2020-03-04
Canberrans are voting with their feet, transitioning away from natural gas and making the switch to 100% renewable electricity – again cementing the ACT as a global climate action leader, Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury said today.
This comes following the release of Evoenergy’s draft Gas Network Plan 2021-2026 that proposes to end the roll out of gas infrastructure into new suburbs in Canberra. This aligns with the ACT Government’s initiative to remove mandatory gas connections to new suburbs, allowing them to be powered by the ACT’s 100% renewable electricity supply.
“The fact is, natural gas is a polluting fossil fuel and we must eventually phase it out to reduce emissions and tackle climate change. Approximately 22% of the ACT’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from natural gas,” Minister Rattenbury said today.
“This Plan also shows that natural gas consumption has been falling in the region since 2011, and that will continue over the next five years.
“Buildings and neighbourhoods that are all-electric are now viable, cost- effective, and have the advantage of being able to use 100% renewable electricity. They are a win for consumers and the environment.”
“This is a transition we can make in a way that saves households money. New, efficient electric appliances can provide residents with savings compared to equivalent gas appliances. For example, efficient reverse-cycle air conditioning can reduce household energy bills by around $500 per year compared to gas heating,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“The Government will work with the community to ensure the transition away from gas is a ‘just transition’, through the provision of information, incentives and appropriate support.
“Evoenergy’s draft plan also predicts that the changes will deliver stable gas network charges over the plan period.
“There is further work to do on this transition, including with Evoenergy, and I’m looking forward to working with them, and the Canberra community, to achieve the natural gas phase transition in a responsible way,” Minister Rattenbury added.
Statement ends
Media contact:
Lisa Wills M 0481 035 764 Lisa.Wills@act.gov.au