A leaked paper from Australian Gas Infrastructure Group urged Victoria to drop a planned Jan. 1 ban on gas hookups in new homes and commercial buildings, claiming household gas costs could rise about $100 a year; Guardian Australia reported no evidence for the estimate.
The Victorian government says its position is unchanged and that all-electric new buildings could reduce household costs by about $880 a year, or roughly $1,820 with solar panels. Energy and Resources Minister Jaclyn Symes said legacy supplies from Victoria's Bass Strait are dwindling and prices are going up.
Guardian Australia reported the paper was given to ministers by AGIG lobbyist Ken McAlpine. AGIG owns major gas pipelines and distribution networks in Victoria, so fewer new connections could affect its business. Grattan Institute's Tony Wood disputed the cost claim, saying he did not understand why prices would rise. Environment Victoria CEO Jonathan La Nauze called the document a “scare campaign.”
