A WHITE Gum Valley community group is calling on the WA government to follow Victoria’s lead and ditch gas, claiming all-electric homes are not only cheaper and safer but better for the planet.

Electrify the Valley has thrown its support behind the Victorian government’s plan to phase out gas appliances in new builds and rentals, and is urging WA to get with the program.

“These changes will not only lower energy bills for local families but also create healthier, safer homes for everyone in our community – which is what we know the people in our community want,” Electrify the Valley spokesperson Roy Lewisson said.

“We urge governments around the country to follow Victoria’s lead.”

Under the Victorian reforms, all new homes must be all-electric, and minimum energy efficiency standards are being introduced for rental properties. Rewiring Australia, a national group pushing for home electrification, has praised the changes.

“Phasing out these expensive fossil fuel machines is the easy way to lower emissions and hit our carbon targets sooner,” Rewiring Australia’s chief scientist Saul Griffith said.

“Gas forces households to pay higher energy bills and leaves them at the mercy of volatile global energy markets.”

“Electric heat pumps and space heating systems are more efficient, more reliable, don’t pollute your home and significantly reduce energy bills,” Dr Griffith said.

Rewiring Australia estimates a fully electric home — with solar panels and an EV — could save the average Australian household $4,100 a year over a 15-year appliance life cycle.

But Electrify the Valley says renters are often left behind in the energy transition.

“In our community, many renters are feeling locked out of the electrification benefits,” Mr Lewisson said. 

“Requiring landlords to electrify their investment properties, when gas appliances need to be replaced, is crucial in supporting renters.”

Electrify the Valley is a grassroots volunteer group helping locals lower their energy bills and emissions through electrification — and they say it’s time for WA to catch up.

“Victoria’s efficiency standards are nation-leading and we strongly encourage other states to urgently take similar steps to reduce household bills,” Mr Lewisson said.