The government is working on a Gas Substitution Road Map,saying it will help bring down rising residential energy bills,form a key plank of Victoria’s efforts to halve the statewide carbon footprint by 2030,and ease pressure on tightening supplies of the fossil fuel across south-eastern Australia.
Research from the Brotherhood of St Laurence,released on Monday,suggests policymakers will need to pay particular attention to addressing two key barriers:lower-income households unable to afford the high upfront cost of buying new electric appliances,and renters feeling they have little or no say over what appliances are installed in their homes.
“Getting off gas will reduce household energy bills and make an essential contribution to reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions,” Brotherhood of St Laurence climate and energy lead Damian Sullivan said.
“However,lower-income households are likely to be the last ones left on the gas network,paying more,unless further support is put in place.”
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Most households that had received energy-related support from the Brotherhood of St Laurence and agreed to be surveyed reported a high level of backing for the transition away from gas,but few had electric appliances installed.
The Melbourne-based social service group recommends providing means-tested rebates and low or no-interest loans for reverse-cycle airconditioners,heat pumps and hot water systems,and the introduction of energy efficiency standards requiring landlords to install electric appliances in rental homes.