In an Australian first, the Conservation Council ACT Region is launching a new website maketheswitch.org.au to help Canberra households switch from gas to electric appliances in their homes, save money and cut emissions.
“Natural gas use in the ACT contributes to 22% of the ACT’s direct emissions. To reach the ACT’s emissions reduction target of zero emissions by 2045, we will need to stop burning gas, essentially another polluting fossil fuel, in our homes,” said Helen Oakey, Executive Director, Conservation Council ACT Region.
“The good news is that because the ACT’s electricity is already powered 100% by renewable solar and wind, every house that switches from gas to electricity is contributing to real reductions in the city’s greenhouse gas emissions.
“The other good news, as shown by the website, is that by switching off gas, families can save hundreds of dollars a year on their energy bills by switching to energy efficient electric appliances.
“The Make the Switch website guides households about how to transition away from gas appliances, either when replacing an appliance such as a hot water system, or when building a new house.
“After entering your current gas appliances and gas bill information, and selecting the electric appliances you would like to switch to, the web calculator will provide upfront costs and running costs of appliances over 10 years. This will help householders plan ahead and make informed decisions about what to replace first.
“Of course, once a household gets off gas completely, that’s one less annual connection fee they need to pay, saving over $300/year.
“The Make the Switch website answers all sorts of practical questions that Canberrans might have, from the environmental impacts of using gas, through to the options available to disconnect from the gas network.
“People have lots of questions about switching away from gas, and about the electric alternatives – such as “is induction cooking as fast as gas?” and “can you get ducted electric heating?” – so there is a comprehensive Q and A section available on the site.
“Switching our homes to just using electricity is one of the most practical things Canberra households can do to help the planet, and planning how the make the switch helps reduce upfront costs.
“Canberrans will benefit from a clear timeline about the gas transition under the ACT Climate Strategy, so that when an appliance breaks down, they know to replace it with an electric option, not an expensive gas appliance whose lifespan might be limited,” said Ms Oakey.
This project was developed with support from the ACT Government via the Community Zero Emissions Grants (Round 3).
“The Make the Switch website answers all sorts of practical questions that Canberrans might have, from the environmental impacts of using gas, through to the options available to disconnect from the gas network.
This project was developed with support from the ACT Government via the Community Zero Emissions Grants (Round 3).