Changes to Regulations in Victoria
Changes are coming to gas in Victoria. From next year, there will be new rules affecting both who can connect to the gas network and the gas appliances that can be installed in Victorian homes. If you're planning to build, renovate or upgrade an appliance, it's important to understand what these changes mean for you.
The new Building Electrification Regulations will come into effect from 1 January 2027.
Summary: what's changing?
Connecting to gas
The Victorian Government has introduced reforms affecting new gas connections in Victoria:
- New buildings - From 1 January 2027, all new homes and most commercial buildings must be all-electric and will not be eligible to connect to the gas network
- Existing buildings - From 1 January 2027, existing properties that are not already connected to gas will generally not be eligible to obtain a new gas connection.
Buildings not affected by the new connection restrictions
The new connection restrictions do not apply to:
- Industrial, manufacturing and agricultural buildings
- Existing commercial buildings
Projects already underway
Some projects that are already sufficiently advanced may still be eligible for a gas connection after 1 January 2027.
New gas connections after 1 January 2027 will generally only be available where:
- an eligible building permit that contemplates a gas connection was issued before 1 January 2027; or
- a building surveyor has certified that the project qualifies for the section 10 transitional arrangements under the Building Act.
For the most up-to-date information on Victoria's gas appliance transition and exemption criteria, please refer to the Victorian Government's Gas Substitution Roadmap. This is the official source of information on the requirements affecting homeowners, landlords, builders and property developers. Some exemptions may apply, depending on your circumstances.
Customers should review the Victorian Government’s guidance or seek advice from a licensed plumber, electrician or other qualified professional where appropriate.
Read more here: Victoria’s Gas Substitution Roadmap
Hot Water Systems
Owner-occupied and Rental properties
The Victorian Government has introduced new requirements for hot water system replacements in owner-occupied homes and rental properties.
From 1 March 2027, if a gas instantaneous (continuous flow) hot water system reaches end-of-life and cannot be repaired, it will need to be replaced with an electric alternative.
Gas storage hot water systems (tanks with a pilot light) can continue to be replaced on a like-for-like basis.
Additional hot water system exemptions may also apply. See the full list of exemptions below.
Heating
Owner-occupied homes
There are no planned restrictions on existing gas space heating systems.
Rental properties
From 1 March 2027, gas heaters in existing Class 1 (house) and Class 2 (apartment) rental properties will generally need to be replaced with an electric alternative at end-of-life.
Limited exceptions apply, including where:
- the replacement is covered by a manufacturer, supplier or installer warranty; or
- the replacement is being carried out under a contract entered into before 1 March 2027.
A reliable energy choice
Gas is a great choice, and the energy of choice, for a huge number of Victorians.