Cooking (and heating) without gas: what are the impacts of shifting to all-electric homes?

Gas connections for all new housing and sub-divisions will be banned in Victoria from January 1 next year. The long-term result of the state government’s significant change to planning approvals will be all-electric housing. The ACT made similar changes early this year, in line with a shift away from gas across Europe and other locations, although the NSW Premier Chris Minns has baulked at doing the same.

Around 80% of homes in Victoria are connected to gas. This high uptake was driven by gas being seen as more affordable and sustainable than electricity over past decades. The situation has changed dramatically as renewable electricity generation increases and costs fall.



Research has suggested for more than a decade that the benefits of all-electric homes stack up in many locations. New homes built under mandatory building energy performance standards (increasing from 6 to 7 stars in Victoria in May 2024) need smaller, cheaper heating and cooling systems. Installing reverse-cycle air conditioning for cooling provides a cost-effective heater as a bonus.

Savings from not requiring gas pipes, appliances and gas supply infrastructure help to offset the costs of highly efficient electric appliances. Mandating fully electric homes means economies of scale will further reduce costs.



How does this ban help?​

To achieve environmentally sustainable development, reforms of planning policy and regulation are essential to convert innovation and best practice to mainstream practice. Planning policy is particularly important for apartment buildings and other housing that may be rented or have an owners’ corporation. Retrofits to improve energy efficiency can be difficult in these situations.

Banning gas in new and renovated housing will cut greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also healthier for households and reduces healthcare costs as well as energy bills and infrastructure costs. The Victorian government suggests the change will save all-electric households about $1,000 a year. Houses with solar will be even better off.



The government appears to be offering wide support to ensure these changes happen, but this will need to be monitored closely.

Some households will face extra costs for electric appliances and solar panels. The government’s announcement of $10 million for Residential Electrification Grants should help with some of these costs while the industry adjusts.

There will be impacts and benefits for the local economy. Some jobs may be lost, particularly in the gas appliance and plumbing industry. The government has announced financial support to retrain people and they will still have essential roles in the existing housing sector.

Many gas appliances are imported, including ovens, cooktops and instantaneous gas water heaters. Some components of efficient electric products, such as hot water storage tanks, are made locally. Local activities, including distribution, sales, design, installation and maintenance, comprise much of the overall cost.


file-20230731-3718-wtpcdl.jpg

Households will ultimately benefit from avoiding the costs of having both electricity and gas services. Shutterstock



Challenges of change must be managed​

Sustainability benefits will depend on what happens with the energy network. We need more renewable energy, energy storage and smarter management of electricity demand.

The shift to all-electric homes may mean winter peak demand for heating increases. Energy market operators and governments will have to monitor demand changes carefully to avoid the reliability issues we already see in summer. However, improving energy efficiency, energy storage and demand management will help reduce this load (and household costs).

While the benefits are clear for new homes, the changes may increase gas costs and energy poverty for residents of existing housing who don’t shift to efficient electric solutions. The government has reconfirmed financial rebates to help households switch from gas.



In addition, existing housing may face building quality and performance issues. Some may require electrical wiring upgrades as part of the transition.

Social acceptance of some electric appliances may also be an issue. For example, our research has found some households dislike the way heating from reverse cycle air conditioners feels. Others do not like cooking on induction cooktops.

Consumer education and modifications to appliances and buildings may be needed to increase acceptance and avoid backlash.


file-20230731-105442-1c4ax5.jpg

Some people prefer gas cooktops despite their impacts on health and emissions. Shutterstock



Some electric appliances are available overseas but not in Australia. Higher demand may increase the range of imports. For example, floor-mounted heat pumps can make heating feel similar to gas heating while still providing effective cooling.

We should not assume electric appliances are all equal. To improve consumer protection, action is needed on weak standards and limited and inconsistent public information. For example, information on noise levels and efficiency under a range of weather conditions must be standardised.

Moving housing away from gas is an important step in the transition to a zero-carbon economy and energy system. Careful management is needed to ensure this transition is effective, accepted and fair.

Continued planning reforms are also essential to ensure environmentally sustainable development of housing and communities. Other urgent priorities include urban cooling and greening, and circular economy approaches to reduce the material and waste impacts of housing and thus the carbon that goes into building and running homes.

