Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous MP, has called on the Government to update regulations to give homeowners more choice when it comes to Hot Water Heaters.

Under the outdated regulations, homeowners must have a gas booster fitted to hot water heaters that are powered by solar.

This means that despite approximately 70 percent of new homes in Victoria being built using solar hot water, they are still required to have a costly gas boosted system.

At the time the regulations came into effect, they were necessary to give homeowners and renovators the option to choose solar as the main energy source while giving supply certainty through the requirement for a backup gas connection.

With advances in technology, those regulations are now restricting homeowners from choosing new very high efficiency solar only options – impacting their ability to both save money and reduce emissions.

Kat Theophanous MP has called on the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change to conduct a review into the regulations to see them updated.

A simple and targeted amendment to the Plumbing Regulations 2018 would allow households the choice of installing either an efficient gas or an electric solar water heater in their homes.

This comes off the back of the recent announcement of the second renewable energy target auction that will bring to life a further 600 megawatts of renewable energy.

Since 2014 renewable energy has increased from 10 per cent of our power to 25 per cent this year. We are well on our way to meet our 50 per cent target by 2030.

Quotes attributable to Kat Theophanous, Labor Member for Northcote

“This is a simple, practical step that gives consumers more choice, leads to more energy efficiency, lowers bills and adds to our track record on reducing emissions.

“Reducing our carbon footprint is not just about changing the energy mix. There are also practical steps we can take to reduce demand for fossil fuels and improve the efficiency of homes, vehicles and consumables. I know my community would greatly welcome it.”

Link to Hansard Video.