Canberra’s Electrification Pathway

The ACT is preparing to electrify our city and transition away from the use of fossil fuel energy. We will be the first Australian city to reach net zero emissions and 100% renewable energy. This will bring economic opportunities and savings to households and businesses as they swap from fossil fuel cars and appliances to more sustainable options. The first Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) was released in June 2024 and helps set the long-term pathway for the transformation of the ACT’s energy system to achieve net zero emissions by 2045.

About the Integrated Energy Plan

The IEP will be implemented in three stages (2024-2030, 2030-2035, 2035-2040) and includes interim targets and reviews to ensure progress. The plan builds on existing programs and policies to transition and help adapt our city to a changing climate.

To set the foundations for success, the first IEP (IEP1) builds on existing programs and efforts. It sets out the new actions and next steps we will take to help community, business, and industry transition. The government will also report on its legislated interim emissions reduction target of 50%–60% (based on 1990 levels) and undertake a mid-point review of the IEP in 2027 to assess progress.

Five priorities will guide government action now and in the future as the IEP is implemented:

  • Clear and implementable pathway: Providing long-term clarity and a stable policy environment to support the transition away from fossil fuels.
  • Enabling Canberran’s to act: Ensuring information, education, and resources are available for informed choices and benefits from the transition.
  • Prioritising those most in need: Supporting those who may not be able to transition independently.
  • Secure and reliable energy systems: Maintaining energy system security and reliability as the transition progresses.
  • Removing barriers to the energy transition: Collaborating to remove technical, regulatory, and workforce barriers.

Read the full ACT Government’s Integrated Energy Plan [PDF 7.0 MB]

Read the Integrated Energy Plan Executive Summary [PDF 874.2 KB]

Read ACT Government’s position paper: Powering Canberra – Our Pathway To Electrification [PDF 8.9 MB]

Key actions Some of the new actions under the IEP1 include:

  • A commitment to electrify all feasible public and community housing by 2030.
  • $5.2 million for a pilot to electrify the appliances of households that most need support.
  • Interest free loans for multi-unit buildings to become Electric Vehicle (EV) ready
  • A new program to help multi-unit buildings develop a plan to electrify.
  • Rebates of up to $3000 for fleet operators to install EV chargers.
  • Verification of optimal sites for fast EV charging hubs.
  • Support for skills development, including a scoping study for a Future Energy Skills Hub at CIT, and targeted training subsidies for priority trades.

These actions build on the ACT’s significant climate action efforts to date. These include the ACT’s nation-leading target of achieving net zero emissions by 2045 at the latest, and programs which have helped households and businesses to lower their energy bills, while reducing emissions and improving comfort in a changing climate.

The ACT’s energy transition

The ACT already meets its current electricity needs with 100% renewable electricity. By 2045 the ACT’s energy supply will be 100% renewable, with renewable electricity making up the bulk of energy use for households and businesses. Renewable gas will be used for niche applications. Fossil fuels, such as fossil fuel gas, petrol and diesel will be phased out.

The ACT’s energy transition requires a coordinated and planned approach over the next 21 years. This will allow us to maintain a secure, affordable, and reliable energy supply across the ACT.

The ACT Government has already delivered several initiatives to reduce the use of fossil fuel gas in the ACT. This includes preventing new gas network connections in certain types of developments.

The energy transition won’t happen overnight. Households can save money by making their next choice electric when their existing gas appliances need replacement.

We will continue to engage directly with stakeholders and the community to ensure a fair and equitable transition. This helps us to better understand the challenges and opportunities the energy transition presents for ACT homes, businesses, industry, and community groups.

Read more about our community consultation that informed the development of the first Integrated Energy Plan at YourSay Conversations.

Navigating the transition

Transitioning our city will require a flexible and collaborative approach from the whole ACT community. Many of the actions in this plan will require households, business and industry making choices to electrify.

We’re setting our city up for success by supporting a just transition, ensuring households who need the most support are prioritised.

The plan also outlines government actions that aim to build our skills and workforce to support the energy transition.

Ready to get started?

Households could save around $735 annually by switching to electric appliances, with potential savings increasing to approximately $960 for those with solar PV.

Find out more about how to go electric by visiting the Make your next choice electric website.

Resources

Get in touch

If you have further questions about ACT’s pathway to electrification, please email gastransition@act.gov.au.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.