The ACT Government have opened community consultation on a proposed regulation to prevent new gas network connections in the ACT. Please see below the correspondence with details of the consultation;
Now that the ACT is powered by 100% renewable electricity, fossil fuel gas accounts for more than 20% of our emissions – the second largest source following transport. The ACT Government is committed to reaching net zero emissions and will transition away from the use of fossil fuel gas by 2045 and electrify our city.
The pathway to electrification is a long-term project, and while there is no rush for Canberrans to transition their homes and businesses off fossil fuel gas over the next two decades, we need to start now to prevent, where feasible, new sources of fossil fuel gas use. Our transition starts well in advance of 2045.
We know that:
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- approximately 80% of all new homes in the ACT are still connecting to gas. These are homes that will need to be transitioned by 2045.
- all-electric buildings are a better choice for the environment and the future building users.
- fully electric buildings have lower long-term energy costs and will save owners money on electrifying building infrastructure and appliances in the future.
Community feedback will support the development of the draft regulation that is planned to be introduced in the second half of 2023.
How to have your say
We need your help to design a regulation for the prevention of new residential gas connections, so we can make sure the regulation considers the impacts of a change like this on all members of our community.
An Issues Paper and Summary is now available on YourSay Conversations: https://yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/pathway-to-electrification and we would like to hear your feedback on the issues we have already identified, and for you to tell us about things we may not have considered yet.
You can now provide feedback and learn more about the project by:
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- completing the online survey
- or submitting a written submission
Stakeholder webinar
The ACT Government will be hosting a stakeholder webinar which will provide information about the consultation and key issues for discussion to assist those wishing to provide their feedback through the consultation process.
A panel discussion with industry leaders and ACT Government representatives will also be held.
Date: Friday 17 March 2023
Time: 12.30pm-2pm (AEDT)
For more information on the consultation, have your say and register for the webinar, visit https://yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/pathway-to-electrification
I have attached the media release announcing the opening of this discussion period for you to share with your networks.
Should you have any questions or wish to discuss these matters further, please contact the Gas Transition Taskforce: [email protected]
I encourage members to provide individual feedback on the issues outlined above and attached. If you are keen to work with other members to provide more consolidated feedback, there are opportunities available to develop member-led policy papers supported by Engineers Australia. Please get in touch if you would like further information.
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Caitlin Buttress
General Manager, ACT
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