Victorian Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio announced today that from 1 January 2024 Victoria would:
- Require that all new planning permits refuse gas in favour of all electric buildings
- Ensure that any future State Government buildings are gas free
- Offer a package of grants for residential fuel switching, and
- Create a $10 million reskilling package to assist workers in the transition to a post gas energy economy for Victoria
The announcement, which covers new subdivisions, new social housing, and new hospitals, is a major step forward in the fight against toxic air pollution and climate change. Gas is a major contributor to both of these problems.
Victoria is the largest user of residential gas in the nation, with 80% connected to the network, exposing them to sharp price rises.
Federal Treasury has projected tariffs will rise by 56% for electricity and 44% for gas by 2024. This means households will pay up to $1939 more on annual energy bills, according to the new report.
Rob McLeod, Renew Policy and Advocacy Manager commented:
“Both electricity and gas tariffs are set to rise – but it’s homes that use gas that face the biggest bill increases”.
“Our findings show that households using gas for heating, cooking and hot water could face bill increases of up to $1900 over the next two years. Efficient all-electric homes with solar face more limited increases of $550 to $741”.
“All-electric homes with solar can already cut about 75% off energy bills, but rising tariffs mean the gap between all-electric and gas is going to grow even more”.
“By 2024 a household in Melbourne will save more than $2700 a year by switching from gas to all-electric”.
“Government action is needed urgently to prevent Europe-style bill spikes – and part of that action should be getting homes off gas”
