Majority of Australians keen to switch from gas to electric to lower emissions, survey finds

The majority of Australians feel positive about switching off the gas and turning to cleaner energy options, with environmental reasons one of the biggest drivers behind the shift, according to new research by the Australia Institute and research firm SEC Newgate.

In a poll about electrification, 55% felt positively about electrifying more homes, with 59% mentioning environmental reasons as a main driver of their opinion and 18% pointing to the potential for cheaper electricity bills.

Of those polled, 13% said they felt negatively about electrifying more homes.

When asked which appliances they wanted in their homes, electric heating, ovens and hot water won out convincingly over their gas counterparts. Respondents were more divided on cooktops, with 46% preferring electric to 43% who chose gas.

Of those who expected to buy a new car within 10 years, 25% said they expected it would be an electric car and another 40% expected it to be a hybrid car. For those who had already bought or were considering an EV, environmental benefits, reduced running costs and the increasing cost of petrol and diesel were among the top motivators.

Noah Schultz-Byard from the Australia Institute said the Albanese government could support the shift in attitude by assisting the electrification of households.

The Victorian government announced a gas substitution roadmap to try and meet its target of reducing carbon emissions by 75% by 2030. As part of that, homes are being encouraged to switch from gas to electricity, with the state the largest consumer of gas in Australia.

Gas is touted as a cleaner energy source when compared to coal-fired power, but studies have found its effect on the climate is increased when factors such as methane leaks during extraction and transport are included.

The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, held an investment roundtable on Friday to explore renewable energy opportunities with major banks, financiers and investment managers.

Schultz-Byard said with support for EVs and electrification growing, the government had an opportunity to get ahead of the curve.