Power Up and Save: Councils Mulling Gas Bans for New Homes in NSW

Imagine a brand new home that feels not just comfortable, but actively eco-friendly.  This vision could become reality in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, as several councils explore banning gas connections in new builds.  A recent report suggests this move could lead to significant savings for homeowners and businesses, while also benefiting the environment.

The report, commissioned by an environmental organization, compares two scenarios: business as usual (BAU), where new homes and businesses continue using gas, and a "no new gas" (NNG) scenario, where all new construction becomes fully electric starting in July 2024.

The results are promising.  Under the NNG scenario, the average NSW homeowner could save a whopping $608 per year on energy bills over their home's lifetime.  That translates to a cool $7,900 per household over 40 years, with a collective saving of a staggering $5.3 billion for NSW households over the same period.  But the benefits extend beyond homes.  Commercial buildings transitioning to electric power could save a combined $1.3 billion over 40 years.

In the absence of a state-wide policy, several NSW councils are taking matters into their own hands.  Councils in Parramatta, Waverley, Lane Cove, Newcastle, City of Sydney, Inner West, Canada Bay, and Ryde are leading the charge, implementing bans on new gas connections in their areas.  This grassroots movement echoes a similar policy recently adopted by Victoria's government, which mandates all-electric new homes and businesses.

The report highlights further advantages of the NNG scenario:

• Blacktown in western Sydney and the city of Sydney stand to see the biggest financial savings for residents and commercial buildings, respectively.

• The total potential savings over 40 years could reach a staggering $6.6 billion if gas connections for new buildings are banned across the state.

• This transition could lead to cumulative emissions savings of 39 million tonnes over 40 years, equivalent to taking 313,000 cars off the road annually.

The report emphasizes that gas bans represent a "high reward, no regrets" policy.  Benefits include:

• Reduced energy bills for residents and businesses, thanks to the efficiency of electric appliances.

• Improved health outcomes due to reduced air pollution from gas appliances.

• Lower climate pollution through reduced reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with Australia's growing focus on renewable energy.

The report acknowledges the potential for a slight increase in new housing and commercial construction over the next 40 years.  However, it doesn't factor in the growing popularity of rooftop solar and battery storage, which would likely further widen the savings gap between gas and electric options.  These technologies, along with heat pumps for hot water and heating, offer efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional gas appliances.

The potential benefits of gas bans for new builds in NSW are significant.  From financial savings for residents and businesses to environmental advantages, the case for electrification appears strong.  As local councils take the lead and the report's findings gain traction, a future powered by clean energy could be closer than ever for NSW.

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