The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has released a warning that Australia’s south-eastern states are facing a major shortfall of gas supplies within four years as production from historic fields in the Bass Straight falls away much quicker than demand for the fuel.
AEMO has painted a grim picture for gas users from 2028 (circa 4 years from today’s date), when the agency says the closure of Victoria’s biggest gas plant will leave a major hole in supplies.
In Victoria, where 80% of homes use gas for heating, cooking and hot water, the government wants to encourage homes to switch to electric appliances, and use solar panels and batteries to power their homes.
What does this mean for households?
The electrification of our homes not only takes the pressure off gas demand but it also limits our exposure to international gas prices.
According to Victoria Government’s renewable energy roadmap,
Going all-electric also helps Victorians save money.
Going all-electric can potentially put around $1,000 per year back in the pockets of new-home owners, or over $2,200 per year with solar installed.
What is electrification?
Electrification involves replacing technologies that use fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) with technologies that use electricity instead as a source of energy.
Electric appliances and any electric equipment around the home not only enable the use of renewable electricity, but they’re more energy efficient than gas appliances.
Common household initiatives and appliances you should consider as part of your electrification journey include:
- solar panels
- reverse cycle air conditioner / heater
- a heat pump or solar hot water system
- electric cooktop
For example, by switching to heat pump technology for your air conditioner and/or heater and hot water system, you are likely to save 3 to 4 times heat energy usage. This means the emissions savings are realised from both energy efficiency and renewable energy usage.
The good news is Government rebates are available to help you with making the transition.
Why UNIfied?
At UNIfied, we are here to ensure your electrification journey is as efficient and seamless as possible. Get your FREE, NO-OBLIGATION quote for a tailored solar solution so you can enjoy paying less for your electricity bills. And at the same time, find out how you can save more with upgrading to the heat pump hot water system!
Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
