The Conservation Council has responded to the discussion paper on the ACT Government’s consultation on gas appliance regulation.
The discussion paper explains why regulation is needed, key considerations for determining what is regulated and potential avenues for implementation.
The Conservation Council strongly supports a just transition off fossil fuel gas in the ACT, and welcomes the ACT Government’s regulation of gas appliances, along with some recommendations listed below. Regulation is urgently needed to prevent vulnerable groups (such as renters, low-income households and apartment dwellers) from being left behind in the energy transition. Delaying regulations will come at a cost and shifting from gas to efficient electric appliances (powered by renewable energy) is one of the most effective tools available to rapidly cut the ACT’s emissions and reduce household energy costs.
In addition, the Conservation Council is advocating for the gas phase out to be brought forward five years to 2035, which appliance regulation would directly support. Accelerated transition away from fossil fuel gas is needed to support rapid emission reduction in the ACT and to meet legislated emissions reduction targets, of which the 2025 target was already missed. Read more about the Conservation Council’s view on this subject in our submission on the ACT Government’s Developing the next Climate Change Strategy for the ACT Discussion Paper.
The Conservation Council’s makes the following core recommendations:
- Prohibit the installation of new gas appliances and the replacement of a gas appliance with another gas appliance, by regulating what licensed gas fitters may install, paired with tradesperson training and advisory support from Government
- Introduce minimum standards for rental properties requiring efficient electric replacement at end of life
- Commence regulations as soon as possible, and no later than the end of 2027
- Cover residential, commercial and industrial users, and both Type-A and Type-B appliances
- Speed up the electrification of public housing to deliver on the ACT Government’s commitment to electrify all feasible public and community housing by 2030
- As a partial owner of the ActewAGL, require ActewAGL to immediately stop advertising and promoting gas appliances
Click here to read our full submission.