The Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability has announced the removal of the mandatory gas connection rule for new suburbs in the ACT.
The Minister, Shane Rattenbury, said the move would allow suburbs the opportunity to have “zero emissions” and enjoy cheaper utility bills.
“The fact is, natural gas is a polluting fossil fuel and we must eventually phase it out in favour of clean energy,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“The ACT Government is plotting a sensible path to zero greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the climate change science.”
He said the ACT was previously the only Australian State or Territory that mandated gas connections in new suburbs.
“This rule was both outdated and not necessarily beneficial for homeowners,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“Removing the requirement for gas will see more Canberrans using electricity instead of gas, taking advantage of the ACT’s world-leading 100 per cent renewable electricity achievement.
“Using efficient reverse-cycle air conditioning can reduce household energy bills by around $500 per year compared to gas heating, and an electric heat pump hot water system can lower energy bills by around $150 per year,” the Minister said.
He said an estimated 22 per cent of the ACT’s total carbon emissions came from natural gas, making it the second biggest source after transport emissions.
The change is part of the ACT Planning and Development Act’s Draft Variation 373.
Mr Rattenbury invited Canberrans to comment on the draft, which is on display until 6 March 2020.
The 11-page draft document can be accessed at this PS News link.
