What this means for you
Victoria is moving away from fossil gas to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency in homes. The new Building Electrification Regulations have been finalised and will come into effect from 1 January 2027.
These new rules will change how gas is used, especially when you build a new home or replace some appliances like hot water systems.
If you already have a gas connection in your home, most things will stay the same.
What’s changing and when
From 1 January 2027
New homes must be built all electric. You will not be able to connect to the gas network and building permits will not include gas appliances or piping. If your building permit is approved before 31 December 2026, you may still be able to connect gas.
Existing homes are not affected by this change.
From 1 March 2027
If a gas hot water system reaches end of life and cannot be repaired or safely maintained, it must be replaced by an electric hot water system.
This rule change does not apply to apartment buildings with centralised hot water systems.
From 1 March 2027 for rental properties
If a hot water or heating system stops working and cannot be repaired, it must be replaced with an efficient electric option, such as a heat pump or reverse cycle air conditioning.
At the start of a new lease, rental homes must have energy-efficient cooling in the main living area, this can include existing evaporative cooling. There is no requirement to replace gas cooktops.
See more information for renters
See more information for landlords
If you already use gas in your existing home
You can keep using your existing gas appliances as long as they are in good working order. These appliances can continue to be repaired and you can replace cooktops and heaters with gas models if you choose.
The main change applies to hot water. When your hot water system reaches end of life, you must switch to an electric hot water system.
If you’re renovating or rebuilding
If you knock down and rebuild your home, the new home must be all electric and you cannot reconnect to gas. If you are renovating your home, you can continue using your existing gas connection. The only time you’ll need to switch to an electric alternative, is when you need to replace the hot water system.
New gas connections
You can still request a gas connection if your building permit allows it. After 1 January 2027, new homes will not be eligible for gas connections.
If a gas service is installed before 31 December 2026 and your permit was approved in time, you may still be able to install a gas meter later.
What does not change
LPG (bottled gas) can still be used for barbeques or in regional homes for hot water and/or cooking.
Gas retailers
The roles and responsibilities for managing gas connections stay the same.
From 1 January 2027, new building permit rules apply. From 1 March 2027, new hot water replacement rules apply. These changes do not alter how connection requests are managed.
We will continue to accept connection requests where there is a valid building permit.
If you are planning a project, work with your builder, developer surveyor and local council early. This helps you meet the new requirements and avoid delays before contacting your retailer or distributor.
We will share more detailed guidance closer to the start dates including application requirements and timing.