Fears over gas ban
Alex White, Herald Sun, 25 November, 2024
No Gas? Were Cooked?
The Allan government has been warned that any move to ban gas appliances from shops and homes will threaten the viability of the network, as new data reveals the cost of going electric would be up to $36,000 per house.
Australian Restaurant & Cafe Association chief executive Wes Lambert said the industry “supports sustainability” but said tens of thousands of businesses would suffer if the state rushed to phase out gas.
“Any changes could be disastrous for Victoria’s hospitality sector,’’ he told the Herald Sun. “If they plan to ban gas by 2030, we believe it will be nearly impossible for businesses to convert to electric.
“It will require lengthy council approvals and, in addition, could lead to clashes between landlords and businesses about who bears the cost.”
Mr Lambert’s comments come as the cost of upgrading homes to electric is revealed.
Data based on quotes from plumbers shows a three-bed-room house would cost $18,439 upfront, while a five-bedroom home would cost $36,800.
Master Plumbers Victoria chief executive Peter Daly said forced conversion would be a huge impost.
“The Victorian government says that all households will save on energy bills by going all-electric but, in reality, no two homes are the same,” he said.
“These real-world case studies indicate that the true costs of switching can be far more than the government figures claim.
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“Some consumers will have to wait many more years – even decades – for any energy savings to pay back what they pay out in converting to all-electric.”
In September, Premier Jacinta Allan announced stove cooktops in restaurants and existing homes would be exempt from the electric push as part of its gas roadmap – but that all new homes must have induction cookers.
However, she faces allegations of misleading the public regarding the future of gas, following the discreet introduction of new legislation to parliament.
The Building Legislation Amendment and Other Matters Bill 2024 contains clauses permitting the regulator to prohibit gas connections for all new homes. Additionally, the regulator has the authority to prevent plumbers from installing or replacing gas connections in existing homes.
The government claims the law was passed so it could carry out consultation on the plan, but it means the regulator can now make the choice without parliament having a say.
Gas advocates argue that the government is subtly eliminating the use of gas by stealth, effectively choking the network. Many restaurants are hesitant to make the switch to gas due to the expense involved in installing induction appliances.
Mr Lambert said industry was “sceptical and confused” by the legislative move.
A government spokesman: “Gas is part of our energy transition, but supply is dwindling and prices are going up – doing nothing is not an option.”