Short answer: for a standard single-phase home charger, you almost never need to wait on a formal network approval — your licensed electrician lodges a connection notification with your network provider and gets on with the job. It's only bigger or three-phase installs that can need sign-off first. Here's how it actually works in NSW.
Who your network provider is
In NSW the "DNSP" (Distribution Network Service Provider) that owns the poles and wires is one of three, depending on where you live: Ausgrid (Sydney, Central Coast, Hunter), Endeavour Energy (Greater Western Sydney, Blue Mountains, Illawarra) or Essential Energy (regional NSW). Your electrician deals with the right one for your address — you don't have to.
Notification vs approval — the real distinction
Networks treat an EV charger as a new load, and they care about how big it is. The dividing line is roughly this:
- A standard 7kW single-phase charger (32A) is usually a simple notification — the electrician registers the new load and proceeds. No waiting weeks.
- Larger loads, or a three-phase (22kW) charger, are more likely to need the network to approve the connection first, because they add more demand to the local supply.
- Some networks require the charger to support load control or demand response — the ability to ease off at peak times — as a condition of connecting it. A good smart charger handles this in software.
This is exactly the kind of thing that catches DIY and general-electrician installs out. Because we do EV chargers all day, we know each NSW network's current rules and handle the notification or approval as part of the job — you never chase a form.
What this means for your timeline
For most Sydney homes on single-phase power, the network step adds nothing to your wait — it's handled in the background. If you're going three-phase or a high-powered setup, it's worth starting early, which is another reason we like to work backwards from your car's delivery date rather than starting after it arrives.
Not sure which supply you have or whether your plan needs approval? See our three-phase upgrades or get a free assessment and we'll tell you straight.
Common questions
Do I need Ausgrid approval to install a home EV charger?
For a standard 7kW single-phase charger, usually not a formal approval — your licensed electrician lodges a connection notification with your network (Ausgrid, Endeavour or Essential Energy) and proceeds. Larger or three-phase installs are more likely to need approval first. We handle whichever applies.
Which network provider covers my address in NSW?
Sydney, the Central Coast and the Hunter are Ausgrid; Greater Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra are Endeavour Energy; regional NSW is Essential Energy. Your electrician deals with the right one for you.
Will network approval delay my EV charger install?
For most single-phase home installs, no — it's a background notification. Three-phase or high-powered installs can need approval first, so it's worth starting early, ideally before your car is delivered.
Want this sorted for your home?
We check every grant you qualify for — free — then install before your car arrives.