Renewables companies blast Victorian transition plan
The multibillion-dollar Victorian Transmission Plan, unveiled by Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio in May, is the government's 15-year road map to replace the state's ageing coal-fired power generations with renewable alternatives.
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AU Financial Review
a day ago
- AU Financial Review
Renewables companies blast Victorian transition plan
Australia's top clean energy companies have poured scorn on Victoria's new renewables rollout plan, which they say will threaten the state's energy security by stifling their ability to bring on new power projects before the closure of coal-fired generators. The multibillion-dollar Victorian Transmission Plan, unveiled by Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio in May, is the government's 15-year road map to replace the state's ageing coal-fired power generations with renewable alternatives.
Sky News AU
26-06-2025
- Sky News AU
Victoria's Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action boss John Bradley abruptly quits amid green shift woes
Victoria's top energy and climate official has abruptly called it quits as pressure builds on the state's energy transition that has been riddled with issues over recent years. John Bradley, the secretary of Victoria's Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action since September 2017, sent an internal note stating he had informed Premier Jacinta Allan of his resignation. 'I've offered to remain in my role until the end of September, but will work with the Premier and secretary of DPC to confirm the transition arrangements,' Mr Bradley said in a note, per The Australian. 'Our DEECA staff tend to be on the 'front line' of big challenges. I know your work may often feel rewarding but it will not often feel 'easy'.' His resignation sparked an attack from Victoria's shadow energy minister David Davis who slammed Labor's energy policies. 'Prices have surged for gas and electricity with another gas price surge of almost seven per cent due on Tuesday next week, and electricity prices far higher than just a few years ago," Mr Davis told "Security of supply for both gas and electricity is also a serious challenge for Victoria after Labor's stint in government. 'The offshore wind debacle, and Labor's ideological commitment to a war on gas, have all contributed to serious looming challenges. 'The shoddy costing of the Victorian Transmission Plan, and the draconian and undemocratic approach to enforcing the Allan Labor Government's Transmission Plan, would give rise to concern by any wise, experienced, and independent senior public servant." Mr Bradley's resignation comes as the state attempts to reach 40 per cent renewables in its energy mix this year, 65 per cent by 2030 and 95 per cent by 2035. The ambitious targets are complicated by the state's plans to wind back gas - which were reversed this week following widespread backlash. The policy was part of a wider push to install electric heating models into homes. Additional strain on the state's energy mix may come from its plans to shut down its major coal power stations, including Yallourn, over the coming years. Mr Bradley said he would facilitate a smooth transition while the DEECA team continues on the state's net-zero path. 'I know this change comes at a busy time when our DEECA team members are working hard on delivery priorities, our big work program for 2025/26 and the drought response,' he said. 'I look forward to the chance to see you before I finish up.' While Victoria flip-flops on gas, the state continues to have the highest use of residential gas in Australia, with an estimated 80 per cent of homes still connected to the gas network. It was recently criticised by the bosses of two major Australian energy companies, with the boss of Santos likening Victoria's handling of gas development and its attitude towards investment to North Korea. Meanwhile, Beach Energy CEO Brett Woods said getting gas projects approved in Victoria had 'been a challenge'. 'Victoria still have had quite a negative policy in terms of what the role of gas is in the state,' Mr Woods said on Sky News' Business Weekend. 'I think the recognition now, with industry shutting down and foreclosures and other things, (is) that they need more gas. 'We're ready to help, we just want to get after our projects so we can move them forward.' has reached out to DEECA for comment.
