Social housing residents face exclusion from the electric vehicle revolution due to a lack of charging infrastructure in communal areas.
Infrastructure Minister Dr. Michelle Haywood was questioned on this issue in Keys this week.
Dr Haywood told members that the DoI “does not currently have a policy relating to vehicle charges in respect of our public sector housing”.””, adding that installations are only considered for tenants with designated parking, leaving many without access.
Jason Moorhouse (Arbory, Castletown and Malew) warned this is creating a “two-tier system” where social housing tenants are locked out of emerging technologies.
While new developments include ducting for future charging points, Dr. Haywood said retrofitting existing estates poses safety challenge.
She said: “It is difficult to envisage a safe way of reaching cables through a communal area without posing health and safety issues.”
Manx Utilities Chairman John Wannenburgh noted 130 public charge points serve the island’s 15,112 EVs, but Chris Thomas (Douglas Central) questioned whether this meets Climate Change Act requirements for a “just transition”, asking: “Has the 16% in public housing been treated unjustly?”
Dr. Haywood acknowledged the need for progress but said the department is “looking at this as we develop new residential buildings”, adding “we need to ensure that what we do is fit for the future”.
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