28 July 2022
South Australian consumers could save more than $5000 on energy bills over ten years, under a Greens’ plan to ban gas connection to new homes.
Greens SA Energy Spokesperson, Robert Simms MLC will introduce a Private Members Bill to ban gas connections to new homes from 2025, when State Parliament resumes in September.
“South Australians are facing a cost of living crisis and a climate crisis. Gas not only comes at a high cost to the consumer, it comes at a high cost to our environment. It’s also bad for community health and has been linked to increased risk of asthma in children,” said Mr Simms.
“Many cities and countries around the world, including the Netherlands, Norway and New York City are going gas-free. In July this year the Victorian Government committed to removing requirements for new homes to connect to gas. It’s time for South Australia to join the global movement away from gas.”
Mr Simms also called for the Government to provide rebates to support homeowners and renters to replace old gas appliances with new energy-efficient, electric ones.
“Appliances like heating, hot water, cook-tops and ovens are much cheaper and more environmentally sustainable when they are powered by renewables rather than gas. The Government should be assisting consumers to make green choices. We know that this would be welcomed by homeowners and renters, particularly those dealing with financial stress.” Mr Simms said.
A Grattan Institute Report has found that:
- switching gas to electric for cooking, hot water and space heating can save up to $5,556 over 10 years
- switching from gas to electricity in SA will not stretch the grid and would not create unreasonable peaks in electricity usage.
(See Flame out: The future of natural gas report from the Grattan Institute for more information)
56% of SA’s homes are currently connected to gas (450,000 homes state-wide as at July 2021)