The Advertiser
24-06-2025
- The Advertiser
'Class warfare': blowtorch on softened home gas bans
Controversial state plans to force homeowners to replace busted gas appliances with electric models have been scaled back, as debate rages over future power bill impacts. The Victorian government has ticked off sweeping appliance electrification regulations for homes and businesses. Under a preferred draft policy from December, it would have been mandatory for residential homes to switch gas hot water and heating systems to electric versions at the end of their life. Gas cooktops were excluded. But the incoming rules have been altered to grant exemptions for electric hot water systems that are too expensive to install, cannot fit the space or require a switchboard upgrade for non-safety reasons. Broken-down gas hot water heaters can also be repaired and systems removed and reinstalled during renovations. In addition, those who own and live in their home will no longer be subject to gas heating replacement bans. The changes were supposed to come into force in 2026 but have been pushed back to March 2027. Premier Jacinta Allan denied it was a backflip, saying the softened rules were in response to stakeholder feedback. "We've come back with a package that is about slashing household energy bills," she told reporters at a home at Reservoir in Melbourne's north on Tuesday. All new homes and new commercial buildings - other than industrial, manufacturing and agricultural buildings - will still be required to be built all-electric from January 1, 2027, as previously planned. Similar requirements are on the way for all residential and large commercial buildings and hotels in Sydney's CBD from the start of 2026. Minimum energy efficiency standards are also coming for Victorian rental properties and public housing from March 2027, including mandatory electrification of hot water systems and heaters at expiry. The revised home and business regulation changes were announced alongside a Gas Security Statement to avoid shortages forecast for southeastern states by 2029. The state government said its policies will save just under 12 petajoules (PJ) of gas each year by 2029 and 44PJ by 2035, enough to meet 85 per cent of Victoria's forecast industrial demand. However, fewer customers on gas will eventually push up network distribution costs for those left behind. Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio argued it wasn't an immediate problem as state gas connections are rising and Victorian residents are predicted to still be using more gas than every other state combined by 2035. "It's a bit of scaremongering by those people who want to protect their interests," she said. "Everybody wins from this." The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra was unconvinced, describing the imposition on landlords as "class warfare" and disputing the government's claim of cheaper power bills. "The government's writing cheques on electricity that it may not be able to cash," Mr Guerra told Melbourne radio station 3AW. The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association welcomed fewer blanket bans but argued the rules created a risk of unnecessary red tape and added pressure on households and regulators. Opposition energy spokesman David Davis said the reforms were a continuation of the Allan government's "war on gas" and consumer choice. The Energy Efficiency Council, Environment Victoria, Rewiring Australia and Climate Council all hailed the changes for cost, pollution and health reasons. Controversial state plans to force homeowners to replace busted gas appliances with electric models have been scaled back, as debate rages over future power bill impacts. The Victorian government has ticked off sweeping appliance electrification regulations for homes and businesses. Under a preferred draft policy from December, it would have been mandatory for residential homes to switch gas hot water and heating systems to electric versions at the end of their life. Gas cooktops were excluded. But the incoming rules have been altered to grant exemptions for electric hot water systems that are too expensive to install, cannot fit the space or require a switchboard upgrade for non-safety reasons. Broken-down gas hot water heaters can also be repaired and systems removed and reinstalled during renovations. In addition, those who own and live in their home will no longer be subject to gas heating replacement bans. The changes were supposed to come into force in 2026 but have been pushed back to March 2027. Premier Jacinta Allan denied it was a backflip, saying the softened rules were in response to stakeholder feedback. "We've come back with a package that is about slashing household energy bills," she told reporters at a home at Reservoir in Melbourne's north on Tuesday. All new homes and new commercial buildings - other than industrial, manufacturing and agricultural buildings - will still be required to be built all-electric from January 1, 2027, as previously planned. Similar requirements are on the way for all residential and large commercial buildings and hotels in Sydney's CBD from the start of 2026. Minimum energy efficiency standards are also coming for Victorian rental properties and public housing from March 2027, including mandatory electrification of hot water systems and heaters at expiry. The revised home and business regulation changes were announced alongside a Gas Security Statement to avoid shortages forecast for southeastern states by 2029. The state government said its policies will save just under 12 petajoules (PJ) of gas each year by 2029 and 44PJ by 2035, enough to meet 85 per cent of Victoria's forecast industrial demand. However, fewer customers on gas will eventually push up network distribution costs for those left behind. Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio argued it wasn't an immediate problem as state gas connections are rising and Victorian residents are predicted to still be using more gas than every other state combined by 2035. "It's a bit of scaremongering by those people who want to protect their interests," she said. "Everybody wins from this." The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra was unconvinced, describing the imposition on landlords as "class warfare" and disputing the government's claim of cheaper power bills. "The government's writing cheques on electricity that it may not be able to cash," Mr Guerra told Melbourne radio station 3AW. The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association welcomed fewer blanket bans but argued the rules created a risk of unnecessary red tape and added pressure on households and regulators. Opposition energy spokesman David Davis said the reforms were a continuation of the Allan government's "war on gas" and consumer choice. The Energy Efficiency Council, Environment Victoria, Rewiring Australia and Climate Council all hailed the