The Master Plumbers Australia & New Zealand (MPANZ) today expressed its support for more Australians choosing gas over fully electric energy solutions.
This shift emphasises gas’s reliability and critical importance as an energy source as we transition to a lower-carbon future.
MPANZ spokesperson on Gas, Nathaniel Smith, noted that integrating biogas and hydrogen with natural gas will further enhance the environmental benefits of using gas as technology advances. “We are seeing a future where the gas in our pipelines is even cleaner, thanks to these innovative blends,” Smith said. “Gas is not just a reliable energy source, but also a pivotal part of our journey towards a more sustainable energy mix.”
Recent industry reports confirm this trend, showing that gas companies in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia have increased their customer bases over the past two years. This comes despite strong campaigns from environmental groups advocating for a transition to electric alternatives and legislative bans on new gas connections in regions like the ACT and Victoria.
The Australian Energy Regulator’s latest Gas Disconnection Report reveals significant growth, with Jemena Gas Network in NSW adding 35,000 customers, AGN in South Australia gaining 9,000, and three Victorian companies collectively adding 38,000 new connections. These figures underscore the growing preference for gas among Australian households.
In today’s Daily Telegraph and Herald Sun, Jemena spokesperson Michael Pintabona attributed this growth to consumer concerns about the reliability of electricity amidst the ongoing energy transition. “Customers see gas as a crucial part of our energy mix, particularly as we move towards decarbonisation,” he stated.
While some industry voices, such as Dan Cass from Rewiring Australia, argue that the rise in gas customers is modest compared to solar adoption, the consistent preference for gas highlights its continued relevance. Property experts also note the appeal of gas for its reliability and efficiency in applications like hot water and cooking.
As Australians continue to navigate their energy choices, MPANZ remains committed to promoting the benefits of gas as a reliable and increasingly clean energy source.
