<
https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/new-bill-paves-way-to-get-gas-out-of-victorian-homes-just-days-after-cooktop-concession/>
"The Victorian Labor government has introduced legislation that will pave the
way for the phase out of fossil gas hot water and heating in the state’s homes
and businesses, just days after it was slammed for back-tracking on the policy.
State energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio said on Wednesday that the
Building
Legislation Amendment and Other Matters Bill 2024 would permit formal
consultation on options to electrify Victorian homes when existing gas
appliances reach end of life.
The minister said the government would release draft regulations for
consultation in December 2024, followed by an extended public consultation
period during which formal submissions can be made via Engage Victoria.
A Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), she said, would consider end-of-life
replacements for gas space heating and hot water systems while also examining
the broader benefits of electrification for new residential dwellings and
commercial buildings.
“Victoria is the largest user of residential gas in Australia, with two million
households and businesses connected to the reticulated gas network,” a
statement from the minister says.
“Converting an existing home from gas to all-electric will save the average
family $1,700 per year and if they add rooftop solar, they could save $2,700
per year.”
Victoria’s Gas Substitution Roadmap already bans gas from most new homes in the
state and is aiming to phase it out of existing homes by requiring households
to replace old gas appliances with efficient electric alternatives, with the
help of rebates and other support mechanisms.
But a statement on Monday from state premier Jacinta Allen revealed that the
policy would not ban the use of gas cooktops in homes – a decision she said had
been informed by consumer feedback."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
