Master Plumbers ACT is calling on the government to be upfront about the costs Canberrans will face in transitioning off natural gas, as public consultation on the shutdown closes tomorrow.

The industry group has also called for a government-led workforce plan for plumbers and gasfitters as the ACT moves towards ending fossil fuel gas use by 2045.

Master Plumbers ACT spokesman Joe Prevedello said the organisation opposed removing piped natural gas but wanted the government to provide a clearer transition pathway if it continued with the policy.

“The Government needs to be more upfront about the cost burden residents and businesses will incur to transition off gas and go fully electric,” he said.

The group wants households and businesses given advance notice of when gas will be switched off so they can plan appliance replacements and other work. It has also called for education about the risks of unsafe bottled-gas use.

Mr Prevedello said the transition would affect the plumbing workforce, initially creating additional work as properties converted from gas before reducing demand for gasfitting once the network closed.

The government is currently seeking feedback on possible regulations to support the transition away from gas, including better consumer information, stronger rental standards and restrictions on new gas appliance installations.

Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water Minister Suzanne Orr said when the consultation opened on August 5 that feedback would help develop a draft regulatory framework before further community consultation.

The changes form part of the government’s Integrated Energy Plan 2024-30 and its target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2045.

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