With World Environment Day upon us on 5 June, we’re asking our community to consider moving to electricity over gas, which has benefits for the environment and your bank balance.
Natural gas is a fossil fuel and a potent greenhouse gas. It’s responsible for creating 17 per cent of our state’s emissions, and when burned, it also produces carbon dioxide – another greenhouse gas.
Natural gas was once seen as ‘clean’ energy compared with electricity made from burning coal. However, as electricity becomes greener, gas no longer has this advantage. That’s why we’re encouraging our community to ‘get off the gas’ to reduce emissions and contribute to achieving the targets in our Climate Action Plan.
The 3 main uses of gas in the home are space heating, hot-water heating and cooking. In each case, switching to electrical appliances can replace these gas-guzzlers, reduce your emissions, and save you hundreds each year on utility bills.
Studies show that disconnecting from gas in a large Melbourne home could save you around $1,000 per year. Switching over just one appliance could make a big difference.
We’ll show you how
Join our free online webinar from 7 pm to 8:30 pm on Wednesday 21 June to learn how you can replace a range of gas appliances with efficient electric appliances. Ian Moxon from independent sustainability consultancy Watts Going Down! will share with you the pros, cons and considerations for making the switch and will answer any questions.
Top tips to go all-electric
Try these tips to help you move to electricity for home energy.
- For many households an existing reverse-cycle air conditioner is the most economical way to heat in winter. Use it instead of gas heating to save money and lower your emissions.
- Cooking with gas? You don’t have to – today’s electric induction cooktops have a quick response, are highly controllable, energy efficient and easier to clean.
- Modern electric heat-pump hot-water systems perform as well as gas appliances and are usually cheaper to run.
- Consider installing solar to help power your home. Local government initiative Solar Savers can help. Visit the Solar Savers website.