Portsmouth’s EV Charging Points Pulled After Safety Fears
Portsmouth City Council has switched off all 98 on-street electric vehicle charging points following safety concerns over their installation. The charge points draw power from lampposts, but recent advice from electricity supplier SSEN has raised red flags.
Charging Points Under Scrutiny
The on-street chargers have been running since 2019, using lamppost power — a common setup nationwide. However, the local council acted swiftly to disconnect the entire network after SSEN flagged potential risks.
Who’s Responsible?
The charging infrastructure is owned by the companies that installed it – Joju and Ubitricity in Portsmouth. They are responsible for coordinating with SSEN to ensure the system is safe and compliant.
When Will They Be Back?
It’s unclear how long the blackout will last. Portsmouth City Council has ordered Joju and Ubitricity to prove to SSEN that the chargers meet all safety standards before they can power up again.