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<h2>Understanding Community Electrification</h2>https://switchedon.reneweconomy.com.au/content/myths-about-electrificationThe electrification of everything is increasingly seen as the best way to get to net zero by 2050. But some myths and half truths about electric appliances and electrification have emerged.Since around 2010, a movement to electrify heating and cooking in homes has grown exponentially, first driven by environmental incentives, then by the improved economics and performance of electric appliances and the dramatic increase in the cost of gas.More recently the movement has gained new momentum with the evidence mounting about health risks from using gas in the home.Governments and regulators are questioning the future of the gas networks, and ‘electrification’ is gaining wider appeal.At the same time, electric vehicles have gone from being the domain of techno-enthusiasts to most motorist’s dream car.With some of the conventional wisdom turned on it’s head, a few new myths and half-truths have emerged, so let’s look at some of these claims.<figure id="figure-wkbo1pdhyim85bx6b3"><img id="wkbo1pdhyim85bx6b3" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1402767209/photo/modern-new-homes-sharing-the-environment-with-power-lines-midwestern-usa-summertime.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=oG44gznZbzU4e_TvLPbPFTKGjbZqBXi9Ef1p1L0a60c=" alt="community electricity" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1402767209/photo/modern-new-homes-sharing-the-environment-with-power-lines-midwestern-usa-summertime.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=oG44gznZbzU4e_TvLPbPFTKGjbZqBXi9Ef1p1L0a60c=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure>Myth 1: “Electric appliances are less efficient than their gas counterparts” &nbsp;False. Electric appliances have the potential for high efficiency. They use less energy than gas appliances to do the same job which makes them cheaper to run. Gas space and water heaters are up to only 80% efficient - 20% of gas energy is lost to the atmosphere as waste heat. Efficient electric space and water heaters do the opposite - they transfer heat from the atmosphere and are 300-500% efficient, which means they produce 5 times more energy than what they use. Myth 2: “Electrification will increase the price of electricity” &nbsp;False. In fact electrification will probably lower electricity prices for everyone. While more investment will be needed in some parts of the electricity grid to meet higher peak demand, the increased demand means the cost of the existing grid will be recovered from a larger base, driving down the price of electricity. As the energy system evolves with more renewable energy, storage and smart operating, it can accommodate increased demand more efficiently. This will offset the need for new investment.<figure id="figure-fbtf1mha9nm8fcubjv"><img id="fbtf1mha9nm8fcubjv" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1463032813/photo/high-voltage-electric-pole-with-blue-sky.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=VetjPUEFEMFcJ1aj7enKZ2kJaPOUOr1xTu8hD1lpYuk=" alt="High Voltage Electric Pole with Blue Sky" title="High Voltage Electric Pole with Blue Sky" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1463032813/photo/high-voltage-electric-pole-with-blue-sky.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=VetjPUEFEMFcJ1aj7enKZ2kJaPOUOr1xTu8hD1lpYuk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Myth 3: “Electrifying all appliances will overload the grid” &nbsp;False. The fear that the widespread adoption of electric appliances will overwhelm the grid and lead to widespread power outages is unfounded. Electric grids can be upgraded and modernised to handle the increased load, and smart grid technologies can optimise energy distribution. Myth 4: “Electric appliances are less powerful or reliable” &nbsp;Mostly false. Technological advancements have significantly improved the performance of electric appliances, making them just as capable, and in many cases, superior. Electric appliances have proven to be highly reliable and often require less maintenance, leading to increased overall efficiency and convenience.<figure id="figure-2ymxba943m8fcv8we"><img id="2ymxba943m8fcv8we" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1002563546/photo/energy-transport-and-destination.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=3eVo2yhtYbYeH7JZfagumkCTRVE_lYUVgA9JO22YbLA=" alt="Energy Transport and Destination" title="Energy Transport and Destination" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1002563546/photo/energy-transport-and-destination.