The question on many Victorians’ minds lately has been: “Is the Victorian government phasing out gas?” This stems from a recent announcement made on July 28, 2023, by the Victorian Government regarding significant changes to the state’s gas policy. These changes, which come into effect from January 1, 2024, signal a notable shift in energy policies and have sparked widespread discussions about the future of gas in Victoria.
Understanding the New Gas Policy
The core of the new policy is the restriction on gas connections for certain types of new constructions:
New Homes and Sub-divisions: The policy stipulates that new Victorian homes, residential sub-divisions, and any rebuilds or remodels requiring a planning permit will be prohibited from connecting to gas from 2024.
Public Buildings: All new public buildings in Victoria, not already in the design stage, will be required to be all-electric. This includes schools, hospitals, police stations, and other government-owned buildings.
Impact on Existing Structures and Renovations
Renovations/Extensions: The policy will not affect renovations or extensions to existing dwellings.
Existing Homes: Homes that already have a gas connection will not be impacted by these changes.
Council-Dependent Constructions: New dwellings that don’t require a planning permit (usually dependent on council rules) are also exempt from this policy.
Commercial and Public Works
Government Buildings: All new government buildings will be all-electric, encompassing schools and hospitals.
Public Housing: From January 1, 2024, new public and social housing delivered by Homes Victoria will not have gas connections.
What Does This Mean for Victorians?
This shift by the Victorian Government is a clear move towards embracing more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources. While it does not completely eliminate gas usage in Victoria, it does mark a significant step towards reducing the state’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Adapting to Change
For Victorians, this means adapting to a future where electric solutions will be more prevalent, especially in new constructions and public buildings. The change, although rapid, aligns with global trends in energy consumption and a growing emphasis on sustainability.
While the Victorian Government is not entirely getting rid of gas, it is certainly taking bold steps to reduce its usage significantly. This move represents a commitment to sustainable development and a cleaner, greener future for Victoria. As the world shifts towards more renewable energy sources, such policies may become a common trend, underscoring the importance of environmental conservation and responsible energy consumption.
*Please note: This is our summary of the information provided by the Victorian government at the time of writing this post. Information in the post should not be used as a substitute for reading victorian government documents and guidelines.
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