The Fiery Debate Surrounding The Recent Gas Bans Across Australia

We will cover what we know so far...

Have you been considering the installation of gas to your property but all you have been hearing on the news or reading about is the hot topic of gas bans?

The topic of gas bans has been a hotly debated issue in Australia lately, leaving many homeowners unsure about whether they should invest in new gas appliances or gas installation. We are here to unpack some of the complexities surrounding gas bans and offer some clarity for homeowners who may be contemplating installing natural gas.

The Australian Government had proposed a net zero emissions deadline of 2050. In order to achieve this, some dramatic changes have to happen in the gas world. Read on to find out more!

Is the Installation of Gas Going To Be Banned?

The answer to this question is not a straightforward one, as the approach taken by different states and territories across Australia varies considerably. Some local government areas have already introduced bans on gas connections, while others have proposed a ban on gas installations for new buildings from as early as 2024.

Here is what we know -

VICTORIA

In July 2023, it was made public that the state of Victoria will ban gas installation in all newly built properties (including subdivisions & social housing) from January 2024 and will be exclusively connected to electricity. This is a decision by the Victorian government with the goal to phase out gas in the state in order to reduce emissions and lower energy bills. All public buildings such as hospitals, schools, and other government-owned buildings yet to be designed will be exclusively connected to electricity effective immediately.

Victoria had the largest percentage of households connected to natural gas at 80%, meaning they have the highest use of residential gas in the country. They have an ambitious plan to reach net zero emissions by 2045, five years ahead of the federal government. The government has made the claim that an all-electric house should make energy bills around $1000 cheaper per rear, and double that for solar.

NEW SOUTH WALES

New South Wales has ruled out following in Victoria's footsteps, stating "I don't need another complication' and that he has enough serious energy challenges. For now, new homes built in NSW will continue to have the option of connecting to the gas supply network. NSW is focused on looking at all aspects of how to move forward in reducing emissions before introducing a gas ban, as gas is not the only contributor.

Despite this decision, Sydney's Waverley Council has banned installing gas appliances in new builds.

ACT

The Australian Capital Territory already introduced the ban on gas installation from January 1st this year.

Roughly two-thirds of households in the ATC use gas got cooking, heating, or hot water supply, contributing to 20% of their emissions. With most of the remaining emissions coming from transport, the government has revealed plans to phase out petrol & diesel engines by 2030, offering incentives for those that purchase new and used electric vehicles.

The other states are yet to make a move.

What Do Plumbers Think About The Direction We Are Going In?

Premier Chris Mins' rejection of a blanket ban on gas for new homes in NSW has been welcomed by the Master Plumbers Association NSW (MPA NSW). This decision by the Premier shows opposition to the policies of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the recent Victorian government announcement and is a crucial step towards a balanced and sensible approach to energy use in NSW.

The MPA NSW strongly believes that decisions about energy sources should consider environmental impact, safety, cost-effectiveness, energy needs, and consumer choice. A blanket ban would have unfairly limited options for homeowners and compromised their ability to make informed decisions about their energy consumption.

Gas remains a reliable and affordable energy source, offering numerous benefits to households across NSW. Its versatility, reliability, energy efficiency, and lower greenhouse gas emissions (than other sources) make it an important part of our diverse energy mix. By allowing gas connections for new homes, the Premier has shown an understanding of the importance of choice and affordability for NSW residents.

Will Gas Appliances Be Phased Out?

While the government is encouraging everyone to switch off the gas and turn on the power, there is no rule or blanket ban for anyone in the country to purchase or replace existing gas appliances or connect a gas line or gas meter to an existing dwelling.

Generally, gas appliances are much cheaper than those that are electric, making affordability a deterrent for switching from gas to electric for low to middle income earners. There is currently no incentive in place to encourage homeowners to cut off their gas lines and switch to full power or solar energy. This is not to say that there won't be in the future.

As for gas appliances, we can't say what the future will be for them, however, they have around a 5-year lifespan (generally) so you shouldn't worry too much about it for now. Phasing out these appliances is a potential solution to achieving carbon neutrality in households. However, it's not a plan that is set in stone nor is it an action that is occurring anytime soon. If you already have gas appliances that are working seamlessly, there is no need to change them out.

Natural Gas VS LPG Gas

One of the main arguments against the use of gas stems from concerns about its environmental impact. However, it's essential to note that there is a difference between natural gas and LPG gas. Natural gas is piped directly to homes and businesses from underground gas lines, while LPG gas is typically supplied in gas bottles that are delivered to the property. LPG gas is a cleaner option that boasts a carbon footprint 33% smaller than coal and 15-20% less than oil. It’s vital to recognise that natural gas and LPG gas bottles offer different benefits and that LPG gas is the more environmentally-friendly option.

When it comes to gas installations, the safety of homeowners and their families is paramount, and gas has a proven track record to be safe. Natural gas and LPG gas systems must comply with a range of safety requirements, which are designed to minimise the risk of accidents, such as gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. Regular checks carried out by a licensed plumber will ensure that the system remains safe and in good working order. So, as long as the gas installation complies with such requirements, homeowners can feel confident in the safety of their gas system.

Gas systems in homes and businesses have been a prevalent source of energy for many years. It has provided a reliable and cost-effective source of energy that supports cooking, heating, and hot water systems over the years. While the debate surrounding gas bans in Australia continues, there is no indication that natural gas and LPG gas bottles will be banned entirely.

Homeowners who are considering gas line installation in an existing home or dwelling can rest assured that there are solutions available that provide environmentally friendly and safe options. The best course of action is to seek advice from a qualified & professional gas fitter, who can help to identify the best approach for each individual situation.

If you are considering converting to gas or would like to know about your options, give our highly skilled team of gas fitters a call and we will be able to walk you through what best suits your individual situation.