An electrifying issue

According to the 2021 Census, approximately 30% of households in Australia are rentals. In the push for electrification, what happens to those who don’t necessarily have the means or money to invest in upgrading their home?

The Monash Climate Communication Hub held a briefing on Thursday, September 3, 2026 with three experts to explore the issue. These included Dr Wendy Russell – Research Fellow, School of Engineering at Australian National University (ANU); Kira van Os, Policy Officer, Energy and Water Justice Program at the Justice and Equity Centre; and Associate Professor Nicola Willand, School of Property, Construction and Project Management at RMIT.

According to van Os, electrification makes financial sense for most households.

“It’s been pretty clearly acknowledged that switching gas appliances to electric alternatives pays itself back through bill savings for most people within 10 years or so,” she said.

She acknowledeged that “going electric” can mean different things for different people. For example, it’s not all about solar and batteries – switching gas appliances to electric can also make a difference.

Historically, the community was told that gas was a better (and cheaper) alternative, so there are still some common misconceptions.

The barriers

There are also common barriers, such as renters lacking choice in switching their home’s appliances over or households not having necessary upfront money. A lot of the focus in electrification discussions is also on people living in detached homes, not people in apartments.

“It’s people who have the time and the money to make that switch [that] do so,” said van Os.

“But then those who stand to benefit most are usually those who can’t electrify. Every new gas appliance bought keeps people locked in for longer.”

As people move away from gas, there are also issues around the financing of gas networks.

“As more and more people choose to electrify and stop paying gas bills, those who are left paying gas bills are facing increasing costs because the fixed costs of the network are spread across fewer people,” said van Os.

A/Prof. Willand also highlighted that self-installed plug-in solar systems are not yet legal in Australia, although they are common in some countries overseas. She said her research at RMIT has shown that they can reduce a household’s daytime electricity consumption and could save hundreds of dollars (depending on location, overshadowing orientation, etc.).

Such systems are ideal for renters, apartment residents and households who are unable to install conventional rooftop solar; although the cost of the electrician to install the inverter is expensive.

She said there has been increased citizen campaigning for the Australian Energy Minister to legalise plug-in solar.

“This certainly reflects the growing demand from renters and apartment residents and other households seeking affordable ways to reduce their energy bills and emissions,” she said.

The opportunities

Regarding self-installed plug-in solar systems, A/Prof. Willand said clear standards, technical limits, and connection rules are essential.

“It is also disingenuous to imply that plug-in solar will automatically mean that these systems can be attached to apartment balconies and that renters can take them with them when they move,” she said.

“For these outcomes, we need rental and strata law rule changes that empower renters and apartment dwellers.”

Dr Russell explained there’s just a basic mismatch of incentives in relation to landlords and and renters. She acknowledged some investors really are interested in sustainability and social justice.

However, the construction codes and standards are critical in creating more incentives for electrification changes. She believes mandatory disclosure of energy ratings is needed in house sales and rental leases.

“It’s a human rights issue really – people should have a certain standard in the their living environment, and particularly in the context of jurisdictions where gas decommissioning is planned,” she said.

Van Os said that without the right support from government, people will get left behind in the energy transition.

Minimum energy efficiency rental standards already exist in some states and territories around Australia, such as the ACT and Victoria. These standards help people like renters, who may not be comfortable asking for upgrades.

“In New South Wales there’s a home energy saver program which is a good example of a finance scheme that is targeting rentals and lower income earners, to ensure that the benefits of energy efficiency are enjoyed by those who need it more,” said van Os.

“There is a lot that needs to be done to ensure no one is left behind.”

The full briefing is available to view here.

Feature image by tezhangy from Pixabay.

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