 2025, the Australian Energy Regulator approved a plan for an innovative trial which allowed CitiPower, Powercor, and United Energy to begin rolling out the pole-mounted electric vehicle chargers.
The 22kW chargers are a first-of-kind model, with each one operated by multiple e-mobility service providers.
They aim to give EV drivers more choice and lower prices by allowing the multiple e-mobility service providers to compete for their business at each charger.
CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy’s Head of Customer Connections, Dan Bye, said the trial would fill a void in Victoria’s charging market.
“More people are investing in EVs, and it’s essential they have easy access to reliable and affordable charging,” said Bye.
“Our trial aims to give EV drivers the charging options they need in the locations where they want them.”
United Energy has sent out letters to nearby residents, and deployment is expected in early November.
First published in the Mornington News – 27 October 2026
