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.
Victoria got hooked on gas through an accident of geology. Historically, the vast gas reserves in Bass Strait guaranteed a steady supply that made gas heating an attractive option for Victorian homes.
But times have changed. Bass Strait is running out. And even before Putin’s invasion of Ukraine propelled gas prices into the stratosphere, wind and solar were already far cheaper and cleaner than burning fossil fuels.
We need to get Victorian households off dirty methane gas as quickly as possible, and thanks to thousands of people showing their support, there is growing momentum.
The Victorian government’s release of their Gas Substitution Roadmap in July 2022 was a great first step. Since then, the Allan’s government has abolished an outdated rule that forced new homes to connect to the gas network, and announced that, as of 1 January 2024, new homes and government buildings will no longer be allowed to connect to the gas network. This is something our community had been calling for and is a big win that paves the way for more all-electric fossil free homes.
The progress comes in addition to existing programs to replace 250,000 old and inefficient residential heaters, along with expanded energy efficiency schemes.
It’s a good start, but to match the scale of the energy and climate crises Victorians face right now, the plan needs to go further, with clear timelines and targets for reducing methane gas consumption. You can find out more in our analysis of the 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.