This article was first published on The Conversation, and was written by Trivess Moore, Senior Lecturer, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, Alan Pears, Senior Industry Fellow, RMIT University, Joe Hurley, Associate Professor, Sustainability and Urban Planning, RMIT University

 
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Gas connections for all new housing and sub-divisions will be banned in Victoria from January 1 next year. The long-term result of the state government’s significant change to planning approvals will be all-electric housing. The ACT made similar changes early this year, in line with a shift away from gas across Europe and other locations, although the NSW Premier Chris Minns has baulked at doing the same.

Around 80% of homes in Victoria are connected to gas. This high uptake was driven by gas being seen as more affordable and sustainable than electricity over past decades. The situation has changed dramatically as renewable electricity generation increases and costs fall.



Research has suggested for more than a decade that the benefits of all-electric homes stack up in many locations. New homes built under mandatory building energy performance standards (increasing from 6 to 7 stars in Victoria in May 2024) need smaller, cheaper heating and cooling systems. Installing reverse-cycle air conditioning for cooling provides a cost-effective heater as a bonus.

Savings from not requiring gas pipes, appliances and gas supply infrastructure help to offset the costs of highly efficient electric appliances. Mandating fully electric homes means economies of scale will further reduce costs.



How does this ban help?​

To achieve environmentally sustainable development, reforms of planning policy and regulation are essential to convert innovation and best practice to mainstream practice. Planning policy is particularly important for apartment buildings and other housing that may be rented or have an owners’ corporation. Retrofits to improve energy efficiency can be difficult in these situations.

Banning gas in new and renovated housing will cut greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also healthier for households and reduces healthcare costs as well as energy bills and infrastructure costs. The Victorian government suggests the change will save all-electric households about $1,000 a year. Houses with solar will be even better off.



The government appears to be offering wide support to ensure these changes happen, but this will need to be monitored closely.

Some households will face extra costs for electric appliances and solar panels. The government’s announcement of $10 million for Residential Electrification Grants should help with some of these costs while the industry adjusts.

There will be impacts and benefits for the local economy. Some jobs may be lost, particularly in the gas appliance and plumbing industry. The government has announced financial support to retrain people and they will still have essential roles in the existing housing sector.

Many gas appliances are imported, including ovens, cooktops and instantaneous gas water heaters. Some components of efficient electric products, such as hot water storage tanks, are made locally. Local activities, including distribution, sales, design, installation and maintenance, comprise much of the overall cost.


file-20230731-3718-wtpcdl.jpg

Households will ultimately benefit from avoiding the costs of having both electricity and gas services. Shutterstock



Challenges of change must be managed​

Sustainability benefits will depend on what happens with the energy network. We need more renewable energy, energy storage and smarter management of electricity demand.

The shift to all-electric homes may mean winter peak demand for heating increases. Energy market operators and governments will have to monitor demand changes carefully to avoid the reliability issues we already see in summer. However, improving energy efficiency, energy storage and demand management will help reduce this load (and household costs).

While the benefits are clear for new homes, the changes may increase gas costs and energy poverty for residents of existing housing who don’t shift to efficient electric solutions. The government has reconfirmed financial rebates to help households switch from gas.



In addition, existing housing may face building quality and performance issues. Some may require electrical wiring upgrades as part of the transition.

Social acceptance of some electric appliances may also be an issue. For example, our research has found some households dislike the way heating from reverse cycle air conditioners feels. Others do not like cooking on induction cooktops.

Consumer education and modifications to appliances and buildings may be needed to increase acceptance and avoid backlash.


file-20230731-105442-1c4ax5.jpg

Some people prefer gas cooktops despite their impacts on health and emissions. Shutterstock



Some electric appliances are available overseas but not in Australia. Higher demand may increase the range of imports. For example, floor-mounted heat pumps can make heating feel similar to gas heating while still providing effective cooling.

We should not assume electric appliances are all equal. To improve consumer protection, action is needed on weak standards and limited and inconsistent public information. For example, information on noise levels and efficiency under a range of weather conditions must be standardised.

Moving housing away from gas is an important step in the transition to a zero-carbon economy and energy system. Careful management is needed to ensure this transition is effective, accepted and fair.