changes for cost, pollution and health reasons. Controversial state plans to force homeowners to replace busted gas appliances with electric models have been scaled back, as debate rages over future power bill impacts. The Victorian government has ticked off sweeping appliance electrification regulations for homes and businesses. Under a preferred draft policy from December, it would have been mandatory for residential homes to switch gas hot water and heating systems to electric versions at the end of their life. Gas cooktops were excluded. But the incoming rules have been altered to grant exemptions for electric hot water systems that are too expensive to install, cannot fit the space or require a switchboard upgrade for non-safety reasons. Broken-down gas hot water heaters can also be repaired and systems removed and reinstalled during renovations. In addition, those who own and live in their home will no longer be subject to gas heating replacement bans. The changes were supposed to come into force in 2026 but have been pushed back to March 2027. Premier Jacinta Allan denied it was a backflip, saying the softened rules were in response to stakeholder feedback. "We've come back with a package that is about slashing household energy bills," she told reporters at a home at Reservoir in Melbourne's north on Tuesday. All new homes and new commercial buildings - other than industrial, manufacturing and agricultural buildings - will still be required to be built all-electric from January 1, 2027, as previously planned. Similar requirements are on the way for all residential and large commercial buildings and hotels in Sydney's CBD from the start of 2026. Minimum energy efficiency standards are also coming for Victorian rental properties and public housing from March 2027, including mandatory electrification of hot water systems and heaters at expiry. The revised home and business regulation changes were announced alongside a Gas Security Statement to avoid shortages forecast for southeastern states by 2029. The state government said its policies will save just under 12 petajoules (PJ) of gas each year by 2029 and 44PJ by 2035, enough to meet 85 per cent of Victoria's forecast industrial demand. However, fewer customers on gas will eventually push up network distribution costs for those left behind. Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio argued it wasn't an immediate problem as state gas connections are rising and Victorian residents are predicted to still be using more gas than every other state combined by 2035. "It's a bit of scaremongering by those people who want to protect their interests," she said. "Everybody wins from this." The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra was unconvinced, describing the imposition on landlords as "class warfare" and disputing the government's claim of cheaper power bills. "The government's writing cheques on electricity that it may not be able to cash," Mr Guerra told Melbourne radio station 3AW. The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association welcomed fewer blanket bans but argued the rules created a risk of unnecessary red tape and added pressure on households and regulators. Opposition energy spokesman David Davis said the reforms were a continuation of the Allan government's "war on gas" and consumer choice. The Energy Efficiency Council, Environment Victoria, Rewiring Australia and Climate Council all hailed the changes for cost, pollution and health reasons. Controversial state plans to force homeowners to replace busted gas appliances with electric models have been scaled back, as debate rages over future power bill impacts. The Victorian government has ticked off sweeping appliance electrification regulations for homes and businesses. Under a preferred draft policy from December, it would have been mandatory for residential homes to switch gas hot water and heating systems to electric versions at the end of their life. Gas cooktops were excluded. But the incoming rules have been altered to grant exemptions for electric hot water systems that are too expensive to install, cannot fit the space or require a switchboard upgrade for non-safety reasons. Broken-down gas hot water heaters can also be repaired and systems removed and reinstalled during renovations. In addition, those who own and live in their home will no longer be subject to gas heating replacement bans. The changes were supposed to come into force in 2026 but have been pushed back to March 2027. Premier Jacinta Allan denied it was a backflip, saying the softened rules were in response to stakeholder feedback. "We've come back with a package that is about slashing household energy bills," she told reporters at a home at Reservoir in Melbourne's north on Tuesday. All new homes and new commercial buildings - other than industrial, manufacturing and agricultural buildings - will still be required to be built all-electric from January 1, 2027, as previously planned. Similar requirements are on the way for all residential and large commercial buildings and hotels in Sydney's CBD from the start of 2026. Minimum energy efficiency standards are also coming for Victorian rental properties and public housing from March 2027, including mandatory electrification of hot water systems and heaters at expiry. The revised home and business regulation changes were announced alongside a Gas Security Statement to avoid shortages forecast for southeastern states by 2029. The state government said its policies will save just under 12 petajoules (PJ) of gas each year by 2029 and 44PJ by 2035, enough to meet 85 per cent of Victoria's forecast industrial demand. However, fewer customers on gas will eventually push up network distribution costs for those left behind. Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio argued it wasn't an immediate problem as state gas connections are rising and Victorian residents are predicted to still be using more gas than every other state combined by 2035. "It's a bit of scaremongering by those people who want to protect their interests," she said. "Everybody wins from this." The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra was unconvinced, describing the imposition on landlords as "class warfare" and disputing the government's claim of cheaper power bills. "The government's writing cheques on electricity that it may not be able to cash," Mr Guerra told Melbourne radio station 3AW. The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association welcomed fewer blanket bans but argued the rules created a risk of unnecessary red tape and added pressure on households and regulators. Opposition energy spokesman David Davis said the reforms were a continuation of the Allan government's "war on gas" and consumer choice. The Energy Efficiency Council, Environment Victoria, Rewiring Australia and Climate Council all hailed the changes for cost, pollution and health reasons.
