Electrifying homes can help to lower household energy bills and address climate change. However, the cost and effort required to convert from gas to electric appliances is challenging for many households, particularly those on low incomes. Could it be cheaper, easier and fairer to electrify a group of local homes on a street at one time? In this project we are exploring the potential to scale up electrification and shrink the gas network in an orderly, efficient and fair way. We want to hear from you – share your experience, concerns, and ideas with use to help inform better ways to electrifying homes.
This project aims to provide evidence on whether switching small, localised areas away from gas to electric appliances can contribute an equitable, well-managed transition away from gas in Victoria.
Explore what financial and non-financial supports are needed.
Explore the factors that enable switching to electric appliances across a specific area.
Analyse people’s attitudes and decisions around local area electrification, particularly in locations where gas network upgrades are planned or most likely to occur.
Our approach
Online survey, which includes questions about people’s households, financial situations, and current energy use (i.e., heating, cooking and hot water).
Small group or one-on-one discussions to dive deeper into the thoughts, experiences and decision-making processes of electrifying a household. We will look to understand the extent external influences (e.g., tradespeople or local government initiatives) shape household decision-making.
Summarise findings of the survey and discussions in a report, which will be made publicly available on the websites of the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Life Course Centre.
In our previous research we surveyed and interviewed lower income households to understand attitudes, preferences, barriers and enablers to disconnecting from gas and electrifying homes.
Our key findings were:
There are a range of capacities to electrify amongst lower income households
Homeowners are in a better position to begin the electrification journey, provided they can afford the upfront costs and wait to recoup the savings over time
Access to solar panels is a key step for electrification – renters and lower income households need more assistance with this
While cost savings are a significant motivator for electrification, they alone are not enough to enable households to make the switch
Trusted advisors and intermediaries play an important role in decision-making
The voices of those facing barriers to electrify need to be heard and included in energy transition planning
Now, in the next stage of our research, we are focusing more on how households make decisions and the importance of their social context and place in electrifying.
This project is led by researchers from the University of Melbourne, in partnership with staff from the Brotherhood of St Laurence. We are part of a larger team in The Life Course Centre doing research to try to create real change for people experiencing disadvantage in Australia. You can find out more about us at here.
Funding & ethics
This project is funded by Energy Consumers Australia and the Brotherhood of St Laurence, which has a long-standing commitment to protecting and supporting low-income households through the energy transition. Read more >>
This project is also supported by funding through the ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course (the Life Course Centre).
This project has received Human Ethics Approval by the Office of Research Ethics and Integrity at the University of Melbourne (ethics ID number: 24478).
Would you like to participate?
Please read the Information for Participants document and complete the form below.
