New homes in Victoria to be all-electric, without gas, from 2024

From the start of 2024, planning permits for new homes and residential subdivisions in the Australian state of Victoria will only be allowed to connect to all-electric networks.

The state government said on Friday that its decision to phase out gas in new homes will reduce both energy bills and household emissions.

The Clean Energy Council supports the measure, saying that electrification is the best way to decarbonise households.

“Electrification of heating and cooking in homes is more efficient, cheaper to run, and free of emissions for households using renewable electricity. In this context, the continued expansion of Victoria's gas distribution network makes no economic or environmental sense,” commented the association’s policy director of decarbonisation Anna Freeman.

The government estimates that going all-electric will cut household energy bills by around AUD 1,000 (USD 671/EUR 608) per year, or up to AUD 2,200 for homes that are also fitted with solar.

“Reducing our reliance on gas is critical to meeting our ambitious emission reduction target of net zero by 2045 and getting more Victorians on more efficient electric appliances which will save them money on their bills,” said Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio.

(AUD 1 = USD 0.671/EUR 0.608)

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