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Create your electrification plan

The ACT Government has partnered with Australia’s leading consumer advocacy group, CHOICE, to create an online experience – Make Your Next Choice Electric. The tool helps Canberra households to create their own energy transition plan and switch off gas.

The tool will:

  • help you identify by when appliances in your home will need to be swapped out
  • showcase the latest energy efficient electric appliances on the market that are best suited to your individual household needs
  • provide cost estimates for upgrades
  • provide estimates for cost and emissions savings because of your upgrades.

You can also access information through the Your Energy Journey tool on how to take action and transition to an all-electric home or business.

Canberra is electrifying illustration

Canberra’s plan to transition

The ACT is preparing to electrify our city and transition away from the use of fossil fuels, such as gas petrol and diesel by 2045.

To help the ACT prepare for an electric future, we’re developing the Integrated Energy Plan which will step out the pathway to transform the Territory’s energy systems into the future and ensure a fair and equitable energy transition for all Canberrans.

We’re doing this because an electric Canberra will allow us to power our city, homes, businesses, and transport in a cleaner and cheaper way.

Fossil fuel gas accounts for more than 20% of our emissions here in the ACT and transport accounts for more than 60%. Our plan to transition is to electrify our city where possible and explore the potential for a renewable gas market where electrification is not a feasible option.

We recognise that fossil fuels will remain an important source of energy over the next 10 years. That is why we are approaching this transition responsibly and sustainably over the next 20 years. We want to enable ACT homes and businesses to save money by taking small steps and making smart climate choices when transitioning appliances and vehicles to electric at a time that is right for them.

This pathway gives you a way to help you start planning for the transition and commencing the switch. We are asking you to consider making your next choice electric.

You can prepare for a future free from emissions, and we’ll help you get there.

Learn more about how the ACT Government made the decision.

We’re also inviting community feedback on a plan to transform our energy systems into the future and ensure a fair and equitable transition.

Have your say on the Integrated Energy Plan.

Our journey to 2045

In 2020, we secured a nation-leading 100% renewable electricity supply for the ACT. This was a huge achievement for the ACT and a significant step toward our net zero emissions target. Over the next 20 years, Canberrans will gradually transition their homes and businesses off fossil fuel gas to avoid higher bills and make more savings. The timeline below outlines what you can expect and our plan to help the ACT reach net zero by 2045.

2020

The ACT secured a nation-leading 100% renewable electricity supply.

This was a huge achievement for the ACT and a significant step toward our net zero emissions target.

2023

Community consultation on a regulation to prevent new gas network connections in the ACT.

A variety of ACT Government programs and supports are already available to help consumers begin to transition to efficient electric appliances, and access rooftop solar and battery storage.

Mid-late 2023 (we are here)

ACT Government releases the Integrated Energy Plan Position Paper outlining our proposed approach for transforming our energy system for community feedback.

Late 2023

Regulation to prevent new gas network connections in the ACT commences.

2023 – 2024

It’s a good time to start to develop your own transition plan for your home using our personalised transition tool.

2024

The ACT Government will release the first iteration of the Integrated Energy Plan 2024-2030.

Over the next 5-10 years

More households and business consumers will start to replace their gas appliances with electric appliances and when gas appliances stop working. It may take up to 15 years before an appliance needs to be replaced. More households will also replace petrol cars with zero emissions.

2027

ACT Government will undertake a mid-point review of the first Integrated Energy Plan to assess progress and provide an update on the City’s electrification.

 

2030

The ACT Government will release the second iteration of the Integrated Energy Plan 2030-2035.

2030-2035

The ACT Government will focus on actions to accelerate the transition for those in households that haven’t chosen to switch off gas. Technology will have developed clearer transition pathways for complex uses. A pathway for decommissioning the gas network will be planned.

2035

The ACT Government will release the third iteration of the Integrated Energy Plan 2035-2040.

2035-2040

The majority of our households will be electric, enjoying savings. Effort will focus on those most difficult transition challenges, and hard to abate industrial processes. Gas prices will start to increase more rapidly, meaning prices will be higher for those who are still on the network.

2040-2045

Remaining consumers who are still connected to the gas network will need to transition to electricity unless zero emissions alternatives are available.

2045

The ACT reaches net zero emissions. All Canberrans will be using affordable renewable energy to work, live and travel.

Working with our community

We recognise that the decision to transition the Territory to be powered by 100% renewable electricity is significant. We’ve prepared information to support our households, businesses and industry across the ACT. We’ll update this content regularly as we move further along our transition pathway.

Listening to our community

We have been engaging directly with stakeholders and the community to ensure a fair and equitable transition. This allows us an opportunity to better understand the challenges and opportunities the transition away from fossil fuel gas presents for ACT homes, businesses, industry and community groups.

We recognise that this decision is significant. This important step will help ACT households and businesses embrace sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel gas and have better access to affordable, secure, reliable, and safe supply of energy.

To help Canberra prepare for an electric future, we’re developing the Integrated Energy Plan which will step out the pathway to transform the Territory’s energy systems into the future and ensure a fair and equitable energy transition for all Canberrans.

An Integrated Energy Plan Position Paper is now available on YourSay Conversations and we’re seeking community ideas on how we transform our energy system and phase out fossil fuel gas.

Community consultation is open from 1 August to 12 September 2023.

An image of a woman on a couch in her loungeroom smiling and looking at her husband who is reading a book

Transition Modelling

Demand for gas has been in steady decline for the last five years. This comes as many people are already making the switch from gas to electric appliances and putting more solar on roofs, in order to reduce their energy bills and do their bit for the environment. ACT Government has completed significant modelling to understand how consumer trends and government policies will impact energy use, connections and the gas and electricity networks in the future.

