Rewiring Australia has endorsed the Victorian Government's proposed rule to phase out expensive gas appliances, which will lower energy bills and emissions for households across the state.
"Thanks to this policy, more Victorians will have lower energy bills and healthier homes," said Chief Executive Officer Dan Cass.
"We back the Victorian Government's plans to help households make smarter energy choices by only replacing gas heating and hot water with cheaper, electric alternatives."
Victorian Government modelling has found that households that go all-electric can save $1,700 a year, or up to $2,700 a year with solar installed – a 60 per cent reduction in energy bills.
Research published by Rewiring Australia since 2021 has demonstrated that households that fully electrify, replacing gas-powered appliances with modern, efficient, electric alternatives, particularly for houses with rooftop solar and switch to EVs, could be saving up to $5000 by around 2030.
"The government's modelling is conservative and households who electrify their gas heaters and gas hot water systems may expect far greater savings as gas prices continue to rise. They may also be eligible for subsidies that are not included in the Government's economic modelling, from the Victorian Energy Upgrades scheme and Solar Victoria," said Mr Cass.
"We encourage all Victorians to electrify as many appliances as they can afford and get solar if they don't already have it. This will mean their energy bills are no longer held hostage by international gas companies."
Mr Cass said the electrification update rule would pay particular dividends in Victoria.
"Electrification offers more to Victoria than any other state because it has a higher proportion of households currently reliant on fossil gas for heating, hot water and cooking, which exposes them to price gouging by the international energy companies that own our gas industry," Mr Cass said.
"Minister Lily D'ambrosio has provided steady leadership for electrification which should inspire other states to embrace policies that help households to save money by getting off and independent of expensive fossil gas.
"Electrification is the swiftest, cheapest way to lower emissions and remove thousands of dollars a year from energy bills, and it can be done with existing, off-the-shelf technology. Decisions made around the kitchen table account for 42% of emissions in the domestic consumption economy."
