The Victorian Greens have urged the Allan Labor government to accelerate the transition to all-electric homes to address environmental and economic concerns. According to Greens Deputy Leader Ellen Sandell, Victorians need support in moving away from gas, particularly with a halt on new fossil fuel drilling and the sale of new gas appliances. Given that Victorians use more gas in their homes than any other state, and household gas expenses have increased by 35 percent in recent years, the Greens believe strongly that action needs to be taken.
In response to the rising energy bills and high gas prices, the Labor government released its Gas Substitution Roadmap to help Victorians save on energy costs. This includes support for switching to electric induction cooktops and the possibility of saving up to $2,700 annually. However, opposition energy spokesman David Davis argued that forcibly transitioning people off gas would drive up their costs and limit their choice in energy supply.
Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio has emphasised that the government is committed to ensuring Victorians are not overburdened by high fossil gas prices and energy bills. She also explained how the government is helping renters save on their energy bills through new energy efficiency standards. The view of opposition to shutting fossil supply includes environmental groups such as Friends of the Earth that called government actions “nearly ambitious” and called for a plan to rapidly, orderly and equitably shut down the gas distribution system.
Environment Victoria and the Energy Efficiency Council both support the move to all-electric homes but also emphasize the importance of urgency and proper information campaigns to ensure consumers are aware of the available options. Environment Victoria’s Senior Climate and Energy Adviser pointed out the need for the state to cease approval of any new sources of supply for gas, emphasizing the importance of cutting all gas use to prevent climate change.
The Energy Efficiency Council highlighted the long-term financial benefits for Victorians in transitioning to all-electric homes. They cited that the visits of removing gas from households include financial gains of up to 35 percent. Additionally, it would be even further decreased by incorporating solar energy and efficiency upgrades. As research by Rewiring Australia has shown, the cost of a hot shower when using solar-powered heat is greatly reduced, as is the cost of heating a home with solar and battery-backed heat pump.