MEDIA RELEASE
April 19th, 2024
The Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales (NCC), the state’s leading environmental advocacy organisation, has today applauded the Victorian Government for taking further steps to electrify households by phasing out incentives for gas appliances.
“Victoria is ahead of the game in phasing out planet-wrecking gas and it’s time the Minns government took action to electrify NSW,” said NCC Climate and Energy Senior Campaigner Jacqui Mills.
“With the rising cost of gas for energy it makes sense to support households to upgrade their appliances to electric as we transition into a clean energy future.”
Statements attributable to NCC Climate and Energy Senior Campaigner, Jacqui Mills
“New homes should be all electric to avoid locking people into ever rising gas bills and expensive retrofits.
“The NSW Government has an opportunity here to save households money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a win-win.
“Inside the home, gas appliances are harmful to human health and are akin to exposing children to cigarette smoke.
“Gas in the household exposes people to carcinogens, exacerbates respiratory problems and is responsible for up to 12% of childhood asthmas cases.
“Taking steps to phase out household gas will have a tangible impact on the hip pocket, human health and it’s good for the planet.
“NSW Labor made a commitment to develop a gas substitution roadmap at their 2022 Conference and it’s time that happened.
“By incentivising upgrades to electric appliances, supporting household solar and batteries and requiring new homes to be all electric, the NSW Government will save households money and get closer to meeting our climate targets.”
A recent report commissioned by Lock the Gate, Electrifying Your Electorate: Savings and Jobs Benefits in NSW, found that upgrading to electric appliances including hot water systems, cooking appliances, and heating would deliver energy cost savings of up to $900 per household.
The report also shows that, at a state level, savings would total almost $1 billion and prevent the release of 1.5 million tonnes of CO2e annually.
“Transitioning away from gas as an energy source is critical for tackling climate change.”
Statement ends
Media contact: Anna Greer
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