Replacing gas hot water systems in households across Victoria will create over 2700 full-time equivalent jobs for tradespeople lasting a decade, according to new analysis released today by Environment Victoria.
Based on modelling covering gas hot water systems in houses, townhouses and apartments in every electorate in Victoria, the analysis shows that the jobs bonanza in converting from gas to electric hot water systems will spread across metropolitan and regional areas.
The analysis includes homes not connected to the gas networks and therefore offers more comprehensive data than the building electrification regulations announced by the Allan government this week. The data estimates jobs figures across all Victorian electorates – ranging from 16 new jobs in Murray Plains to 49 new jobs in the electorate of Nepean.
Efficient electric hot water systems are now often cheaper than outdated gas systems due to rebates of up to $1400 currently available via Victorian Energy Upgrades and Solar Victoria. This includes bonuses of $400 when energy users buy Australian made hot water systems, creating even more local jobs.
Kat Lucas-Healey, Senior Climate and Energy Advisor for Environment Victoria, said:
“Upgrading all Victorian households to efficient electric hot water systems will create more than eight times as many jobs as the climate-wrecking North West Shelf gas plant that was recently approved in Western Australia.”
“Efficient electric replacements save money because gas is so expensive and gas appliances are so inefficient. It creates jobs, makes energy bills more manageable and cuts climate pollution.”
“In Nepean alone, the electorate of Sam Groth MP, electrifying hot water has the potential to create 49 new trade jobs lasting 10 years.”