Survey says: More Australians considering disconnecting from gas
A growing number of Australian homeowners with mains gas connections are thinking about switching to all-electric households, according to new research from Energy Consumers Australia.
A new report has found that one in three homeowners using gas is considering disconnecting from the network within the next decade, while almost one in ten may do so in the next two years.
The report, How households use gas and their attitudes towards electrification was released today by Energy Consumers Australia. Based on responses from over 4,000 consumers, it examines current gas usage patterns, the level of interest in switching to electric alternatives, and the challenges involved in making that transition.
“This research shows that a significant number of homeowners are considering whether to electrify in the near future,” said Dr Brendan French, CEO of Energy Consumers Australia. “This is good news as there have been many studies now, including our own Stepping Up report, showing that consumers who can go all-electric can make significant cost savings.
“But it will be easier for some households to electrify than for others.”
Electrification refers to replacing appliances and systems powered by fossil fuels, such as gas heaters and cooktops, with electric alternatives like induction stoves and heat pumps. These alternatives tend to be more energy efficient and can reduce household emissions, particularly as the electricity grid shifts towards renewable sources.
The extent to which a household relies on gas is a key factor in how straightforward a switch to electric appliances would be. More than half of Australian households are connected to mains gas, with about a quarter using it for cooking, hot water, and heating. For these households, the shift may be more complex and expensive. Another quarter, however, use gas for only one of these purposes, making a transition to electric appliances potentially simpler and less costly.
The survey results suggest that if gas disconnections accelerate, there will need to be measures in place to ensure fair pricing for those who continue using gas.
“If, as this data suggests, there is the potential for an accelerated consumer exit from the gas network in the next 10 years, we need to make sure that those who face barriers to electrification pay a fair and affordable price for gas as long as they use it,” Dr French said.
He also pointed out that financial and structural obstacles could prevent some consumers from making the switch without additional support.
“People who face barriers to electrification will need additional help,” he said. “This includes people on low incomes who may not be able to afford the upfront costs of electrifying their homes, and people who rent their homes and are reliant on their landlord to make changes to their properties.
“We want to see incentives and assistance for electrification for residential and small business renters, and governments accelerate programs to upgrade social housing stock, to ensure that no-one is left behind. All governments must ensure that the last households to electrify are the ones who choose to wait, not those who couldn’t afford to.”
