Consumers are moving away from gas

18 Mar 2016

Consumers are less likely to choose a gas appliance than they were five to 10 years ago, according to a survey by Renew, Australia’s leading not-for-profit organisation promoting sustainable living, formerly known as the Alternative Technology Association.

Among the findings of the Gas Preferences Survey, a significant share of gas users are making plans to switch appliances away from gas. Only 34% of respondents who replaced their hot water system in the past 12 months continue to rely mainly on gas for heating water.

The survey of 955 people across Australia looked at household preferences for space heating, hot water and cooking.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents were members of Renew, typically engaged energy consumers.

Kate Leslie, Renew’s energy and water analyst, said the trend away from gas was likely due to household economic considerations as well as concern about climate change.

“The results of this survey show that the current reduction in gas usage per residential connection that most gas networks are experiencing is likely to continue,” she said.

“We think that it may even accelerate as people increasingly find electric appliances more economically attractive for space heating and hot water.

“The majority of respondents who were not ATA members indicated a preference to move away from gas appliances, so that indicates that the trend is not just confined to early adopters but is more generalised.”

Some of the key findings from the survey were:

  • 62% of those surveyed said they are either “much less likely” or “less likely” to choose a gas appliance now compared with 5 or 10 years ago
  • Among home-owners relying on gas for space heating (mains or LPG) who have investigated their options, 33% have a plan to replace their main appliance when it fails with something different (mostly efficient electric), compared with 7% who plan to replace it with like-for-like
  • 79% of those who replaced a hot water system in the previous 12 months replaced it with something different, often heat pumps. Only 34% of people who replaced their hot water system continue to rely mainly on gas (mains or LPG) for heating water, compared to 54% who didn’t replace their hot water system.
  • There is considerable enthusiasm for electric induction cooking.

    • Renew is Australia’s leading not-for-profit organisation promoting sustainable living.

    Click here to read Renew’s Gas Preferences Survey.