Written by BluPlanet Admin8/8/2026
Is Going All-Electric and Ditching Gas in 2026 Worth It?
For decades, gas has been a familiar part of Australian homes. From the blue flame of a gas cooktop to gas hot water systems and ducted gas heating, many households grew up relying on gas for everyday comfort.
But the way Australians power their homes is changing.
In 2026, more homeowners are asking a simple question:
“Do I still need gas?”
For many households, the answer is increasingly no, especially when efficient electric appliances are combined with rooftop solar and battery storage.
From Gas to Electric: What's Changing?
Going all-electric doesn't mean giving up comfort. It means replacing older gas appliances with modern electric alternatives that can be more energy efficient and work together with solar.
Think of it as three key swaps:
Gas Cooking → Induction Cooking
Induction cooktops use electricity to heat the cookware directly. They offer fast, precise cooking and avoid burning gas inside the kitchen.
Victoria's Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program also includes incentives for eligible induction cooktop upgrades.
Gas Heating → Reverse-Cycle Air Conditioning
Modern reverse-cycle air conditioners can provide both heating and cooling from one system.
According to the Australian Government, reverse-cycle air conditioning is generally more energy efficient and can be cheaper to run than gas heating, depending on the home, system and energy prices.
And unlike a gas heater, the same system can keep your home cool in summer.
Gas Hot Water → Heat Pump Hot Water
Hot water can be one of the biggest energy users in a home. Heat pump systems use electricity to transfer heat rather than generate heat directly, making them highly energy efficient.
The Australian Government notes that heat-pump water heaters can use substantially less energy than conventional electric systems, although installation costs and suitability vary between homes.
The Real Game Changer: Add Solar
Here's where going electric becomes even more interesting.
Your electric appliances can use electricity generated by your own rooftop solar system.
Instead of Gas + Grid Electricity
you can move towards:
Solar + Efficient Electric Appliances + Battery Storage
During the day, your solar panels can help power your air conditioner, hot water system and other household appliances. With battery storage, excess solar energy can be stored for later use. That can reduce your reliance on both the gas network and grid electricity.
Can Going All-Electric Actually Save Money?
It can, but the savings depend on your home's energy use, appliance efficiency, solar system, tariffs and other factors.
Victoria's current government guidance estimates that existing homes switching to efficient electric appliances can save around $1,900 per year without solar, or around $2,230 with solar, compared with continuing with gas appliances (Energy, 2026).
These are indicative figures, not a guaranteed saving for every household. That's why it's important to look at your whole home's energy use, rather than simply replacing one appliance.
It's About More Than Your Electricity Bill
Going electric can also reduce your home's reliance on fossil gas and, when paired with renewable electricity such as rooftop solar, can help reduce household emissions.
It can also simplify your energy setup.
Instead of paying for both electricity and gas connections, an all-electric home can operate primarily from one energy source with solar potentially supplying some of that electricity.
One Upgrade Is Good. A Complete Energy Solution Is Better.
Going all-electric doesn't have to happen overnight. You could start with your oldest or most expensive appliance and gradually transition your home:
Gas heating → Reverse-cycle air conditioning
Gas hot water → Heat pump hot water
Gas cooking → Induction
Then add:
Solar → Battery storage → Greater energy independence
This approach allows your appliances to work together rather than operating as separate systems.
Is Ditching Gas Worth It in 2026?
For many Australian households, yes, but it depends on your home and circumstances.
If your gas appliances are approaching the end of their life, you're considering solar, or you're looking for ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce ongoing energy costs, electrification is worth exploring.
And with programs such as VEU and Solar Victoria providing eligible rebates, discounts or incentives for certain upgrades, it's worth checking what support may be available before you make a decision.
The future of home energy isn't about using more. It's about using smarter.
At BluPlanet, we help Australian homeowners transition towards smarter, more energy-efficient homes with solar, battery storage, heat-pump hot water and reverse-cycle air conditioning solutions.
Less gas. More efficiency. Smarter energy.
Disclaimer: As of the date of publication, BluPlanet is not currently accredited under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. BluPlanet is actively working towards obtaining VEU accreditation.
