Energy Retailer Incentivising Its Own Customers to Ditch Gas

Energy retailer Momentum Energy has unveiled a program that will see the company incentivising some of its own customers to disconnect from gas.

Momentum Energy will cover the gas abolishment fee of $242 for Victorian customers who work with Melbourne-based business Goodbye Gas to fully electrify their homes.

The abolishment fee of $242 (including GST) will be paid as a credit on the customer’s final gas bill and only applies to existing gas customers who engage with Goodbye Gas to fully electrify their homes.

Momentum Energy is the mainland retailer of Hydro Tasmania, Australia’s largest generator of renewable energy. Momentum has around 130,000 electricity customers in the National Energy Market and around 70,000 gas customers in Victoria.

“It might seem strange for a gas retailer to be incentivising its own customers to transition away from gas, but Momentum wants to see more of our customers living fully electric lives – for their wallet, for the planet and to support Australia’s net zero carbon emissions goals,” said Momentum’s Managing Director Lisa Chiba.

“Going all-electric – particularly when it’s combined with adding solar panels – is one of the most impactful changes individual consumers can make to help the planet. 

“This is an entirely voluntary program and we will continue to support our customers who keep using gas. But given the long-term shift to decarbonise the grid, the argument for electrification will get even stronger as this becomes a reality.” 

Goodbye Gas takes the hassle out of home electrification with a service that gives customers access to vetted, quality products and installers at competitive prices.

Goodbye Gas Director Peter Steele said it was a significant development for a mid-sized retailer like Momentum to be encouraging its customers to switch from gas.

“The health, economic and environmental benefits of transitioning to all-electric homes are really compelling, but the process can be complex with multiple technologies and trades involved,” said Peter.

“Goodbye Gas makes the process of switching easy for customers by providing an effortless, end-to-end service. No headaches, no research, no trade coordination. We handle all the hard parts.

“Momentum Energy’s forward-thinking offer removes a key cost barrier – the abolishment fee – and we are excited to be supporting their customers to make the switch.”

According to Rewiring Australia, the average running costs of gas and petrol homes is $5,300 per year, while an electrified home with rooftop solar has running costs of about $1850 per year. That covers electricity, heating and cooling, cooking and vehicle costs.

In terms of emissions, research by the International Energy Agency shows that just switching to a hot water heat pump from a gas boiler can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent, even when running on emissions-intensive electricity.

Details on the Goodbye Gas incentive can be found at www.momentumenergy.com.au