The modelling explored several scenarios to determine what was the most appropriate pathway for the Territory. It considers the ACT’s net zero emissions 2045 target and ensuring a just transition for the community.

FAQ’s

The ACT currently relies on fossil fuel energy, such as fossil fuel gas, petrol and diesel, to power our city and transport system.  Emissions from fossil fuel gas and transport collectively account for over 80% of the ACT’s emissions (about 20% and 60% respectively). The ACT is committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2045 and is already moving away from fossil fuel gas use because consumers are using it less and less. We are also committed to electrify our transport system and support uptake of zero emissions vehicles, such as electric vehicles.

Powering our city with 100% renewable energy is the best pathway towards becoming a net zero emissions city. This is because the technology and skills to support electrification, for the most part, already exist and are readily available for our community to take up. It will also help energy consumers to save money, and maintain an affordable, reliable, and efficient energy system over the long term.

About a third of Canberra households are already taking advantage of the ACT’s 100% renewable electricity supply and experiencing the benefits of an all-electric home. Even more are embracing sustainable technologies such as solar panels and home battery systems. These developments show that our city is already electrifying and Canberrans are more than willing to embrace the change.

Fossil fuel gas will remain an important energy source over the next ten years. We want to approach this transition responsibly and sustainably over the next two decades. If you have a gas appliance that has reached the end of its lifetime and are looking to replace or upgrade, you can do your part by choosing energy efficient systems that use 100% renewable electricity. You will be saving money on energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint.

The ACT Government has also set an ambitious zero emissions vehicle sales target of 90% by 2030 and have committed to exploring phasing out fossil fuel vehicles by 2035. This means that the future of Canberra’s transport system will be increasingly electric and we’re encouraging Canberrans to consider purchasing a ZEV for their next vehicle if they are able to do so. The ACT has some of the most generous financial incentives available, including zero interest loans, stamp duty waivers and free registration for two years. Find out more on the Everyday Climate Choices website.

You can prepare for a future free from fossil fuels, and we’ll help you get there.

If you’re currently transitioning your home or business from fossil fuel gas to electric, you will need to think about switching off your gas connection. When you’ve replaced all your gas appliances with efficient electric options and no longer use gas, you can either abolish your gas connection or just close your account. You will save money on your annual supply charge. To find out more information on the differences between disconnection vs abolishment, see our Switching from Gas factsheet.

There is no immediate rush. We are not switching off the gas network overnight. Consumers can replace appliances at a time that is right for them. We are asking the community to consider making their next appliance electric. A good time to move to an electric appliance is when your gas appliance is due for replacement, rather than having to rush on swapping out appliances in 20 years’ time. You can start preparing your transition plan using our online tool, which will give you an estimate on how much money and emissions you can save by swapping out gas for electric appliances.

The ACT Government already has a variety of rebates and support available for households and businesses:

  • Sustainable Household Scheme provides no-interest loans for sustainable upgrades.
  • The Sustainable Home Advice Program will help you understand your energy use and the best ways to make your home more sustainable.
  • If you’re in financial hardship, the Low-income Household Program could help you find practical ways to reduce your energy and water bills.
  • The Renters’ Home Energy Program provides free, expert advice on the best actions you can take to make your rental home more comfortable and reduce your energy use and costs.
  • Canberrans can access a range of incentives when purchasing a zero emissions vehicle, including zero interest loans, stamp duty waivers, and free registration for two years.
  • Businesses can also receive a rebate for energy efficient electric appliances through Sustainable Business Program.
  • Businesses can receive free advice and support to electrify their vehicle fleet through the Business Fleet Advisory Service Program.
  • A range of other resources are available via the ACT Government’s Everyday Climate Choices

The ACT Government has partnered with Australia’s leading consumer advocacy group, CHOICE, to create an online tool – Make Your Next Choice Electric. The tool helps Canberra households to create their own energy transition plan and switch off gas.

The tool will:

  • help you identify by when appliances in your home will need to be swapped out
  • showcase the latest energy efficient electric appliances on the market that are best suited to your individual household needs
  • provide cost estimates for upgrades
  • provide estimates for cost and emissions savings because of your upgrades.

You can also access information through the Your Energy Journey tool on how to take action and transition to an all-electric home or business.

The ACT is aiming to transition away from natural gas use by 2045, so you have plenty of time. It may be helpful to think about where you would like to be in five, 10, 15 or 20 years. An example timeline for an average household or business could be:

  • Whenever you next need to replace or update a gas appliance, choose an efficient electric appliance instead.
  • Over the next 5-10 years: Improve your energy efficiency and consider rooftop solar and battery storage. Start to replace gas appliances with electric as they come to their end of life.
  • 10-15 years: Replace your remaining gas appliances with efficient electric appliances and have your gas connection abolished.

The ACT Government is planning to introduce legislation to prevent new gas network connections in the second half of 2023. Consultation on the regulation closed on 20 April 2023. New connections will still be allowed until this regulation is in place.

The contractual process and lead-times for new building construction will be an important consideration in the design and implementation of this policy for the remainder of 2023. It is not expected that a new regulation will impact buildings that have already received Building or Development Approval, unless the construction were to greatly exceed reasonable construction timelines.

If you are building a new home, please consider choosing energy efficient electric appliances. Independent research shows that an all-electric home in Canberra would save $9,000 over 10 years, compared to a home with gas, even taking into consideration the upfront appliance costs.

You can find out more information on the best appliances for your home and Government supports available to help you transition with the Make Your Next Choice Electric tool and Your Energy Journey tool.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.