By Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Michael Whelan
There was some surprise in certain quarters when the State Government recently announced it was banning gas connections in new homes from January 1, 2024.
From that time, planning permits for new homes and residential subdivisions, including public and social housing, will only connect to all-electric networks.
On Bass Coast we’ve been moving to electrify our community for years and welcome the push from the Government.
Electricity will be cheaper for residents - saving between $1000 to $2200 a year.
Turning off gas is also good news for the environment. Bass Coast declared a climate emergency in 2019 and since that time it has prepared a comprehensive Climate Action Plan to move to zero net emissions by 2030.
This gas ban decision will mean we do not make the situation worse. The old system of compulsory referrals of planning applications to gas utilities and the installation of fossil fuel gas cooking and heating was making the climate crisis worse.
We should be concerned at the state of our climate. The heatwaves and fires occurring through the northern hemisphere this summer continue the cause for concern.
This is on top of the recent extreme flooding across Australia and the coastal erosion we are experiencing locally and with the impending El Nino a potential for drought and bushfires.
In addressing this concern however we can take a very positive approach. There is opportunity presenting that can help us build a better and cleaner economy locally and nationally.
Phillip Island earlier this year switched on a new community battery to replace diesel generators.
Totally Renewable Phillip Island (TRPI) and the Energy Innovation Cooperative worked closely with AusNet, Mondo and the Bass Coast Shire to deliver the battery.
That project was the first of its kind on Phillip Island and it has helped us build a greater understanding of how batteries fit into the broader energy transition from coal-generated electricity to renewables.
On the council website we provide information on how you can move towards going all-electric in your home and help our community transition to renewables for a clean energy future.
There are five key steps you can take to electrify your home. Whether it takes six months or six years, moving to all-electric is a great way to modernise your home, and reduce energy bills. The steps are: use solar and renewable energy, upgrade to an energy-efficient hot water system, switch to a reverse cycle heating and cooling system, move to electric induction cooking and electrify your car.
Every bit helps.
