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

(The Guardian, 3 Oct 2023) The group also wants governments to develop a plan to electrify all existing properties.

All state and territory governments should introduce bans on gas connections in new homes and develop a clear plan to electrify existing properties and small businesses, according to an organisation representing energy consumers.

In a submission to a Senate inquiry examining Australia’s residential electrification efforts, Energy Consumers Australia urged the government to consider mandatory information disclosures to warn consumers about “the potential economic consequences” of buying a new gas appliance.

The organisation’s chief executive, Dr Brendan French, said its most recent consumer research found 22% of consumers were planning to decarbonise and make their homes all-electric, up from 16% in 2021.

But he said there were still too many barriers for making the switch, particularly for low-income households, renters and residents of multi-unit dwellings.

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The Guardian, 3 Oct 2023: Energy consumer lobby calls for Australia-wide ban on gas connections in new homes