4th Jul, 2022
Burning methane gas is responsible for 17% of Victoria's climate pollution. But the good news is we already have the solutions!
Methane gas is a polluting fuel that damages our climate. It is responsible for 17% of all Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions, and Victoria burns far more than other states.
Our analysis shows that as we phase out coal power, gas could become responsible for a whopping 45% of the state’s emissions by 2035 and push our climate targets out of reach. So, if the gas industry gets its way, the ‘little blue flame’ could become Victoria’s big pollution problem.
See our full report on methane gas pollution in Victoria
The good news is that there are simple, cost effective solutions to stop burning gas in our homes right now! Most of our residential gas usage comes from costly gas water and space heaters. But modern all-electric appliances are more effective, safer for our health, produce less pollution and can slash our energy bills. Even better, upgrading from gas to electric appliances for home heating could save Victorians two-thirds on their energy bills and pay for itself in as little as one year.
Find out how you can start going all electric in your home
Learn how electric heating CAN SAVE two-thirds on YOUR annual energy bill
The big barrier for households and small businesses is the upfront cost of a new efficient electric appliance. Which is why we’re calling for urgent government action to support all households, especially renters and people on low incomes, reap the benefits of cleaner, affordable home heating and efficient electric water heaters.
Going electric also means we can eliminate the need for more destructive gas mining and import projects.
Working alongside the amazing Westernport Bay community, we stopped AGL’s plan to build a polluting gas import terminal in the middle of a Ramsar listed wetland. It was a huge win for the community and the local environment. But unless we get off gas and switch to clean energy, growing gas consumption will continue to underpin these destructive projects.
In 2022, the state government introduced a plan to support Victorians in transitioning to electric-powered homes. This plan included removing an outdated rule that required new homes to connect to the gas network and prohibiting new homes and government buildings from connecting to gas.
In 2023 the Allan government expanded rebates in the VEU program, kicked off a process to improve minimum standards for renters, and put forward a plan to phase out polluting gas space heaters and hot water units in Victorian homes.
It’s an opportunity to move us closer towards a gas-free future where all Victorians have access to cleaner energy, healthier homes and cheaper bills.
You can find out more in our analysis of the updated Gas Substitution Roadmap here >>
We know the fossil gas industry is lobbying hard. They intend to do whatever they can to protect their profits at the expense of our health and climate.
So getting our leaders behind the big vision for a renewable-powered Victoria is going to take people across the state speaking up.