Gas versus electric in Victorian homes

Transitioning homes from gas to electric appliances is essential for Victoria to meet emissions targets.

Gas use remains high

Some 88% of homes in Victoria still use gas, a figure unchanged from 2023.

The survey classified homes based on gas appliance use – including heating, hot water, cook top and oven. It revealed the following spread

• All gas: 13%
• Mostly gas: 27%
• Partly gas: 34%
• Low gas: 13%
• No gas: 12%.

Gas appliance usage

Gas appliance usage is higher in Melbourne than in regional areas. Older Victorians (55 and older) are more likely to have gas heating and hot water systems.

Gas cooktops are particularly common, with around 66% of Victorians using them. This is closely followed by gas hot water at 62%.

Willingness to switch to electric

Most Victorians (60%) agree that moving away from gas is important, but willingness to switch entirely to electricity is split.

While 95% are open to switching at least one appliance, only 52% are open to completely disconnecting from gas.

Younger people are more willing to switch, with 71% of those aged 16 to 34 open to full electrification, compared to just 39% of those 55 and older.

Belief in the importance of households moving away from fossil fuels like gas, by age

Barriers to switching to renewable electricity

Respondents were asked about the perceived barriers to switching from fossil gas to renewable electricity. They cited the following reasons for preferring gas:

• Gas is cheaper and more reliable.

• High costs of upgrading.

• Preference for cooking with gas.

• Feeling secure with both options.

• Renters having no choice.

• Gas heats homes faster.

Recent appliance replacements

In the past two years, 14% of Victorians have replaced hot water systems and 8% replaced heating.

Findings indicate that Victorians are more likely to keep gas hot water systems (67% kept gas) than gas heating (46% kept gas). Over half (54%) of those replacing gas heaters switched to electric.

Connecting electrification and climate change

There is still significant uncertainty on the role electrification can play in tackling climate change.

Around 20% of respondents were unaware of this connection, and 32% were not convinced of the need to go fully electric. Understanding was higher among younger age groups, with 57% of 16- to 34-year-olds aware of the link compared to an overall average of 48%.

Fifty-three per cent believe electricity is better for the environment and 46% are unsure which option, gas or electicity, is cheaper.

Attitudes vary by age. Younger people (16 to 34) are more aware of the environmental benefits of going electric, but are more likely to be renters and face additional barriers to switch. Older residents (55 and older) are less willing to switch.

Beliefs about gas versus electricity