Energy consumer lobby calls for Australia-wide ban on gas connections in new homes

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All state territory governments should impose a ban on gas connections in new homes and develop a clear plan deliver electricity to existing properties small businesses, according an organization representing energy consumers. In a submission Senate inquiry examining Australia's residential electrification efforts, Energy Consumers Australia called on the government to consider mandatory information disclosures warn consumers of "potential economic consequences" of purchasing a new gas appliance. Dr Brendan French, the organisation's chief executive, said its latest consumer research found 22 per cent of consumers plan to decarbonise and fully electrify their homes; this rate was 16 percent in 2021. But he said there are still too many barriers to making the switch, especially for low-income households, renters and residents of multi-unit housing. Recent modeling commissioned Energy Consumers Australia from the CSIRO found that households could cut their annual energy bills by $2,250 2030 if they switched to electric appliances and an electric vehicle, even without solar panels and batteries. Solar panels and battery increased projected savings to $3,500. “While this is great news for many consumers, people who face barriers to going all-electric may be left behind and unable to access these savings,” French said. “Governments must ensure that those least able to make this transition are not locked into a fossil fuel gas grid that is increasingly costly for fewer and fewer people.” The organization's presentation noted that electrification of homes requires national planning involving all levels of government. He recommended that the Albanian government expand the household energy upgrade fund to support more homes and social housing. It also called more grants and subsidies for low-income households, agreeing with a recent report from the Grattan Institute calling on state and territory governments to set cut-off dates gas use in homes. He points to Victoria the Australian Capital Territory as jurisdictions with policies that give “certainty and direction to both industry consumers” as economies decarbonise. In June, ACT Labor-Greens minority government became the first Australian jurisdiction to introduce legislation banning use of fossil gas in new homes and businesses. The Victorian Labor government has announced it will phase out gas connections for new homes from 2024. But in New South Wales, the Minns Labor government has refused to ban new gas connections. The Albanian government has described energy efficiency in homes and other buildings as a low-hanging fruit for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and relieving pressure on energy bills. Budget measures included $1.3 billion to establish a household energy upgrade fund, $300 million to support social housing improvements $310 million for tax breaks for small and medium-sized businesses that spend money on electrification energy