Continued planning reforms are also essential to ensure environmentally sustainable development of housing and communities. Other urgent priorities include urban cooling and greening, and circular economy approaches to reduce the material and waste impacts of housing and thus the carbon that goes into building and running homes.

This article was first published on The Conversation, and was written by Trivess Moore, Senior Lecturer, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, Alan Pears, Senior Industry Fellow, RMIT University, Joe Hurley, Associate Professor, Sustainability and Urban Planning, RMIT University


That is all okay for the one's who reside down south of the border. What is going to happen up north in God's country when a Cyclone 🌀 hits and they have done so many times.
The last time there was not power for at least 4 days at least you can still get a feed.
After that time you can live off cans, and and rest give to your animals.
🐈🐈🐕🐕🐕
 
Gas connections for all new housing and sub-divisions will be banned in Victoria from January 1 next year. The long-term result of the state government’s significant change to planning approvals will be all-electric housing. The ACT made similar changes early this year, in line with a shift away from gas across Europe and other locations, although the NSW Premier Chris Minns has baulked at doing the same.

Around 80% of homes in Victoria are connected to gas. This high uptake was driven by gas being seen as more affordable and sustainable than electricity over past decades. The situation has changed dramatically as renewable electricity generation increases and costs fall.



Research has suggested for more than a decade that the benefits of all-electric homes stack up in many locations. New homes built under mandatory building energy performance standards (increasing from 6 to 7 stars in Victoria in May 2024) need smaller, cheaper heating and cooling systems. Installing reverse-cycle air conditioning for cooling provides a cost-effective heater as a bonus.

Savings from not requiring gas pipes, appliances and gas supply infrastructure help to offset the costs of highly efficient electric appliances. Mandating fully electric homes means economies of scale will further reduce costs.



How does this ban help?​

To achieve environmentally sustainable development, reforms of planning policy and regulation are essential to convert innovation and best practice to mainstream practice. Planning policy is particularly important for apartment buildings and other housing that may be rented or have an owners’ corporation. Retrofits to improve energy efficiency can be difficult in these situations.

Banning gas in new and renovated housing will cut greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also healthier for households and reduces healthcare costs as well as energy bills and infrastructure costs. The Victorian government suggests the change will save all-electric households about $1,000 a year. Houses with solar will be even better off.



The government appears to be offering wide support to ensure these changes happen, but this will need to be monitored closely.

Some households will face extra costs for electric appliances and solar panels. The government’s announcement of $10 million for Residential Electrification Grants should help with some of these costs while the industry adjusts.

There will be impacts and benefits for the local economy. Some jobs may be lost, particularly in the gas appliance and plumbing industry. The government has announced financial support to retrain people and they will still have essential roles in the existing housing sector.

Many gas appliances are imported, including ovens, cooktops and instantaneous gas water heaters. Some components of efficient electric products, such as hot water storage tanks, are made locally. Local activities, including distribution, sales, design, installation and maintenance, comprise much of the overall cost.


file-20230731-3718-wtpcdl.jpg

Households will ultimately benefit from avoiding the costs of having both electricity and gas services. Shutterstock



Challenges of change must be managed​

Sustainability benefits will depend on what happens with the energy network. We need more renewable energy, energy storage and smarter management of electricity demand.

The shift to all-electric homes may mean winter peak demand for heating increases. Energy market operators and governments will have to monitor demand changes carefully to avoid the reliability issues we already see in summer. However, improving energy efficiency, energy storage and demand management will help reduce this load (and household costs).

While the benefits are clear for new homes, the changes may increase gas costs and energy poverty for residents of existing housing who don’t shift to efficient electric solutions. The government has reconfirmed financial rebates to help households switch from gas.



In addition, existing housing may face building quality and performance issues. Some may require electrical wiring upgrades as part of the transition.

Social acceptance of some electric appliances may also be an issue. For example, our research has found some households dislike the way heating from reverse cycle air conditioners feels. Others do not like cooking on induction cooktops.

Consumer education and modifications to appliances and buildings may be needed to increase acceptance and avoid backlash.


file-20230731-105442-1c4ax5.jpg

Some people prefer gas cooktops despite their impacts on health and emissions. Shutterstock



Some electric appliances are available overseas but not in Australia. Higher demand may increase the range of imports. For example, floor-mounted heat pumps can make heating feel similar to gas heating while still providing effective cooling.

