Local renewable energy groups welcomed the Victorian government’s plan to cut gas use.
The government had initially intended to replace gas heaters as well as hot water systems with electric appliances, however, the government amended its plan, giving some exemptions as concerns had been raised.
Premier Jacinta Allan said families will pay less on their energy bills, the industry will get the gas it needs, and Victorian jobs will be protected.
“It’s good for industry, workers, renters and families – we’re on their side,” she said.
“We are not just making sure Victoria has the gas it needs – we are reserving it for industry.”
Under new regulations from 1 March 2027, when a gas hot water system reaches the end of its life, it must be replaced with an efficient electric alternative like a heat pump.
Gas hot water systems can still be repaired if they break down. Gas systems can also be temporarily removed and reinstalled during renovations.
There are no changes to heating for owner-occupiers.
There are no changes to gas cooking in existing homes.
From 1 January 2027, all new homes and all new commercial buildings (other than industrial, manufacturing and agricultural buildings) will be built all-electric.
Rewiring Australia analysis has found that the average Australian home can save $4100 per year, over the 15-year lifetime of appliances, by going fully electric including solar panels and an electric car.
Rewiring Australia chief scientist Dr Saul Griffith said phasing out these expensive fossil fuel machines is the easy way to lower emissions and hit Australia’s carbon targets sooner.
“We call on governments across Australia to follow Victoria’s lead and deliver this climate and cost-of-living win-win to more households,” he said.
“Gas forces households to pay higher energy bills and leaves them at the mercy of volatile global energy markets.
“Electric heat pumps and space heating systems are more efficient, more reliable, don’t pollute your home and significantly reduce energy bills.”
Healesville Community Renewable Energy (Healesville CoRE) president Karen Roberts was pleased that Victoria is leading the way in phasing out gas appliances.
“It will eventually lead to lower energy bills and healthier, safer homes in our community,” she said.
“The state government is also providing significant rebates to help make the transition more affordable. Gas is no longer cheap, no longer plentiful and let’s not forget that it’s also a fossil fuel.”
Healesville CoRE supported Badger Creek Hall in replacing its heating and cooling system and improving the insulation system, thanks to a grant the organisation received from Sustainability Victoria.
“Last year, among other upgrades, Healesville CoRE removed the floor to wall gas heaters and replaced them with energy efficient electric heaters, and since then we have heard that their power bills have drastically reduced,” Ms Roberts said.
“Adam at the hall told us that the Spinners and Weavers group used to huddle around the gas heater to keep warm, but they are now ‘complaining’ that the hall is too warm.”
Healesville CoRE has run a Home Energy Efficiency Advisory program for several years, where two of the trained advisors visit people in their homes and provide advice on what they can do to make their homes more comfortable and cheaper to run.
“You can register for that on our website. Our website also has great fact sheets provided by Rewiring Australia – look for ‘Sustainable Choices’ then ‘Electrify Everything’ and you’ll see a snapshot for things such as average upfront cost, emissions saved, return on investment, rebates available etc,” Ms Roberts said.
Healesville CoRE is now planning to host another free community event, introducing the federal government’s new cheaper home battery program and how solar has become more affordable in recent years on 8 August at the Memo, Healesville.
Please visit the Healesville CoRE’s website for more information at healesvillecore.org.au/
Repower The Dandenongs, a local community group advocating renewables and electrification based in Monbulk, also welcomed the Victorian government’s move to phase out gas appliances in favour of cleaner and cheaper electric alternatives.
“These changes will not only lower energy bills for local families but also create healthier, safer homes for everyone in our community – which is what we know that people from our community want,” Repower The Dandenongs president Neil Evenden said.
“We urge governments around the country to follow Victoria’s lead.”
Mr Evenden said Repower The Dandenongs know that locals understand the benefits of electrification and welcome the savings, from the Repower Festival in March and Sustainable House Education Day held in May.
“In our community, renters are feeling locked out of the electrification benefits. Requiring landlords to electrify their investment properties when gas appliances need to be replaced is crucial in supporting renters. Including minimum insulation standards and draft-proofing makes sense, given the state of many rentals in the Dandenongs,” he said.
“We look forward to helping the local community find practical solutions and advice on how to go all-electric without worrying about frequent power outages.
“New technology means it is now affordable and practical to phase out toxic methane gas heating and hot water, even for Hills residents.”
To check the Repower The Dandenongs’ website for upcoming events, and free advice and tips to transition off gas, please visit: repowerthedandenongs.org.au/
