Repower The Dandenongs welcomes the Victorian government’s move to phase out gas appliances in favour of cleaner and cheaper electric alternatives.
“These changes will not only lower energy bills for local families but also create healthier, safer homes for everyone in our community – which is what we know that people from our community want,” said Neil Evenden, President of Repower The Dandenongs. “We urge governments around the country to follow Victoria’s lead.”
The Victorian Government’s new building electrification and rental energy efficiency standards are nation-leading and will reduce power bills for both renters and homeowners, and have been supported by advocacy and research organisation Rewiring Australia and community groups around the country who are helping homes electrify.
“Phasing out these expensive fossil fuel machines is the easy way to lower emissions and hit our carbon targets sooner, and we call on governments across Australia to follow Victoria’s lead and deliver this climate and cost-of-living win-win to more households,” said Rewiring Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Saul Griffith.
“Gas forces households to pay higher energy bills and leaves them at the mercy of volatile global energy markets. Electric heat pumps and space heating systems are more efficient, more reliable, don’t pollute your home and significantly reduce energy bills,” Griffith said.
Rewiring Australia analysis has found that the average Australian home can save $4,100 per year, over the 15-year lifetime of appliances, by going fully electric including solar panels and an electric car.
We know from our Repower Festival in March and Sustainable House Education Day held in May that locals are understanding the benefits of electrification and welcoming the savings.
Changes to rental properties are also welcome. “In our community, renters are feeling locked out of the electrification benefits. By requiring landlords to electrify their investment properties when gas appliances need to be replaced is crucial in supporting renters,” said Neil. Including minimum insulation standards and draft-proofing makes sense, given the state of many rentals in the Dandenongs.
“We look forward to helping the local community find practical solutions and advice on how to go all-electric without worrying about frequent power outages. New technology means it is now affordable and practical to phase out toxic methane gas heating and hot water, even for Hills residents.
Check our web-site for upcoming events, and free advice and tips to transition off gas.”
Ref: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/securing-victorias-gas-supply-while-slashing-energy-bills
