The Rise of the All-Electric Home: Is Gas Finally on Its Way Out?

For years, gas has been a standard part of Australian homes, powering hot water systems, heaters and cooktops. But the way Australians use energy at home is changing.

With growing interest in energy efficiency, solar power, battery storage and electric appliances, more homeowners are considering an all-electric home. In Victoria, this shift is already being supported by changes to building regulations and energy-efficiency programs. From January 2027, new Victorian homes will be required to be all-electric, while further changes will apply to some existing gas appliances from March 2027.

So, is gas finally on its way out?

What is an All-Electric Home?

An all-electric home is one that uses electricity instead of gas for major household energy needs, including:

• Heating and cooling
• Hot water
• Cooking
• Other household appliances

The idea isn't simply to replace every gas appliance overnight. Instead, homeowners can gradually switch to efficient electric alternatives when existing appliances need replacing.

Why are more Homeowners making the switch?

One of the biggest reasons is energy efficiency.

Modern electric technologies such as reverse-cycle air conditioners and heat pump hot water systems can provide the same essential services while using energy more efficiently. Reverse-cycle air conditioning, for example, can provide both heating and cooling from the same system.

There's also the benefit of having fewer energy sources to manage. An all-electric home can mean one energy bill instead of separate electricity and gas bills, as well as fewer gas-related connection costs.

Solar makes going electric even more attractive

Here's where solar power becomes important.

An electric home can make better use of the electricity generated by your rooftop solar system. During the day, solar energy can help power appliances such as your air conditioner, hot water heat pump and other household devices.

With battery storage, excess solar energy can also be stored and used later when the sun isn't shining.

This combination of solar + battery + efficient electric appliances can help households make greater use of their own energy rather than relying entirely on the grid.

What about cooking with Gas?

For many households, the gas cooktop is one of the last appliances keeping them connected to the gas network.

Induction cooktops are becoming an increasingly popular alternative. They offer fast, precise cooking and are now also supported through the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program for eligible homes.

You don't necessarily need to change everything at once. Replacing appliances as they reach the end of their useful life can be a practical way to gradually move towards an all-electric home.

Does this mean Gas is Disappearing Tomorrow?

Not quite.

Existing homes are not being forced to immediately replace every gas appliance. Victoria's upcoming requirements are being introduced gradually, and existing homeowners can choose when to upgrade many appliances.

However, the direction is clear: Australian homes are becoming more electric and more energy efficient.

For homeowners, the transition can be an opportunity to rethink how their home uses energy rather than simply replacing an old appliance with another gas model.

A smarter way to power your home

Going all-electric doesn't have to mean making every upgrade at once.

A more practical approach is to look at your home as a complete energy system:

Solar panels → Battery storage → Efficient heating & cooling → Heat pump hot water → Efficient cooking

Together, these technologies can help create a more comfortable, efficient and future-ready home.

Is it time to rethink your home’s energy?

The move towards all-electric homes in Australia is already underway, particularly in Victoria. Whether you're replacing an old gas heater, upgrading your hot water system or considering solar and battery storage, the right combination of upgrades can help you reduce energy waste and make better use of electricity generated at home.

BluPlanet helps Australian households explore smarter energy solutions, including solar, battery storage, hot water and energy-efficient heating and cooling.

The future of the Australian home may not be gas or electric.

It may simply be smarter energy.