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=3eVo2yhtYbYeH7JZfagumkCTRVE_lYUVgA9JO22YbLA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Myth 5: “Electrification requires costly and extensive home rewiring” &nbsp;Partly true. Often a new circuit needs to be installed for new electric appliances, and more extensive wiring upgrades may be required for older homes or appliances with high power needs, like induction stoves or fast electric vehicle chargers. For some homes, the rewiring will be prohibitive in cost, but many homes are already equipped to handle the increased use of electric appliances without major modifications, with a wiring cost in the hundreds of dollars. Additional costs for electrical works are usually minor when the trigger for electrification is a renovation. Myth 6: “Electric appliances are too noisy” &nbsp;Mostly false. Whilst some older heat pumps and air-conditioners were noisy and disruptive, modern quality electric appliances can operate quietly, offering a comfortable and peaceful environment. The external unit for a split system air conditioner is no noisier than one for a ducted gas heater, but some homes - particularly apartments - have limited options to install these out of audible range. When it comes to cars though, there is no comparison between the noise generated by any car with an internal combustion engine and the noise NOT generated by an electric vehicle!‍Myth 7: “Electrification will lead to a decrease in appliance choice and variety” &nbsp;False. The market for different electric appliances is well established and continuing to expand rapidly as demand grows, with continued innovation providing an increasing range of options for consumers and keeping costs down. At the same time, gas appliance and combustion vehicle manufacturers face the ‘Kodak moment’ of dropping demand for their products. This will limit innovation and potentially increasing the cost of appliances and spare parts.<figure id="figure-yw9jjgasum8fcwwdt"><img id="yw9jjgasum8fcwwdt" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2191739368/photo/phone-iot-connected-objects.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=CQGGMAeb4i4LdX84JYjOAxBMU5qy28wNENA4Jl1VVjU=" alt="phone IOT connected objects" title="phone IOT connected objects" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2191739368/photo/phone-iot-connected-objects.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=CQGGMAeb4i4LdX84JYjOAxBMU5qy28wNENA4Jl1VVjU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Myth 8: “Electric appliances are more expensive” &nbsp;Partly true. Whilst most efficient electric appliances are more expensive to buy, they are much less expensive to run than their fossil fuel equivalents, with the cost savings far outweighing the higher up front cost over the lifetime of the appliance. Advancements in energy-efficient technologies and declining renewable energy costs continue to make electric appliances more cost-effective.‍Myth 9: "Electric appliances are more dangerous" ‍False. This myth suggests that electric appliances pose a greater risk of accidents, such as electrical shocks or fires. However, electric appliances undergo rigorous safety standards and regulations to ensure their reliability and safety. Furthermore, the widespread use of gas in homes has now been shown to have substantial negative health impacts including the respiratory effects of nitrogen dioxide and the toxicity as a result of acute or chronic exposure to carbon monoxide.‍Myth 10: “Gas appliances aren’t affected by power outages like electric appliances, and two fuel options are better than one”&nbsp; &nbsp;Mostly false: Houses connected to the power grid are subject to occasional power outages. Backup home battery storage systems and generators can provide electricity during power interruptions, but these aren’t cheap or widely used in metropolitan areas. Most gas heaters won’t work in a blackout as they rely on electric fans, but gas stoves and hot water systems can continue to work in a blackout. This has obvious appeal. However, a typical urban home experiences an hour or two of blackouts in an average year, so you have to ask, is it worth spending hundreds of dollars more each year to run gas appliances just to avoid a couple of hours without hot water or a stovetop?&nbsp;‍ Myth 11: “Electric vehicles have limited range and take too long to charge” &nbsp;Mostly false. While most EV’s don’t go as far on a full charge as a full tank of fossil fuel, they provide ample range for commuting and other day-to-day transport needs. Fast-charging infrastructure is also rapidly expanding, making charging more convenient. Charging EVs from a normal power point is a slow process, but a good option for people who can leave their vehicle to charge overnight.<figure id="figure-i3ezhtfgvm8fd071n"><img id="i3ezhtfgvm8fd071n" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1884482638/photo/charging-stations-for-electric-cars-at-a-parking-lot.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=jKkkb7-eB8-cV4O4A-Y8V_T1nzJjnOV3Xy72b-diAxs=" alt="Charging stations for electric cars at a parking lot" title="Charging stations for electric cars at a parking lot" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1884482638/photo/charging-stations-for-electric-cars-at-a-parking-lot.