Victoria, a state in Australia, has announced a controversial new plan to ban gas connections in all new homes starting from January 1, 2024. Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny made the announcement, emphasizing that new residential properties would exclusively rely on electricity. As part of this transition, gas cooktops will be replaced by electric or induction ones.
The ban will not only apply to new homes but also to residential subdivisions requiring planning permits, including public and social housing projects under the government’s Homes Victoria scheme. Furthermore, all upcoming public buildings, such as schools, hospitals, police stations, and government facilities that have not yet reached the design stage, will also solely rely on electricity.
The government argues that this initiative will lead to significant cost savings for households, estimated to be around $1000 per year in energy bills. However, it is important to note that the ban will not extend to commercial properties.
To support the transition away from gas, the government has committed $1 million to the construction industry for the development of a specialized training program. Minister D’Ambrosio stated that reducing reliance on gas is crucial to achieving Victoria’s net-zero emissions target by 2045. Encouraging residents to adopt more efficient electric appliances is expected to contribute to significant energy bill savings.
“We know that with every bill that arrives, gas is only going to get more expensive. That’s why we’re stepping in to help even more Victorians get the best deal on their energy bills,” Minister D’Ambrosio remarked.
This decision follows the state government’s release of its first “gas substitution road map” in July, which eliminated the requirement for new builds to be connected to the gas network.
While the government believes that this ban will have a positive impact on the environment and households’ financial well-being, there have been some criticisms. Some argue that the government is trying to push through controversial policies before potential changes in leadership. Critics have also expressed concerns about potential limitations and challenges in relying solely on electricity for heating and cooking.
Nevertheless, Victoria’s government remains committed to its energy transition goals and believes that this action will contribute to a more sustainable and cost-effective future for its residents.
Source link
