Back to Everyday Climate Choices

Community Organisations

Why it’s important

The ACT Government is committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2045. We have announced our intention to electrify the city and transition the Territory away from fossil fuel gas by 2045. This is going to be a long-term transition, we are not switching off the gas network overnight.

As we move toward net zero emissions, renewable electricity will become our primary energy source – replacing gas for heating and cooking and replacing petrol and diesel in our cars.

What it means for you

We know that this transition could create challenges for community organisations. These may include:

  • the cost of new equipment, which in some cases may be higher for electric options
  • the space required and whether there is enough electricity supply available
  • difficulty finding alternative electric appliances for some commercial gas solutions.

We’ve expanded the Sustainable Household Scheme to support Community Organisations. Eligible Community Organisations can access an interest-free loan of $2,000 – $15,000 to put towards the cost of sustainable upgrades, like a hot water heat pump or induction cooktop.

Have your say

The pathway to electrification is significant change for our community and there will be many opportunities for Canberrans to have their say.

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 Your Say Conversations and government is seeking feedback on the ACT’s approach to electrification. The paper will explore what actions we can potentially take out to 2030, with a plan to review progress and release further stages of the Integrated Energy Plan in the lead up to 2045.

The Canberra community can now have their say and provide their ideas on the Position Paper by visiting YourSay Conversations.

FAQ’s

The Sustainable Household Scheme will soon be open for Community Organisations to access. When it does, you may be eligible to access an interest-free loan of $2,000 – $15,000 to put towards the cost of sustainable upgrades, like a hot water heat pump, or induction cooktop.

No, this is a long-term plan for the ACT. We want to approach this transition responsibly and sustainably over the next 20 years.

Renewable gases aren’t presently feasible to replace all the fossil fuel gas in the mains gas network. We are looking at the potential use of renewable gases for specific purposes where needed.

We’ve developed a Switching off your gas connection factsheet to provide to households and businesses. 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.

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.