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=jKkkb7-eB8-cV4O4A-Y8V_T1nzJjnOV3Xy72b-diAxs=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Myth 12: “Electrification will result in massive job losses” &nbsp;False. As the energy sector evolves and transitions, there will be a need for a massive number of workers in renewable energy industries, electrical trades, engineering, electric vehicle and appliance manufacturing, charging infrastructure and appliance installation, and more. And while widespread electrification is underway, there will be higher demand than ever for plumbers and gas fitters to remove old gas appliances, meters, and pipes and connect new heat pumps..  Myth 13: “Electrification will harm the economy” &nbsp;False. Electrification is a boon for the economy. Investments in renewable energy and electrification can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and global supply chains, leading to greater energy independence and improved national security. Myth 14: “Green hydrogen is a more efficient alternative to electrification” &nbsp;False. The production, storage, transport and use of hydrogen involves multiple energy conversion processes, making it extremely inefficient for use in the home and requiring up to ten times the renewable capacity of heating with efficient electric appliances. Hydrogen is chemically unlike the gas used today - it leaks easily and burns differently - so even if it was cost competitive, todays gas appliances (and many pipelines) will still need to be replaced to use it in the home. Bottled hydrogen could play a role for the most expensive-to-electrify applications, but no matter how much the cost of producing hydrogen decreases with technological advancements and economies of scale, electrification will always be more cost effective option than bringing hydrogen into homes.<figure id="figure-i2g6bwznum8fd1jvs"><img id="i2g6bwznum8fd1jvs" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1470650595/photo/hand-holding-light-bulb-with-a-camphor-tree-inside.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=5bQMxyCDwi_LlciMuMFvFJWach3_Ak0EdSijVbE7Tpk=" alt="Hand holding light bulb with a camphor tree inside" title="Hand holding light bulb with a camphor tree inside" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1470650595/photo/hand-holding-light-bulb-with-a-camphor-tree-inside.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=5bQMxyCDwi_LlciMuMFvFJWach3_Ak0EdSijVbE7Tpk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>‍

Myth-Busting: Common Misconceptions About Electrification

<h2>Introduction to Electrification</h2>Cheaper, Cleaner, Renewable: Our Plan for Victoria's Electricity Future outlines the actions we are taking to ensure our state achieves its renewable energy targets.The plan is built on 4 pillars:1) Enabling the renewables big build 2) Empowering households and businesses to lower energy bills 3) Managing the transition away from fossil fuels 4) Creating jobs, skills and supply chains. Read the <a data-mce-href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0021/715008/our-plan-for-victorias-electricity-future-summary.pdf" href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0021/715008/our-plan-for-victorias-electricity-future-summary.pdf">summary</a> / <a data-mce-href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/715010/our-plan-for-victorias-electricity-future.pdf" href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/715010/our-plan-for-victorias-electricity-future.pdf">full plan</a> Cheaper, Cleaner, Renewable: Our Plan for Victoria's Electricity Future highlights investment opportunities for the private sector to partner with us through to 2035.In 2035, our electricity system will be very different.electricity use will have increased 50% or more through electrification of gas use and transport around 4.8GW of emissions-intensive coal-fired power generation will have closed around 11.4GW of new grid-scale renewables will be installed, including 4GW of offshore wind there will be around 7.6GW of additional rooftop solar at least 6.3GW of short and long duration storage the VNI West and Marinus Link interconnectors will be online, exporting Victorian renewables and providing access to firming resources in the National Electricity Market.Enabling the renewables big build A balance of renewable energy generation and storage will be required to replace retiring coal-fired power stations and ensure Victoria’s electricity system is affordable, reliable, safe, and sustainable.Actions include:- Building <a data-mce-href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/victorian-renewable-energy-and-storage-targets" href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/victorian-renewable-energy-and-storage-targets">energy storage</a> – like the Victorian Big Battery – to help provide reliable renewable energy throughout the transition. - Supporting the development of our offshore wind energy industry, including establishing <a data-mce-href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/offshore-wind-energy-old" href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/offshore-wind-energy-old">Offshore Wind Energy Victoria.