We should not assume electric appliances are all equal. To improve consumer protection, action is needed on weak standards and limited and inconsistent public information. For example, information on noise levels and efficiency under a range of weather conditions must be standardised.

Moving housing away from gas is an important step in the transition to a zero-carbon economy and energy system. Careful management is needed to ensure this transition is effective, accepted and fair.

Continued planning reforms are also essential to ensure environmentally sustainable development of housing and communities. Other urgent priorities include urban cooling and greening, and circular economy approaches to reduce the material and waste impacts of housing and thus the carbon that goes into building and running homes.

This article was first published on The Conversation, and was written by Trivess Moore, Senior Lecturer, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, Alan Pears, Senior Industry Fellow, RMIT University, Joe Hurley, Associate Professor, Sustainability and Urban Planning, RMIT University


Dictating what you must use sound's like communism Dan's dash to China 🇨🇳 may have given him insight into dictatorship and all this green energy after coal fired power stations what a joke solar, batteries (how big)and wind power 🔋 that has he been smoking aah a greeney these people are living in laa laa land calculate how many home's in Victoria by how much energy per hours used then how big are these batteries 🔋 farms going to be and wait what happens when the wind don't blow 😳 this lot are lobotomised fool's gas comes from rotting vegetation coal from tree's mother nature produced this for humans to use
 
Dictating what you must use sound's like communism Dan's dash to China 🇨🇳 may have given him insight into dictatorship and all this green energy after coal fired power stations what a joke solar, batteries (how big)and wind power 🔋 that has he been smoking aah a greeney these people are living in laa laa land calculate how many home's in Victoria by how much energy per hours used then how big are these batteries 🔋 farms going to be and wait what happens when the wind don't blow 😳 this lot are lobotomised fool's gas comes from rotting vegetation coal from tree's mother nature produced this for humans to use
Yes, and what's going to happen when the wind don't blow, the sun don't shine and all them lovely coal fired power stations close down, just hope these new home buyers south of the border have a good supply of candles and plenty of wood for the BBQ.
 
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I have gas for hot water and cooking and wouldn't be without it. When the power goes out I can at least still cook a meal, have a coffee etc, not to mention a nice hot shower before bed. Hope all electric housing doesn't happen in Qld anytime in the next 30yrs.
 
That is all okay for the one's who reside down south of the border. What is going to happen up north in God's country when a Cyclone 🌀 hits and they have done so many times.
The last time there was not power for at least 4 days at least you can still get a feed.
After that time you can live off cans, and and rest give to your animals.
🐈🐈🐕🐕🐕
Yes with Marcia in 2015 our power was out for 10 days - generator to power lights, fridge and pumps and gas for hot water and cooking. They are dreaming.
 
When my current home was built in 2009, I told the builder that I wanted ducted reverse cycle airconditioning. He refused my request on the basis that here in Canberra "everybody has ducted gas heating". I wish I had persevered and insisted on an all electric home.

I got my gas bill a few days ago, $1,000 for heating alone!!! My electricity bill has been ZERO dollars for the past couple of years thanks to my solar panels and the fact that my son finally moved out before the pandemic. If I had an all electric home I would have had additional solar panels installed and also a battery.

Whenever there is a power outage, I have no heating, because the gas heating requires electricty to keep going! The same applies to instant gas hot water, no electricity, no hot water! At least with solar panels and battery, the battery will provide electricity during outages.

When I had my former home in Perth built back in 1988, I refused to have gas at the property but I had a solar hot water system installed instead. I still have that house and it is rented out. When I lived in it I couldn't afford to have ducted reverse cycle airconditioning installed but have had it installed after I moved interstate. A few years ago I had about 5 kW solar panels installed for the benefit of my tenants.
 
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Gas connections for all new housing and sub-divisions will be banned in Victoria from January 1 next year. The long-term result of the state government’s significant change to planning approvals will be all-electric housing. The ACT made similar changes early this year, in line with a shift away from gas across Europe and other locations, although the NSW Premier Chris Minns has baulked at doing the same.

