Gas distribution networks and their industry representative bodies have been promoting the message to households that their gas network infrastructure will continue to be used under a transition to net zero emissions. They have asserted that gas distribution networks will likely be repurposed to deliver ‘renewable gas’ to homes, derived from either biomethane or hydrogen, instead of the current supply of fossil gas.

These campaigns are inconsistent with the compelling evidence that electrification is the best option for decarbonising household fossil use. Electrification would cost less than switching to biomethane or hydrogen. Moreover, there are serious technical constraints to relying on biomethane or hydrogen for household energy use; by contrast, electric appliances for cooking, space heating and water heating are mature and already widely used by many Australian households.

Especially concerning is the fact that the messages presented in Victorian gas distribution networks’ ‘renewable gas’ campaigns appear inconsistent with their own statements to regulators, their investment plans, the opinion of the regulator and energy market consumer representatives.