</a> - Introducing a statewide approach to planning Renewable Energy Zones and transmission, led by our newly established organisation, <a data-mce-href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/vicgrid" href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/vicgrid">VicGrid</a>. - Improving planning and approval processes to help strike a better balance between delivering the projects we need while managing impacts on our communities, landholders, Traditional Owners, First Peoples and the environment. - Bringing back the <a data-mce-href="https://www.secvictoria.com.au/" href="https://www.secvictoria.com.au/">SEC </a>to direct investment in more renewable energy generation and storage projects and helping Victorians reduce their energy bills and emissions. - Introducing a new community benefits approach that will require energy developers to contribute funds that will directly benefit landholders, Traditional Owners, First Peoples and regional communities hosting new energy infrastructure. Empowering households and businesses to lower energy bills We’re empowering Victorian households and businesses to participate in the electricity transition and save money by taking greater control of their energy.Actions include:- Helping people better capture, store and share their energy so they benefit from greater returns on their investments, including solar and batteries, while unlocking lower energy prices for all Victorians. - Helping existing homes and businesses use less gas and switch to cheaper, low-emission electric options through the <a data-mce-href="https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-homes-program" href="https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-homes-program">Solar Homes Program </a>and the <a data-mce-href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/victorian-energy-upgrades/homes" href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/victorian-energy-upgrades/homes">Victorian Energy Upgrades Program.</a> - Providing targeted support to low-income households and renters, through stronger minimum energy efficiency standards for rented homes and initiatives like the Energy Efficiency in Social Housing program, which will provide 45,000 energy efficiency upgrades by 2027. - Ensuring new homes are cheaper to run, healthier to live in and more resilient to extreme weather with 7-star energy efficiency standards and all-electric requirements. - Piloting a digital planner for households through the SEC, creating personalised plans to reduce energy bills and get the best value for money. Managing the transition away from fossil fuels As Victoria moves away from coal-fired generation, we will ensure safe, reliable and secure electricity supply is maintained.Actions include:- Supporting workers, businesses and local communities affected by coal-fired power closures. - Ensuring a <a data-mce-href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/victorias-gas-substitution-roadmap" href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/victorias-gas-substitution-roadmap">reliable supply of gas is maintained </a>for critical industry and a small amount of gas-fired electricity. - Working with the Australian Energy Market Operator and industry to ensure network reliability and community resilience. This includes addressing the effects of climate change, monitoring the impacts of severe weather events, and the increasingly unreliable energy from our coal-fired power stations. - Enhancing energy safety for the community and workers. Creating jobs, skills and supply chains For a successful electricity transition, it is essential to skill, up-skill and train Victoria’s energy workforce, and have a supply chain that meets our growing energy sector needs.Actions include:- Working with key stakeholders to strengthen local renewable electricity supply chains. - Developing the <a data-mce-href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/victorian-energy-jobs-plan" href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/victorian-energy-jobs-plan">Victorian Energy Jobs Plan</a> and the Women in Energy Strategy. - Working closely with the energy industry and training providers to establish greater energy-focused training to help retain existing industry workers and attract new talent. - Developing energy-specific education infrastructure for TAFE and other training providers, including establishing six new technical schools across the state and funding to improve hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. - Attracting, training and upskilling workers with the delivery of renewable energy training centres, including the Wind Worker Training Centre, the Renewable Hydrogen Worker Training Centre and the <a data-mce-href="https://www.secvictoria.com.au/workforce" href="https://www.secvictoria.com.au/workforce">SEC Centre of Training Excellence</a> and delivering Solar Victoria’s Training and Workforce Development program.

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Myth-Busting: Common Misconceptions About Electrification

The Victorian Government's vision for Victoria’s future e...