Smart plugs EV charging

Smart Plugs give apartment residents a simple, affordable way to charge their electric vehicle (EV) at home without expensive infrastructure upgrades.

car with EV charging

 

Whilst Smart Plugs may look like regular power points you find around your home or garage, they have innovative features designed for electric vehicle charging in apartments, such as:

  • Mobile apps for billing and payment of common area electricity use.
  • Internet connectivity for managing and scheduling charging sessions.
  • Power balancing for constrained electrical circuits.

Smart Plugs provide what is known as Level 1 charging (trickle charging), which is how approximate 40% of Australian’s EV drivers charge at home (Ausgrid, 2023). Level 1 charging is often a significantly cheaper option for apartment buildings to install than Level 2 charging. Find more information about different charging levels and types.

Apply for a rebate

Apartment buildings in Woollahra, Waverley and Randwick local government areas can apply for a 50% rebate for installing smart plugs, up to $10,000 per building. See the conditions and availability details below. 

Step 1 Check with your Owners Corporation

Before starting a rebate application, you’ll need written confirmation that your owner’s corporation would like to investigate and seek quotes for a Smart Plugs installation. If needed, Council can support your strata’s discussions and questions via emails, online meetings or on-site meetings. 

Note that there is no obligation to proceed once you have applied.

Step 2 Submit your application and wait for Council confirmation

Use the application form at this link to apply.

To complete the application you will need to gather information including:

  • Strata Plan Number
  • Details of your building's parking arrangements - number of private and visitor parking spaces, power point availability.
  • Number of EVs currently parking in your building.
  • Photos of your electricity meter board, carpark, and parking spaces.
  • Relevant building plans such as ‘Electrical As-Builts’ or ‘Plan of Subdivision’ if available.

Once you submit your application our Council team will review your application and contact you within one week to confirm if your application has been successful.

Step 3 Review the quotes

Council will request quotes on your behalf. Quotes will be provided by the Program Partners most suitable for your apartment type. Our partners for this project are:

Council will provide a summary of the quotes and strata guidance to help your apartment building decide on the next steps.

Step 4 Install your Smart Plugs and receive the rebate

If you decide to proceed with installation Smart Plugs are installed by a Program Partner.

Following the installation Council will provide a rebate of 50% up to $10,000 per apartment building. This rebate will be provided via bank transfer. More details about this process will be available soon.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for the Smart Plugs Program if:

  • The apartment block is located in Waverley, Woollahra or Randwick Local Government Areas.
  • There is at least 1 electric vehicle parked (or on order) in the apartment building.
  • There is written confirmation from the owners corporation to investigate and seek quotes for a Smart Plugs installation.

Demonstration Site

A demonstration site has been established at Hollywood Avenue Carpark, 38 Waverley Street, Bondi Junction (Level 2 near the stairs). Here you can see the Smart Plugs up close and test out the technology.

Terms & Conditions

  • The rebate of 50% up to $10,000 per apartment block applies to hardware and installation costs only. This may also include costs such as cable trays, internet connectivity and distribution boards. Other costs may be included in the eligible rebate amount at Council’s discretion.
  • Owners Corporation approval is required (where applicable for installation).
  • Installation must be undertaken by a licenced electrician and completed before 30 June 2026.
  • Funding is equally distributed across Waverley, Woollahra and Randwick local government areas and is provided on a first-come, first-served basis, basis.
  • Any ongoing smart plug costs will be paid for by the apartment block and/or the smart plug users.
  • Any contracts or agreements are between the apartment block and the Program Partner and do not include Council.

More Information

Email the project team if you have questions: rep@waverley.nsw.gov.au 

Back to top