As part of a new initiative to cut gas use and residential energy costs, the Australian state of Victoria is encouraging the use of rooftop solar.

The newly formulated gas substitution plan describes how the state will employ energy efficiency, electrification, hydrogen, and biomethane to lower costs and reduce carbon emissions. This is to empower Victorian households and businesses to embrace sustainable and green alternatives to fossil fuels.

According to Lily D’Ambrosio, the state’s energy minister, “Clean energy produced by household solar panels along with energy-efficient systems is one of the most cost-effective ways to stay warm in winter and cool in summer.”

As per the strategy, decarbonising the gas sector necessitates immediate investment in solar, gas, hydrogen, and biomethane technology for better energy efficiency and renewable electricity generation.

An all-electric home with solar panels can have electricity bills as low as AU$850 a year and can drop even further if a battery is installed.

“Renewables are the cheapest form of energy and we’re making it easier for Victorian households and businesses to go all electric with more rebates as support,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

Conclusion

By 2030, Victoria aims to cut its emissions in half before making the switch to a net-zero economy by 2050. Approximately 17% of the state’s net greenhouse gas emissions are currently contributed by the gas industry. Till date, the state’s Solar Homes program has aided more than 200,000 Victorians with their solar system installations.