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.

Stakeholder consultation now open – developing regulations for gas appliances

The ACT Government is currently seeking stakeholder feedback and ideas on a regulatory approach that supports the transition to electric appliances.

Consultation is open from Wednesday 5 August to Wednesday 16 September 2026.

Find out more and read the discussion paper.

IEP key priorities

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 Canberrans 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.

Our Sustainable Home Advice service is your one-stop shop to get information on how to reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable. You can also learn about ACT Government supports and rebates you may be eligible for.

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 phased shut down of the gas network may commence from the mid-2030s onwards, consumers will be given ample notice and supports will continue to assist consumers in their transition.

The ACT’s energy transition requires a coordinated and planned approach. 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.

Shutting down the gas network

While the ACT’s goal is to phase out fossil fuel gas by 2045, some parts of the network will likely be shut down from the mid-2030s onwards. This will not occur without significant planning, appropriate regulation and notice to consumers.

Over the next 10-15 years, we know that community gas use will decline. This will make some sections on the gas network unviable for the ACT’s gas distributor, Evoenergy, to operate. A phased shut down of the network will be needed to avoid high maintenance and operational costs. The ACT will continue to help consumers and priority households with their transition. To protect consumers, the ACT Government is working on developing a regulatory framework to enable Evoenergy to shut down the gas network.

The ACT Government will work closely with Evoenergy and the broader community on these changes.

In the meantime, it is important that Canberrans start preparing for the energy transition now. You can do this by choosing efficient electric appliances when the time comes to replace existing gas appliances.

Working with the community

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.

For more information on how government is working with the community, including open consultations, visit Working with our Community for the Energy Transition.

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 fair and equitable 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?

Many households may be able to save money by choosing electric appliances. 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.