12 Sep 2024
The Green Building Council of Australia welcomes the Victorian Government’s continued commitment to replacing gas appliances with electric alternatives in homes and commercial buildings, marking another key step towards a cleaner, healthier, and more efficient future for Victorians.
The Victorian Government today announced it will conduct a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) to consider phasing out gas heaters and hot water systems in existing homes when they need to be replaced.
The RIS will also explore expanding the requirement for all new residential dwellings and many commercial buildings to be all-electric, in line with the Government’s previous commitments in the Gas Substitution Roadmap update.
Davina Rooney, Chief Executive Officer of GBCA, praised the government’s ongoing commitment to electrification.
“We commend the Victorian Government for maintaining its strong leadership on electrification and sticking to its path towards healthier, more energy-efficient buildings,” Ms Rooney said.
“With buildings accounting for around a third of Australia’s energy consumption, the Victorian Government recognises that electrification is one of the fastest and most effective ways to cut emissions and reduce costs for households and businesses.”
According to the Victorian Government’s statistics, the benefits of this transition are clear. New all-electric homes will save households up to $1,000 annually compared to dual-fuel homes, and those with solar will save as much as $2,200 a year. Existing all-electric homes stand to save around $1,700 per year, and with solar, these savings could climb to $2,700.
“This move is a win for both the environment and Victorians’ wallets. With energy prices continuing to rise, transitioning away from gas will deliver significant savings for households and businesses alike,” Ms Rooney said.
The Gas Substitution Roadmap will now see the Victorian Government consulting with the public on potential regulations. The RIS will not only consider end-of-life replacements for gas space heating and hot water systems but will also examine the broader benefits of electrification for new residential dwellings and commercial buildings.
While gas cooktops are not part of the end-of-life replacement plan being considered in this RIS, GBCA remains committed to supporting future discussions on solutions that ensure Victorian households achieve the healthiest, most energy-efficient and affordable outcomes.
In addition to cost savings, the health benefits of moving away from gas are significant. Research shows that gas appliances can release pollutants linked to respiratory issues like asthma.
Ms Rooney said that while the process will take time, with ongoing consultation and assessment, the GBCA supports this measured and responsible approach.
“Today’s announcement signals the government’s ongoing commitment to a cleaner, healthier, and more affordable future for all Victorians. We look forward to continuing to work with the Victorian Government to ensure that these changes are implemented effectively and fairly, ensuring no one is left behind in the transition to a decarbonised world,” Ms Rooney concludes.