Businesses
Why it’s important
The ACT Government is committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2045.Wehave announced our intention to electrify our city and transition the Territory away from fossil fuel gas by 2045.This is going to be a long-term transition, we are not switching off the gas network overnight. We are looking at the potential use of renewable gases for specific purposes where needed.
As we move toward net zero emissions, renewable electricity will become our primary energy source – replacing gas for heating (space, hot water and high heat applications) and cooking and replacing petrol and diesel in our cars.
What it means for you
We know that some challenges for businesses may include:
- the cost of new equipment
- the space required for the appliance
- whether my electricity connection, wiring and switchboard can handle the extra electricity demand
- a preference for cooking with gas
- difficulty finding electric replacements for gas appliances
- if your business premises is leased, whether the landlord will permit any required alterations to enable your transition.
This transition will be a long journey. Many electric alternatives for businesses will become more affordable and available over time. For example, advancements in commercial induction cooktops or more efficient commercial clothes dryers. As we move further along our path away from gas, we will update this hub with more resources, information, and advice. We want to ensure this transition is fair and equitable for ACT businesses.
You may already be eligible to access the Business Energy and Water Program. The Business Energy and Water Program provides access to a technical expert and rebates up to $5,000 to upgrade to more efficient products. Small-to-medium businesses can apply.
Start your energy journey
The interactive experience for business has been designed to help you discover common gas appliances in your business, learn efficient all-electric alternatives, and access support and expert advice to help you with your energy pathway.
Register your interest
We will be consulting on options for a regulation to prevent new gas connections. To register your interest in participating in forums or workshops on the regulation, please contact gastransition@act.gov.au.
FAQ’s
The Business Energy and Water Program is open now and provides rebates to help small and medium business to upgrade to more efficient products.
We are also investigating more ways to support ACT businesses with this transition. We’ll make sure to update this site and provide announcements on our ACT Government social media channels as new information becomes available.
Renewable gases aren’t presently feasible to replace all the fossil fuel gas in the mains gas network. We are looking at the potential use of renewable gases for specific purposes where needed.
No, this is a long-term transition plan We want to approach this transition responsibly and sustainably over the next 20 years.