Victoria's Gas Lobby Unleashes Scare Campaign Over New Home Ban

The gas industry is accused of unleashing a scare campaign in Victoria to pressure the government to reverse a ban on gas in new homes.

A leaked document shows that the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) warned ministers that household gas bills could increase by $100 unless the ban is overturned, although no evidence was provided to support this claim.

The Victorian government banned gas connections in new homes from January 1, expecting this move to save households around $880 a year, or $1,820 once solar panels are installed.

AGIG, owned by a Hong-Kong led consortium, operates and owns major natural gas distribution networks and pipelines in Victoria. The company's business model will be affected when new homes are not connected to these networks.