Embracing an electric future will benefit all Victorians

MEDIA RELEASE

The Victorian Government’s push towards an electric future will result in cleaner, healthier and more affordable energy for all Victorians – especially those facing disadvantage. 

Premier Jacinta Allan today announced a raft of measures to support Victoria’s transition to a sustainable energy network that will require new homes to be all-electric from 2027. 

VCOSS particularly welcomes new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for rental properties to be introduced from 2027, which will include a switch from gas heaters to reverse-cycle air conditioning and new requirements for draught sealing, ceiling insulation and water-efficient shower heads. 

“This is a major win for renters in Victoria at a time when they really need it,” said VCOSS CEO Juanita Pope. 

“We know that the rental market includes some of the worst quality homes in Victoria, which compounds the effect of other challenges faced by renters during a cost-of-living crisis. 

“More and more people are accessing energy hardship programs because they are struggling to pay their energy bills. We also know there is a direct connection between poor quality rental properties and poor health outcomes. These standards will literally save lives.” 

The reforms announced today will also require homeowners to replace gas hot water systems at the end of their life with electric alternatives from March 2027.  

Homeowners will be supported in switching from gas to electric appliances through the expansion of the Victorian Energy Upgrades scheme and other Victorian Government incentives such as the Solar Homes and Solar for Apartments initiatives.     

Together, the new measures are expected to result in a long-term shift away from the use of fossil fuels in Victorian homes, which VCOSS has long advocated for. 

“This is a brave move by the government to future-proof Victoria’s energy network despite a scare campaign from some parts of the fossil fuel industry,” Ms Pope said. 

“VCOSS strongly supports this shift. Whether we like it or not, the reality is that gas is no longer a viable source of energy for Victorians. It’s bad for our health, bad for our wallet and bad for the environment.”