Media Release: Home energy experts back in proposal to electrify Victorian households 13 December 2024
The Energy Efficiency Council, Australia’s peak body for energy efficiency and electrification, has said proposed new rules to phase out gas appliances in homes will generate big bill savings for Victorian households.
The Victorian government has today released a Regulatory Impact Statement on building electrification measures. The government’s preferred policy includes requiring gas appliances to be replaced with electric options at end of life, and for all new homes and many new commercial buildings to be all-electric.
“Victorians are facing serious cost of living challenges, and this is a smart move to slash energy bills for households right across the state,” said EEC CEO Luke Menzel.
“Homes with gas appliances already pay higher energy bills than those with efficient, electric alternatives like heat pump hot water or reverse cycle air conditioning. With gas prices and network connection fees set to rise, replacing old gas appliances with new ones just locks households into higher energy bills for years to come.
“No Victorian household will need to do anything until their old gas appliances break down, when they will be in the market for a new appliance anyway.
“Gas has served us well over the years, but with reserves declining, prices rising and the emergence of cheap, clean renewables it is time for the shift to the next generation of modern, 21st century appliances.”
Mr. Menzel noted that the Government is not just considering new regulations, they already have support programs in place to help reduce the cost of upgrading outdated appliances.
“Mature programs such as Victorian Energy Upgrades and the incentives provided by Solar Victoria bring down upfront costs of modern electric appliances, making the shift even easier for households and businesses.
"The numbers in this Regulatory Impact Statement actually undersell just how much better off Victorian families are likely to be. Given the available incentives and the very high likelihood of rising gas costs, this is a huge win for households.”
While this is a big step forward, Mr Menzel said there is more to do.
“Countless studies show electrification will deliver best bang for buck if it is done alongside complementary thermal upgrades like insulation and draught sealing so older homes are heat pump ready.
“And it is crucial we don’t leave any households behind, which is why we’ll be proposing complementary measures that support low-income and vulnerable households to make the switch.”
Media Contact:
media@eec.org.au
0433 237 293