Brotherhood of St. Laurence welcomes progress on clean energy transition, urges further action
The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) has welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement to strengthen minimum energy efficiency standards for rented homes and to phase out gas hot water systems.
“These reforms are a critical step toward ensuring every Victorian, regardless of their income or housing tenure, can live in a home that is safe, affordable to run, and climate-resilient,’ said BSL Executive Director Dr Travers McLeod.
“For too long, many renters have lived in homes that leak heat in winter and trap it in summer – homes that are unhealthy to live in and expensive to heat or cool.”
“We regularly speak to renters who are getting hit by huge energy bills and having to cut back on essentials. These changes will lower those bills and help people live dignified lives.”
“The strengthening of rental standards and phase-out of gas hot water will also help ease cost of living pressures by lowering energy bills, they will improve public health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the state.”
Gas appliances are now costlier to run and more polluting than efficient electric alternatives. Households can, on average, save $1020 per year without solar panels and $2000 with solar per year by going all-electric. Phasing them out over time will lower bills and allow Victorians to use clean renewable electricity. Australia will not be able to reach net zero if we continue using gas indefinitely.
“We commend the Victorian Government for acting to transition away from gas hot water systems. This will bring bills and emissions down, and only requires households to act when their hot water system breaks down. This is a sensible and measured initiative. It is also positive that support will be available, including for rental providers, via Victorian Energy Upgrades.”
“It’s also crucial that the Victorian Government supports households facing energy and financial stress to electrify and get off gas. BSL’s Enabling Electrification report identified a series of measures to support these households to electrify, including building trust, providing tailored advice and financial incentives, and engaging diverse communities in the electrification challenge so we don’t leave anyone behind as we electrify.”
“We look forward to the Victorian Government taking further measures to support electrification in future, including a shift to efficient electric heating.”
The Brotherhood of St. Laurence has long advocated for equitable climate and energy policy, highlighting that vulnerable households are often the most exposed to climate risks and the least able to adapt.
Read the Victorian government’s announcement: Securing Victoria's Gas Supply While Slashing Energy Bills | Premier
Learn more about BSL’s Enabling Electrification report: Enabling electrification: addressing the barriers to moving off gas faced by lower-income households | Brotherhood of St. Laurence