From January 1, 2024, planning permits for new Victorian homes and residential subdivisions will only allow connections to all-electric networks, resulting in the banning of new gas connections. All new public buildings – including schools, hospitals and police stations – that have not reached design stage will also be all-electric, starting immediately.
No details has been provided by the Government as yet, nor has there been any consultation with affected industries and business.
Consumers and developers can still apply for a gas connection via the Development Application process. The Victorian Government claims that "going all-electric can be delivered at no extra cost to the buyer – and will slash around $1,000 per year off household energy bills – or up to $2,200 for households that also have solar installed."
Whilst the banning of gas is likely to include new installations of pool gas heaters where there is not an existing gas connection point, SPASA will be writing to the government highlighting the negative impact to industry and the commercial consequences of a 5 month transition time frame.
For more information, download The Premiers News Release Note: The ACT government has already gone down that path by announcing the banning of gas as part of its commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2045.