Withdrawal of Clause 8.14.4(b) of the Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM)

As part of our commitment to modernising connection standards and supporting the growing uptake of electric vehicles, we are withdrawing the requirement specified in Clause 8.14.4(b) of the Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM)

From 1 October 2026, Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) installations will no longer be required to comply with the switching load limit requirements outlined in clause 8.14.2.2 of the QECM. This means that customers will be permitted to install a single-phase 32A EV charger without the need for basic (Type 2) or dynamic (Type 3) active management solutions.

Electrical Contractors must ensure that customers are informed of the following:

• Installation of EVSE contributes to the customer’s total load and maximum demand for their electrical installation should be recalculated and any protection changes implemented
• Where the total load exceeds the Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) service fuse rating, network augmentation may be required, and a new connection agreement will be required
• Call-out and upgrade charges may apply where fuse replacement or network works are necessary.

Where a customer has already submitted an Electrical Work Request (EWR) for the installation of EVSE Basic Active Management device customers may choose to have the Electrical Contractor cancel the existing EWR and rewire the device behind the primary main switch (with minimisation of number of main switches). Or the EWR will be processed under the requirements before 1 October 2026  and a network device will be installed on site.

Where a customer has an existing Type 2 or Type 3 active management device, this device will continue to operate and be supported.

Customers who have EVSE active device management implemented as per the existing QECM requirements can choose to have it retained or removed.

The withdrawal of clause 8.14.4(b) will be included in the next release of the QECM.

Electrical Partners Portal changes are also proposed for later in the year, in the meantime please select “No” for the second question, when asked under the EVSE heading if you require a Network Device.

For any additional information or enquiries, please contact: standardsfeedback@energyq.com.au