The key questions on Victoria’s 2024 gas changes answered

As Victoria moves forward with a push to cut down on gas usage, see what it means for householders.

Victoria has moved forward with its efforts to cut down on its gas usage. Here are the key questions about what it means for householders.

What is the change?

From January 1 next year, all new homes and residential subdivisions that require a planning permit must connect to all electric networks.

What does it mean? What appliances will be affected?

This will mean new home buyers won’t be able to use gas to heat their homes or cook their food.

Electric or induction stovetops will replace gas. Solar or electric heat pump hot water systems will be used. No more gas heating.

I am building a new estate? Can I get gas?

Houses that are built or have a planning permit approved before January 1 2024 can still connect to gas. After that date, gas will be banned.

I live in an existing house? Do I have to change anything?

No. Gas can still be used in existing properties.

What if I am knocking down my house and rebuilding — can I reconnect to gas?

Only if you get a planning permit finalised and approved by January 1. After that you will not be able to install gas appliances.

What about homes that use LPG?

Homes will still be able to use liquefied petroleum gas, where the gas is stored in a large tank.

More than 300,000 homes in Victoria – mainly rural – use LPG for either in-home cooking, hot water and heating.

Why is the government doing it?

According to the government, the gas sector contributes about 17 per cent of the state’s emissions.

A move to all electric systems is seen as a key way to meet the state’s bold emissions reduction targets of 75 to 80 per cent by 2035 and net zero by 2045.

Will my power bills increase?

The government says going all-electric can be delivered at no extra cost to the buyer.

They predict it will slash about $1000 per year off household energy bills – or up to $2200 for households that also have solar installed.

Can I use a gas barbecue?

Yes. Gas bottles can still be used.

I’m planning to renovate my kitchen. Do I need to move off gas?

No. You can keep gas for a kitchen renovation.

Originally published as The key questions on Victoria’s 2024 gas changes answered