Building Electrification RIS a commonsense approach to energy and emissions challenge

Environment Victoria welcomes the proposals contained in the Building Electrification Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) released today, which includes plans for an orderly phase out of gas heaters and gas hot water services from Victorian homes.

If implemented, the regulations would ensure that as old gas heaters and water heaters reach end-of-life they are replaced with efficient electric appliances.

“The Allan government is taking an eminently sensible approach to securing the future energy needs of Victorian homes and businesses while cutting emissions,” said Environment Victoria CEO Jono La Nauze.

“Frankly, some of the recent commentary shows a lack of understanding of the Australian energy system and Victoria’s geology.

“Any interest group or political party who opposes this approach needs to explain their alternative plan for managing the impending depletion of Victoria’s once plentiful Bass Strait gas supplies.

“All options for replacement gas supplies are expensive. Whether shipped from other states, imported from overseas or drilled from under the 12 Apostles, the era of cheap gas is over.

“Sticking with the status quo would result in failure to achieve necessary emissions cuts and ever spiralling gas prices leaving business and consumers worse off.

“Already in less than a decade, the price of gas in Victoria has more than tripled. The laws of supply and demand dictate that gas prices will keep going up unless we reduce demand, and heating and hot water systems account for 95% of household gas use in Victoria.

“These up-to-date standards will break the cycle of reinstalling 1980s-era gas technology in homes. Once in place, the standards will ensure that tradespeople come ready to install high quality, energy efficient heaters and hot water systems.

“Selling people outdated, inefficient products that keep Victorians shackled to the gas network will result in higher energy bills and more pollution.

“Our recent How We Electrify report showed how households shifting from gas to electric appliances can save two thirds off annual heating and cooling bills, while significantly increasing comfort levels and reducing carbon emissions.”

“The Allan government has outlined a measured and practical package of reforms that responds to the facts – Bass Strait is running dry and gas will never be cheap again.”