Weaning our homes & business off using gas is fundamental if Australia is to reach net zero greenhouse emissions by 2050 according to a new snapshot.
The Grattan Institute said governments here need to set deadlines to end gas use while launching campaigns to help households go “all electric” that’s run on renewable energy.
It’s a radical vision. Not only should new gas connections for homes & small businesses be banned says the Institute, but so should the sale of all gas appliances. That will affect some 5M homes!
Given the cost involved it’s no wonder the report is recommending government support to get there. Rewiring Australia, which I’ve talked about before, suggests governments need to come up with a $13.5B package to electrify homes.
It’s already happening of course. The Albanese Government announced $1B in low cost loans in the most recent Budget to cover things like double glazing, solar power & electric appliances which while more expensive than gas ones are more efficient and cheaper to run.
Apparently an electric home is also healthier. Grattan said gas stoves release nitrogen dioxide and tiny PM2.5 particles that can irritate lungs, while gas stoves may leak particles even when not in use the report said.
The use of gas by Australian homes has been steadily declining for years, but there now appears to be a united front to electrify the country in order to decarbonise as fast as possible.
We have always been on board of course. Our Smart Wiring project has always pushed high standard home wiring, energy efficiency, clean energy and automation of electrical appliances.
But we need to make sure we take everyone with us too. Building in safeguards, protections, compensation and sensible timelines is crucial for home & business owners, but also for larger industrial sectors.
Cheers, John Fennell