Media release: Victorian Gas Substitution Roadmap puts best foot forward 14 December 2023
The Energy Efficiency Council today welcomed the Allan Government’s updated Victorian Gas Substitution Roadmap, which takes clear steps toward reducing Victoria’s reliance on fossil gas.
The update, released today by Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, is an important and concrete step on Victoria’s decarbonisation journey.
EEC Head of Policy Jeremy Sung said the updated roadmap will help build healthier and more comfortable homes, while helping drive down cost-of-living pressures on households.
“The roadmap’s focus on helping all households make the transition to efficient electric homes through expanded incentives and improved minimum standards is particularly welcome,” Mr Sung said.
“As we transition away from gas, it’s crucial that everyone can benefit from the health and cost savings that can come through upgrades like induction cooktops, efficient electric heating, and homes that are well-insulated and draught-proof,” he said.
Research by Sustainability Victoria in 2022 showed even modest upgrades to improve home energy efficiency can save thousands of dollars in health costs, above and beyond energy savings.
Mr Sung said the transition away from gas will be challenging, and congratulated the Victorian Government on committing to take progressive steps needed to manage the phase out fossil gas use in an orderly, equitable and inclusive way.
The update also includes expanding minimum energy efficiency standards in rental homes to include ceiling insulation, with options for implementation to be tested early next year.
“For many homes and businesses, there are big savings to be had by switching to efficient electric appliances, and improving thermal performance. Not everyone has the ability to make these changes, so committing to bring renters and vulnerable consumers on the journey is critically important.”
New analysis by Climateworks Centre released this month showed a combination of electrification and thermal upgrades could save householders up to $2,002 per annum, while making homes more comfortable and safe in a changing climate.
The EEC also welcomed the Roadmap’s acknowledgement of the more challenging nature of decarbonising industrial gas usage.
“For households and many businesses, the technology to replace gas is commercially available now, and it’s a great way for individuals to do their bit for the clean energy transition. However, for some industrial uses the task is harder, and we welcome a commitment to keep working with industry to bring decarbonised fossil gas alternatives to market.”
“Gas connections are still growing in Victoria, so today’s announcement is an important step. If we don’t get cracking on this today, we’ll end up wearing unnecessarily high energy bills for decades to come.”
The Victorian Gas Substitution Roadmap Update can be found here.
Media enquiries: Tim Fisher, EEC Head of Communications 0414 893 313 tim.fisher@eec.org.au