On the 28th July, the Victorian Government announced a ban on gas connections to new home planning approvals from January 2024. Our Group Managing Director, Jon Seeley has responded to this ill-conceived and short-sighted ban stating it will only push emissions higher, increase the risk of blackouts, and will impact consumers, businesses, and the gas industry.

We all recognise the need to transition to renewables (including hydrogen and bio-gas), but the transition has to be carefully managed, not rushed; and done in a way that steadily reduces emissions, not drive them up as this ban will undoubtedly do, in the short to medium term.

We want to work with the government towards a clean energy transition, but it needs to work on its engagement with the public and industry.

We urge the government to stop being dishonest with Victorians. Stop denying the simple science that right now, in Victorian homes, electricity from brown coal is four times more emissions intensive than natural gas. Energy prices will continue to rise, putting more pressure on the cost of living. 

Sign the petition today urging the Victorian Government to confirm existing gas connections aren't affected by this ban; delay the introduction, to fully assess the repercussions of the policy and actually consult with industry and consumers; and acknowledge clean energy options (including hydrogen and bio-gas) that are currently being rolled out, are supporting the transition to a zero emissions future.