Around 80% of homes in Victoria are connected to gas. This high uptake was driven by gas being seen as more affordable and sustainable than electricity over past decades. The situation has changed dramatically as renewable electricity generation increases and costs fall.



Research has suggested for more than a decade that the benefits of all-electric homes stack up in many locations. New homes built under mandatory building energy performance standards (increasing from 6 to 7 stars in Victoria in May 2024) need smaller, cheaper heating and cooling systems. Installing reverse-cycle air conditioning for cooling provides a cost-effective heater as a bonus.

Savings from not requiring gas pipes, appliances and gas supply infrastructure help to offset the costs of highly efficient electric appliances. Mandating fully electric homes means economies of scale will further reduce costs.



How does this ban help?​

To achieve environmentally sustainable development, reforms of planning policy and regulation are essential to convert innovation and best practice to mainstream practice. Planning policy is particularly important for apartment buildings and other housing that may be rented or have an owners’ corporation. Retrofits to improve energy efficiency can be difficult in these situations.

Banning gas in new and renovated housing will cut greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also healthier for households and reduces healthcare costs as well as energy bills and infrastructure costs. The Victorian government suggests the change will save all-electric households about $1,000 a year. Houses with solar will be even better off.



The government appears to be offering wide support to ensure these changes happen, but this will need to be monitored closely.

Some households will face extra costs for electric appliances and solar panels. The government’s announcement of $10 million for Residential Electrification Grants should help with some of these costs while the industry adjusts.

There will be impacts and benefits for the local economy. Some jobs may be lost, particularly in the gas appliance and plumbing industry. The government has announced financial support to retrain people and they will still have essential roles in the existing housing sector.

Many gas appliances are imported, including ovens, cooktops and instantaneous gas water heaters. Some components of efficient electric products, such as hot water storage tanks, are made locally. Local activities, including distribution, sales, design, installation and maintenance, comprise much of the overall cost.


file-20230731-3718-wtpcdl.jpg

Households will ultimately benefit from avoiding the costs of having both electricity and gas services. Shutterstock



Challenges of change must be managed​

Sustainability benefits will depend on what happens with the energy network. We need more renewable energy, energy storage and smarter management of electricity demand.

The shift to all-electric homes may mean winter peak demand for heating increases. Energy market operators and governments will have to monitor demand changes carefully to avoid the reliability issues we already see in summer. However, improving energy efficiency, energy storage and demand management will help reduce this load (and household costs).

While the benefits are clear for new homes, the changes may increase gas costs and energy poverty for residents of existing housing who don’t shift to efficient electric solutions. The government has reconfirmed financial rebates to help households switch from gas.



In addition, existing housing may face building quality and performance issues. Some may require electrical wiring upgrades as part of the transition.

Social acceptance of some electric appliances may also be an issue. For example, our research has found some households dislike the way heating from reverse cycle air conditioners feels. Others do not like cooking on induction cooktops.

Consumer education and modifications to appliances and buildings may be needed to increase acceptance and avoid backlash.


file-20230731-105442-1c4ax5.jpg

Some people prefer gas cooktops despite their impacts on health and emissions. Shutterstock



Some electric appliances are available overseas but not in Australia. Higher demand may increase the range of imports. For example, floor-mounted heat pumps can make heating feel similar to gas heating while still providing effective cooling.

We should not assume electric appliances are all equal. To improve consumer protection, action is needed on weak standards and limited and inconsistent public information. For example, information on noise levels and efficiency under a range of weather conditions must be standardised.

Moving housing away from gas is an important step in the transition to a zero-carbon economy and energy system. Careful management is needed to ensure this transition is effective, accepted and fair.

Continued planning reforms are also essential to ensure environmentally sustainable development of housing and communities. Other urgent priorities include urban cooling and greening, and circular economy approaches to reduce the material and waste impacts of housing and thus the carbon that goes into building and running homes.

