Make the switch to electric

Ready for a smarter, cleaner way to power your home or business? Go electric to save money, help the environment and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable space.

Households and businesses like yours are making the switch to electric. Find out how you can join them.

Understanding electrification

Electrification means replacing gas-powered appliances with electric ones. Instead of using gas for heating, hot water and cooking, you’ll use electricity.  

For most people electrification is a journey. You don't need to do it all now – start when you’re ready, save as you go.

Why go electric

There’s 4 main benefits to going electric.

1. Save money

Electric appliances generally cost less to run and maintain than gas. If you install solar panels and a battery, you can power them for free with your own energy.

Save up to

2. Cut your environmental impact

Gas appliances produce carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. Switch to electric, add solar and a battery, and cut your environmental impact.

Reduce your emissions by about

Electric appliances are safer and better for your health than gas. They:

• improve indoor air quality  
• prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
• are better for people with asthma or other respiratory illnesses  
• can be safer to use, like induction cooktops which have no open flame
• keep you comfortable year-round, like reverse-cycle air conditioning for heating and cooling.

Gas prices have risen a lot and will keep rising in the future. Switching to electric now helps you avoid these costs and sets you up for a smarter, more sustainable future.

Modern, electric appliances can future proof your home or business by making it:

• more energy efficient with lower running costs and potentially higher property value
• smart technology ready for better control, comfort and integration
• durable and low maintenance to save you time and money
• compliant with evolving standards to help businesses navigate energy efficiency regulations.

Going electric is easier than you think. You can upgrade your appliances one by one as they need replacing, or upgrade everything all at once if you’re renovating or building new.

We’ve recommended an order below to get you started, but choose what works best for you. Everyone’s journey can be different.

1. Do your research and make a plan

To decide which gas appliances you should upgrade, it’s important to consider both your current setup and future needs. Here’s how:

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Credit: Matt Beaver / DCCEEW

Find a licenced electrician to install your electric appliances and a plumber to disconnect the gas. 

Look online and read reviews and ask friends and family for recommendations. Make sure you get several quotes so you can compare options.  

Check with your electrician if your home requires further electrical capacity or wiring upgrades before you begin your upgrades. If you’re in an apartment, you should also check with your building manager.

If you’re planning to renovate soon, see if your tradespeople can install your new electric appliances.

3. Install solar and a battery

You may want to start with solar. It can cost more than the other upgrades, but it’s one of the best ways to reduce your energy bills and could save you $1,400 a year.

Once you install solar panels you can power your electric appliances for free using your own clean energy. If you add a battery, you can store your extra energy and use it when the sun isn’t shining.

Hot water heating makes up around 29% of an average NSW energy bill. This means a hot water upgrade can result in big savings of up to $800 a year.  Replace old gas hot water systems with an electric heat pump hot water system or solar hot water system, which use much less energy.

Heating and cooling account for around 27% of an average NSW energy bill. Switching from gas heaters to electric reverse-cycle air conditioners could save you hundreds of dollars a year. They are efficient, affordable and work for both heating and cooling.

Swap gas stoves for modern electric or induction cooktops which heat faster, are safer, easier to clean and better for air quality.

Once upgrades are complete, you can avoid ongoing gas network fees by either temporarily disconnecting or permanently abolishing your gas connection.

What to do as a renter

Even if you’re renting your home or small business, you can still take steps towards going electric.

1. Talk to your property manager or landlord
   Ask about replacing old gas appliances with electric ones when upgrades are needed. You can also ask about installing solar. These upgrades will not only help you as a renter, but they’ll also add value to the property. Learn how to talk to your landlord.
2. Use portable electric appliances
   If you can’t install permanent upgrades, you can use portable induction cooktops and plug-in heaters to reduce your gas use.