Today Abigail gave notice of a motion calling for NSW to ban new gas in homes by 2024, following the Victorian Government's announcement to do just this.
Abigail gave notice of the following motion:
(1) That this House notes that:
(a) energy provision is an essential public service which has been predominantly privatised in New South Wales,
(b) wealthier people are able to access cheaper energy sources more easily than people on lower incomes,
(c) the wholesale price of gas tripled last year, forcing more and more people into energy poverty,
(d) there are currently around 1.5 million homes in in New South Wales using gas, or with a gas connection, and another 35,000 are being added every year,
(e) gas is a fossil fuel, and one of the leading causes of the climate crisis, and the best way to reduce the climate impact of households is for them to go all electric,
(f) in addition to being expensive and polluting, gas is also unhealthy with research showing that using gas in our homes causes up to 12 per cent of childhood asthma, and
(g) making the switch from gas to electric will immediately benefit households by delivering cost of living relief from energy bills and price shocks.
(2) That this House notes that the:
(a) Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, last week announced gas connections would be banned in new homes and government buildings built from next year, and
(b) electrifying a household is estimated to save $1,000 on the average annual energy bill, or $2,200 for a household with solar installed, while also reducing emissions.
(3) That this House calls on the Government to commence the electrification of New South Wales homes by banning new residential gas connections by 1 July 2024.