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The Australian Government is now consulting on the phase-out of greenhouse intensive water heaters in existing Australian homes.
Electric resistance water heaters are by far the most greenhouse intensive water heaters, accounting for almost 80% of all water heater emissions. As people typically replace their hot water system in a crisis situation - when their existing system has failed - the decision is often rushed, the cheapest option is generally preferred and replacement is often like for like. The most effective way to change this pattern is seen to be regulating against their installation.
In a Regulation Impact Statement prepared for the National Framework for Energy Efficiency three options are examined:
- Exclusion of electric water heaters from the entire replacement market after 2010
- Exclusion of electric water heaters from the replacement market in some areas after 2010 and in all areas after 2012
- Restricting use of electric water heaters in owner-occupied houses in areas not supplied by natural gas, and requiring rental houses to replace with solar, heat pump or - where available - natural gas
Public consulting meetings are being held across the country this month and you can find further details about venues and times here - www.mce.gov.au