Living a healthy and sustainable lifestyle is a big topic in 2024.
The Victorian State government has been driving many sustainability initiatives to make the switch to renewable energy. From January 2024 the government is phasing out gas connections to new homes. The decision, backed by the Home Victoria initiative, will make sure that planning permits for homes connect exclusively to all-electric networks. This is the start of a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable way of living.
Adding solar panels to power your new home can ensure an easy transition for this new mandate, saving you thousands of dollars as well as providing incredible health benefits for you and your family.
Reducing costs for Victorian Households
With constant uncertainty rising around gas and its prices in today’s world, the move to all-electric homes in Victoria couldn’t be better. This switch is estimated to save households up to $1,000 annually on energy bills while also reducing carbon footprint.
The Government is already investing $10 million in a new Residential Electrification Grants program for volume home builders and developers. What does this mean?
It will ensure:
Bulk rebates for solar panels, and heat pumps to buyers upfront.
Homeowners will save an estimated $4,600 before moving.
A crucial step towards emissions reduction
At present, Victoria has a staggering 80% of homes connected to residential gas, but has emerged as a leader in the national effort to reduce emissions. The transition to all-electric systems is a crucial step toward Victoria’s targets - aiming for a 75-80% reduction in emissions by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2045. Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio emphasizes the significance of this shift, when she says, "Reducing our reliance on gas is critical to meeting our ambitious emission reduction target of net zero by 2045."
Burning methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a big contributor to the climate emergency, and those of us who have not made the switch to all-electric are doing it every day. Gas stoves release toxic compounds, including methane, even after they are turned off. These emissions are extremely damaging to your health, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
The dark side of gas stoves
The health risks associated with gas stoves are alarming. As a result of burning methane from your gas stove, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is released, which can lead to serious health problems, including asthma. According to a recent study, 12.3% of the total asthma burden in children is associated with gas stove use. As well as this, carbon monoxide, released as a result of burning gas, acts as a silent intruder in our gas-powered homes. Elevated carbon monoxide levels can lead to headaches, dizziness, and, in some extreme cases, death. These incidents are often in relation to faulty gas stoves, especially without proper ventilation. Why take that risk?
Victoria’s transition to all-electric is steering residents away from the silent threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. Understanding these risks is critical, and the move towards all-electric living becomes not just an environmental choice but a decision for the well-being and safety of everyone in your family.
Solar power
Victoria is helping new home builders with their transition to all-electric with the Solar Homes program providing:
$1400 solar panel rebates plus an additional $1400 in an interest-free loan
$1,000 rebate to switch your hot water to an electric heat pump
$8,800 interest-free loan to offset the cost of getting a household battery.
These are in addition to the federal Government incentive program to reduce the cost of solar and heat pumps.
This initiative is available to new home builders, existing homeowners, and renters, making renewable energy more accessible. The installation of solar panels not only promotes the use of energy-efficient electric or induction stoves, addressing climate concerns and health risks, but it also ensures continuous power availability. The incorporation of solar batteries into your system guarantees a reliable power source during outages or at night, providing a seamless and sustainable energy solution for all circumstances.
Final thoughts
Choosing solar panels isn’t just eco-friendly, but a crucial step towards a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle, complementing Victoria’s initiative to phase out gas connections. Installing solar in your home is an easy transition for your home, promising a greener and safer future. Get in touch with us today on 03 9071 2468 or hello@energywired.com.au