The NSW Government’s decision to overturn the ban on hot water heaters has been a welcomed decision.
Late last year, Energy Minister Chris Hartcher announced the reversal of Labor’s decision to phase out electric hot water systems, meaning households will no longer be forced into buying expensive new systems.
Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams, who has welcomed the choice said, “Given households in the Port Macquarie electorate do not have the option of gas hot water from a reticulated system, this is a very significant announcement for those households struggling with rising costs.
“Approximately two-thirds of households in NSW do not have the option of gas hot water from a reticulated system, meaning consumers without gas options would be forced to invest thousands of dollars on alternatives including heat pumps or solar heating,” she said.
The previous Labor Government signed up to the Federal Government policy of banning the installation of electric hot water heaters in new houses in December 2010.
Stage two of the phase out, which involved banning electric systems in existing houses, was intended to come into force last year.
“It is unreasonable for Labor to expect households to bear the costs of expensive green programs and be slugged with the bill when being forced to replace existing hot water units with new systems,” Mr Hartcher said.
“Only seven per cent of NSW households have solar heating and the majority don’t have access to reticulated gas. Enforcing Labor’s policy where consumers would have to invest around $4000 on alternatives would be inequitable and unfair.”
