People who need to replace gas cooktops in their homes will not be forced to switch to electric in Victoria, but the future of other gas appliances remains unclear. or signup to continue reading Premier Jacinta Allan said there was a need to clarify a ban on gas connections to new homes and government buildings doesn't apply to existing gas cooktops. The ban took effect from January 2024 as part of the government's plan to reach net-zero emissions in the state by 2045.
Ms Allan said gas was a diminishing resource and households would be encouraged to replace existing stoves with electric, as public consultation on the issue started. "Victorians can continue to keep cooking with gas on their existing gas stove and if they need to replace it, they will be able to do so," the premier told reporters on Monday. She would not be drawn on whether households needing to replace gas hot water systems or heaters would eventually be forced to go electric.
"We're being very clear that this is about about (cook) tops and stoves," she said. Rewiring Australia, which claims to represent energy consumers and advocates for electrification, described it as a "temporary delay" to all Victorian households eventually going all electric. "It makes no economic sense for households to keep one gas appliance because they have to pay the daily connection charge as if the whole house is using gas," executive director Dan Cass said.
There's been mixed responses from industry, with Gas Appliance Manufactu.