Victoria on the move away from gas towards electrification as support mounts for federal push to lower energy prices

Environment Victoria has today welcomed the Victorian government’s moves to repower Victorian homes with efficient electric appliances as a vital and common sense approach that (if implemented) will make a serious difference to household energy bills.

The Victorian government today introduced new laws that pave the way for phasing out gas hot water and heaters, ahead of ongoing consultation.

“As winter heating bills come in, it’s becoming clearer that gas is no longer affordable for many Victorians. People need support to repower their homes, governments need to make sure those who can least afford it, aren’t stuck on gas and paying increasingly high bills,” said Joy Toose, Climate Campaign manager for Environment Victoria.

“Replacing old gas appliances at the end of their lives with efficient electric ones means households reap the savings and health benefits of switching to efficient electric appliances.

“We know gas appliances are the most expensive way to heat water and homes. Phasing them out will make a real difference to the cost of living, our kids’ health, and is in line with Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.”

On the same day Victoria introduces its Head of Power legislation, a broad coalition of groups including unions, social services and environmental groups is in Canberra today calling on the federal government to support Australian households to slash their energy bills.

Environment Victoria is part of a new 50 plus strong alliance in Canberra today calling on the Federal Government to fund an Energy Bill Savings Plan that would include a massive scaling up of rebates for home electrification.

“Victoria’s nation leading Solar Homes program is already saving Victorians $279 million on their energy bills every year. By helping households go all-electric, the Albanese and Allan governments can empower Victorians to get even more value from the sun and save on their energy bills all year round.”