Switching from Gas
Choosing efficient electric appliances will help you to prepare for the ACT’s transition away from fossil fuel gas. It can help you save on energy costs and avoid the potential need for another replacement of the same appliance when the gas network begins to shut down, which may start from the mid-2030s onwards. It is also more efficient and could be better for your family’s health. You can prepare for a future free from gas. And we’ll help you get there.
Make your next choice electric
The Make Your Next Choice Electric tool helps Canberra households to create their own energy transition plan and switch off gas.
Our pathway to electrification
When you can, switch from gas to all-electric appliances. They’re better for the environment and your health. They’re also more efficient than gas appliances. In the ACT, electricity comes from 100% renewable sources, so using electric appliances produces no carbon emissions during use.
The ACT plans to stop using fossil fuel gas and move to renewable electricity by 2045. To reach this goal, the gas network will begin to close before this date. When you upgrade or replace appliances, choosing efficient electric options will help you to prepare for this change. It can help you avoid having to replace the same appliance when the gas network starts shutting down, which may begin from the mid-2030s onwards.
In December 2023, a new rule was introduced to stop new gas connections in the ACT. This decision followed extensive consultation with industry and community. You can read about the consultation results on the YourSay Conversations website.
The ACT Government has also created an online tool to make the switching from gas to electric easier for Canberrans. Visit the Make Your Next Choice Electric website to learn about how to make the switch and create your own energy transition plan.
Find out what else the ACT Government is doing to provide cleaner energy.
Did you know?
Natural gas is a fossil fuel. It is made up of a mixture of gases including methane, ethane, butane and propane. The primary gas is methane. Combustion of methane produces carbon dioxide which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Households
When the time is right for you, replace old gas appliances with the most efficient electric systems you can afford. The time to choose efficient electric appliances is when you renovate or next need to replace an appliance. Upgrading appliances does not need to happen all at once. You can go electric gradually as appliances need to be replaced. Use our online tool to get an estimate of potential costs for upgrades and how much money you could save by making the change.
You'll future proof your home, save money and make your home more environmentally friendly and healthy.
The cost of gas continues to rise. Newer electric appliances tend to use less energy, which makes them cheaper to run than gas. You’ll also be able to close your gas account and pay only one supply charge for electricity. If you have solar you can further reduce your bills by using the electricity you generate to run your appliances during the day.
Plus, you could improve your indoor air quality and safety. Some gas appliances can release dangerous gases including carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Research says that gas in the home can worsen asthma symptoms. Open flames for cooking can also be dangerous, especially for children.
Get started by:
- visiting the Make your next choice electric website
- checking what rebates and support are available through ACT Government programs
- talking to an expert through the Sustainable Home Advise Program about how to go electric
- learning the difference between disconnecting and fully removing a gas connection (disconnection and abolishment)
- finding out how to prepare your home for all-electric appliances.
Did you know?
Even after paying to switch to new electric appliances, households could be $8,900 better off over 15 years – even more if solar is installed. Read more about the modelling [PDF 2.9 MB].
Businesses
It’s time for businesses to act too. Start planning to switch from gas now.
We’ll be working with industry groups to help businesses and trades understand the importance of installing electric appliances.
Get started by:
- looking for rebates and support available through our programs.
- booking an assessment through our Sustainable Business Program.
- mapping out your business’s electrification journey.
- learning the difference between disconnecting and fully removing a gas connection (disconnection and abolishment).
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.