Smart Plugs

" "

Smart plugs make electric vehicle (EV) charging possible in apartment buildings - giving residents a simple, affordable way to charge at home without expensive infrastructure upgrades.

Whilst they 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.
  • Suitable for charging e-bikes, e-scooters and power tools.
  • Power balancing for constrained electrical circuits.

Smart Plugs provide what is known as ‘Level 1’ charging, which is how approximately 40% of Australian’s EV drivers charge at home (Ausgrid, 2023). Smart Plugs are around 70% cheaper than installing ‘Level 2’ chargers in apartments. You can find more information about charging types here.

Smart Plugs Program

Apartment buildings in Waverley, Randwick and Woollahra LGAs can apply for a 50% rebate for installing smart plugs, up to $10,000 per building.

Here is how to apply for the program:

1. Application Form

Submit an application form. Council will then review your application and contact you within one week to confirm if your application has been successful. Note that there is no obligation to proceed once you have applied.

APPLY NOW

2. Free Site Assessment

Council will assess your building and provide advice on estimated costs and feasibility. Council can help with your strata’s discussions and questions via emails, online meetings or on-site meetings.

3. Quote Review

If the building wishes to go ahead, Council can request quotes on your behalf from Program Partners. Council will provide a summary of the quotes and strata guidance to help your apartment building decide on next steps.

4. Installation

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

5. Rebate

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 information 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.

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 provided (where applicable for installation).
  • Installation must be undertaken by licensed electrician and completed before 30 September 2026.
  • Funding is equally distributed across each Waverley, Woollahra and Randwick LGAs 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.

Additional Information

The Smart Plugs program is co-funded by the NSW Local Small Commitments Allocation (LSCA) grants.

For more information about the program, email rep@waverley.nsw.gov.au.

Quick links