The Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) has reportedly launched a lobbying effort to reverse Victoria’s recent ban on gas connections for new residential and commercial buildings. The ban, which took effect on January 1, requires all new constructions to be fully electric. According to leaked documents, the industry group has presented a paper to government ministers arguing that the policy could lead to an annual increase of $100 in household energy bills.

The Victorian government has defended the ban, asserting that transitioning to all-electric homes will ultimately reduce energy costs for residents. The core of the current dispute lies in the validity of the industry's financial projections. While AGIG claims the ban will negatively impact consumer wallets, the government’s own modeling suggests that the shift away from gas infrastructure is a cost-saving measure. The leaked documents have drawn criticism from proponents of the ban, who characterize the industry's approach as a "scare campaign" intended to influence policy ahead of political cycles. As of now, the government has not indicated any intent to reverse the regulation, despite the pressure from industry stakeholders.