This article was first published on The Conversation, and was written by Trivess Moore, Senior Lecturer, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, Alan Pears, Senior Industry Fellow, RMIT University, Joe Hurley, Associate Professor, Sustainability and Urban Planning, RMIT University


Just wondering, where in Australia has electricity costs decreased through the change to renewable, in Sydney our electricity costs from Energy Australia have, just in 2023, increased by around 30 %
 
Does anyone in Vic the Gold Medallion homes in Vic all those years ago. Your house was all electric and they put a brass plaque near your front door for the privilege. Well guess what, Vic has suffered with power supply shortages for so many years and nothing changes. Does some loonie in power actually think we will never have this again, go back to the staff bar and have a few more drinks. I am in total agreeance with member Shane, Dans quick trip to China WITHOUT any media coverage was nothing but a sell out of all Victorians to his new found friends. This state/country has not been a democracy for many years, its a dictatorship and NOT ONE Victorian has the possibility of being heard. The whole place is a disgrace and I feel mostly for those older than 70 years. These people and their forefathers made this country great through sheer hard work and common sense, then came the idiot with a piece of paper and they have continued to sit on their hands and do nothing ever since. Think tanks/training sessions/Get togethers/ role playing - give me a break. Can some one please provide me with written proof the chapter in ANY educational document that teaches common sense - nah, there isnt one.
 
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When my current home was built in 2009, I told the builder that I wanted ducted reverse cycle airconditioning. He refused my request on the basis that here in Canberra "everybody has ducted gas heating". I wish I had persevered and insisted on an all electric home.

I got my gas bill a few days ago, $1,000 for heating alone!!! My electricity bill has been ZERO dollars for the past couple of years thanks to my solar panels and the fact that my son finally moved out before the pandemic. If I had an all electric home I would have had additional solar panels installed and also a battery.

Whenever there is a power outage, I have no heating, because the gas heating requires electricty to keep going! The same applies to instant gas hot water, no electricity, no hot water! At least with solar panels and battery, the battery will provide electricity during outages.

When I had my former home in Perth built back in 1988, I refused to have gas at the property but I had a solar hot water system installed instead. I still have that house and it is rented out. When I lived in it I couldn't afford to have ducted reverse cycle airconditioning installed but have had it installed after I moved interstate. A few years ago I had about 5 kW solar panels installed for the benefit of my tenants.
Yes Trudi I hear you - that is why we put in a Bosch gas water system as it doesn't require power to operate. It operates on water flow so you always have it - as for not requiring a reverse cycle system in your home in Canberra because people only have heating - where did he come from because as you well know it gets damn hot in Canberra in summer.
 
Gas connections for all new housing and sub-divisions will be banned in Victoria from January 1 next year. The long-term result of the state government’s significant change to planning approvals will be all-electric housing. The ACT made similar changes early this year, in line with a shift away from gas across Europe and other locations, although the NSW Premier Chris Minns has baulked at doing the same.

Around 80% of homes in Victoria are connected to gas. This high uptake was driven by gas being seen as more affordable and sustainable than electricity over past decades. The situation has changed dramatically as renewable electricity generation increases and costs fall.



Research has suggested for more than a decade that the benefits of all-electric homes stack up in many locations. New homes built under mandatory building energy performance standards (increasing from 6 to 7 stars in Victoria in May 2024) need smaller, cheaper heating and cooling systems. Installing reverse-cycle air conditioning for cooling provides a cost-effective heater as a bonus.

Savings from not requiring gas pipes, appliances and gas supply infrastructure help to offset the costs of highly efficient electric appliances. Mandating fully electric homes means economies of scale will further reduce costs.



How does this ban help?​

To achieve environmentally sustainable development, reforms of planning policy and regulation are essential to convert innovation and best practice to mainstream practice. Planning policy is particularly important for apartment buildings and other housing that may be rented or have an owners’ corporation. Retrofits to improve energy efficiency can be difficult in these situations.

Banning gas in new and renovated housing will cut greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also healthier for households and reduces healthcare costs as well as energy bills and infrastructure costs. The Victorian government suggests the change will save all-electric households about $1,000 a year. Houses with solar will be even better off.



The government appears to be offering wide support to ensure these changes happen, but this will need to be monitored closely.

Some households will face extra costs for electric appliances and solar panels. The government’s announcement of $10 million for Residential Electrification Grants should help with some of these costs while the industry adjusts.

There will be impacts and benefits for the local economy. Some jobs may be lost, particularly in the gas appliance and plumbing industry. The government has announced financial support to retrain people and they will still have essential roles in the existing housing sector.

