The Victorian Government has released its Gas Substitution Roadmap, which outlines how the state will use  energy efficiency, electrification, hydrogen and biogas to drive down bills and cut carbon emissions.

The release of the Roadmap is an important milestone on the path towards decarbonising the energy supply of our buildings. The Roadmap builds upon the $1.6 billion investment in Victoria’s clean energy future, committed in 2020, and is complemented by $331 million in the 2022-23 State Budget, to reduce emissions, secure Victoria’s energy grid and drive down energy prices. 

Particularly welcome is the removal of planning requirements for new homes to connect to gas, giving new home-owners the opportunity to go all-electric and save around $1,800 a year as well as avoid emissions from burning gas and improve indoor air quality. 

Priorities outlined in the Roadmap include:

• Transition Government’s own gas use
• Deliver more all‑electric precincts: Remove regulatory barriers in 2022
• All electric, efficient homes: Promote consumer choice, help households upgrade to efficient electric appliances, lower energy bills and improve efficiency of homes
• Industry: Continue to assist industry to improve efficiency, electrify and prepare to take up alternative gases
• Build skills and capability
• Unlock renewable gases and scale up hydrogen industry 
• Maintain gas reliability throughout transition: New investments from 2023, new market mechanisms from 2025

More information here