On 24 June the Victorian government announced the next stage of their plan to phase out natural gas from Victorian homes and businesses. This is part of the government’s strategy to reach net zero by 2050 and has been the subject of considerable consultation via the gas substitution roadmap.
Here are the key changes to take effect in 2027.
- Phasing out gas hot water – From March 2027 only efficient electric hot water systems can be installed in Victorian homes. When an existing gas system reaches the end of its useful life, it will have to be replaced with an efficient electric one. That basically means a heat pump.
- New buildings to be all-electric – Already, new houses that require a planning permit must be all-electric. From January 2027 this will extend to all residential and commercial buildings (with a few logical exceptions such as large industrial facilities).
- Renters will get the right to live in efficient electric homes – From March 2027 landlords will have to begin providing decent insulation, draught-proofing, water saving showerheads, and efficient all-electric appliances for hot water, heating and air conditioning.