Victoria is leading the charge towards a sustainable future, with the government introducing a transition away from gas connections in all new-build homes to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Although effective from January 2024, here at Meridian the transition will mostly impact lots from Stage 57 onwards (and a few individual lots). For those impacted it means no gas hot water systems, heating, cooling, or cooking. The transition only applies to mains gas, so barbecues that run of gas bottles are fine.
Believe it or not an all-electric home is an advantage – because electricity offers a whole range of benefits over gas. With huge advances in technology, electric appliances are often safer, more reliable, better for the environment, and cheaper to run than their gas counterparts.
Electricity offers:
A More Sustainable Future
When you choose green electricity (generated from renewable sources) from your energy provider, harmful greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced. You can also install solar panels and generate your own electricity, which is the pinnacle of sustainability.
Cost Efficiency
The price of gas has risen far above that of electricity, and according to the Victorian government that trend is expected to continue. If you install solar panels and generate your own electricity, you can further reduce your energy bills – and the government is encouraging it.
According to the energy.vic.gov.au website, eligible households can claim rebates of 50% (up to $1,400) plus an equivalent interest-free loan off the upfront cost to install solar panels. Solar Homes customers save up to $1,000 a year on energy bills when they use the free solar power they generate through the day to power their home and appliances.
Instant Hot Water
Electric hot water systems can be cheaper to run and more efficient than gas alternatives. Choosing a system that only heats the water you use is much more efficient than heating an entire tank – and then keeping it hot.
The best overall alternative to a gas hot water system is a heat pump system, which extracts heat from the air to heat water and is highly efficient. A solar hot water system is the most eco-friendly, but might require electric boosting in winter. A simpler and cheaper to install option is a high-efficiency electric storage/instantaneous system, although operating costs can be higher than other systems.
Controlled Cooking
Most of us have been cooking with gas forever, which makes the switch to an electric induction cooktop hard to imagine. But we should embrace them, because in most ways induction cooktops are much, much better than gas. Pans heat up instantly, the temperature can be controlled to within a degree, they’re safer than gas alternatives, and the heat is gone the moment you turn them off. Plus, they’re super-easy to clean.
You don’t necessarily need to buy new cookware, either. Cast iron, stainless steel and clad pans are compatible – only aluminium, copper, glass, and ceramic cookware is incompatible. As a test, if a fridge magnet will cling to the bottom of your pots and pans, they should work.
Better Heating & Cooling
Melbourne winters can be uncomfortably cold, so it’s not surprising that heating accounts for so much of our household energy use.
If you only want to heat and cool your bedroom and main living area, an electric inverter split system is a great option – and it cools in summer. The demand response feature in these systems helps reduce power consumption at peak load times.
For a whole-of-home solution, a ducted reverse cycle inverter system provides year-round comfort with full temperature control.
Greater Peace of Mind
Faulty gas appliances can be dangerous, which is why they should be serviced regularly. Electric appliances are simply more reliable. They also emit zero nitrogen dioxide or carbon monoxide, both of which can be deadly.
Want to know more?
There are many websites you can visit to learn more about the benefits of an all-electric home. Here are a few to get you started:
> Victoria’s Gas Substitution Roadmap
If you’re not sure if the ban applies to your Meridian home, visit our Land Sales Office and ask one of our friendly team members. We’re here to help.