Many gas appliances are imported, including ovens, cooktops and instantaneous gas water heaters. Some components of efficient electric products, such as hot water storage tanks, are made locally. Local activities, including distribution, sales, design, installation and maintenance, comprise much of the overall cost.


file-20230731-3718-wtpcdl.jpg

Households will ultimately benefit from avoiding the costs of having both electricity and gas services. Shutterstock



Challenges of change must be managed​

Sustainability benefits will depend on what happens with the energy network. We need more renewable energy, energy storage and smarter management of electricity demand.

The shift to all-electric homes may mean winter peak demand for heating increases. Energy market operators and governments will have to monitor demand changes carefully to avoid the reliability issues we already see in summer. However, improving energy efficiency, energy storage and demand management will help reduce this load (and household costs).

While the benefits are clear for new homes, the changes may increase gas costs and energy poverty for residents of existing housing who don’t shift to efficient electric solutions. The government has reconfirmed financial rebates to help households switch from gas.



In addition, existing housing may face building quality and performance issues. Some may require electrical wiring upgrades as part of the transition.

Social acceptance of some electric appliances may also be an issue. For example, our research has found some households dislike the way heating from reverse cycle air conditioners feels. Others do not like cooking on induction cooktops.

Consumer education and modifications to appliances and buildings may be needed to increase acceptance and avoid backlash.


file-20230731-105442-1c4ax5.jpg

Some people prefer gas cooktops despite their impacts on health and emissions. Shutterstock



Some electric appliances are available overseas but not in Australia. Higher demand may increase the range of imports. For example, floor-mounted heat pumps can make heating feel similar to gas heating while still providing effective cooling.

We should not assume electric appliances are all equal. To improve consumer protection, action is needed on weak standards and limited and inconsistent public information. For example, information on noise levels and efficiency under a range of weather conditions must be standardised.

Moving housing away from gas is an important step in the transition to a zero-carbon economy and energy system. Careful management is needed to ensure this transition is effective, accepted and fair.

Continued planning reforms are also essential to ensure environmentally sustainable development of housing and communities. Other urgent priorities include urban cooling and greening, and circular economy approaches to reduce the material and waste impacts of housing and thus the carbon that goes into building and running homes.

This article was first published on The Conversation, and was written by Trivess Moore, Senior Lecturer, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, Alan Pears, Senior Industry Fellow, RMIT University, Joe Hurley, Associate Professor, Sustainability and Urban Planning, RMIT University


Zero carbon means the whole world dies..... Nothing on earth can survive without CARBON.... those who believe otherwise have been totally brainwashed into complete morons
 
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Zero carbon means the whole world dies..... Nothing on earth can survive without CARBON.... those who believe otherwise have been totally brainwashed into complete morons
Spot on the money - the world is greener now and our bees have lots to work with - kill the bees and the world is in a power of trouble.
 
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Yes Trudi I hear you - that is why we put in a Bosch gas water system as it doesn't require power to operate. It operates on water flow so you always have it - as for not requiring a reverse cycle system in your home in Canberra because people only have heating - where did he come from because as you well know it gets damn hot in Canberra in summer.
Well, that was more than ten years ago and I ended up with evaporative airconditioning in addition to the ducted gas heating - 2 systems instead of one.
 
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Well, that was more than ten years ago and I ended up with evaporative airconditioning in addition to the ducted gas heating - 2 systems instead of one.
Yes but you should not have had that added expense
 
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1. Gas is useless cooking woks.
2. Electric induction cooking is dangerous if you have a pacemaker.
3. What really is the problem with emissions from fossil fuels? It is only CO2 , the same gas that puts fizz in beer and soft drinks. CO2 feeds plants by photosynthesis 6CO2+6H2O→C6H12O6+6O2.6CO2+6H2O→C6H12O6+6O2 . As described by prof Ian Plimer in Green Murder. NASA reports that measurable foliage globally is strong, agricultural productivity is increasing and only doomsayers from UN predict otherwise. Please read Ian's book before making judgements.
 
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Yes but you should not have had that added expense
I totally agree with you, but to continue the argument with the builder would have wasted valuable time and I am not certain that I would have won.
 
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