Victoria's proposal to phase out some gas appliances in existing connected homes and businesses ignores the fundamentals of the energy transition and robs consumers of choice and competition.
Australia's oil and gas industry today welcomed news that homes and businesses would not have to replace popular gas stovetops with electrical appliances under the state's net zero road map.
However, the sector has called for the State Government to reverse a new edict forcing residents and businesses to switch gas heating and gas hot water appliances to electric at significant cost.
Australian Energy Producers Victorian Director Peter Kos said gas had been a critical, popular and reliable fuel for millions of Victorian homes and businesses for decades.
"Victorians love cooking with gas and the stovetop proposal would ensure they can continue to use efficient and reliable fuel in their kitchens for as long as they want," Mr Kos said.
"But the proposal to not extend this principle of choice to gas heating and gas hot water appliances is illogical.
"This is why the ban on gas appliances in new residences must also be reversed.
"There are 2.2 million gas connections in Victoria and over 5.2 million residential gas appliances and shifting them at great expense on to a fragile, coal-based power grid does not make sense."
Separately, Australian Energy Producers today welcomed new legislation enabling offshore gas storage to help avoid forecast supply shortfalls in coming years.
Mr Kos said the offshore storage legislation highlighted the critical importance of gas to the stability of the energy grid.
"Gas is the partner of renewables as the energy grid transforms," he said.
"Increasing Victoria's gas storage capacity will be important to the stability of the energy system."
