For those considering building a home with us in Victoria, you might have caught wind of recent news reports. Victorian Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio has unveiled changes to planning laws, slated to kick in from January 1, 2024. These changes will put the brakes on new gas connections for sub-divisions and new dwellings that need a planning permit.
Feeling a bit concerned about what this could mean for your upcoming build? No need to fret. Our Retail Product and Studio M Manager, Andrea Barnett, is here to walk you through the changes.
Will this apply to all Metricon customers?
The short answer is no, Andrea says. “Most of our new homes are built in estates that aren’t subject to any overlays, so they only need a building permit, not a planning permit. With these developments planned months in advance, it will be quite some time until any new developments are affected. In saying that, we are currently seeing a shift in preference from planning departments, who are preferencing electric over gas in new developments.”
Are there any developments that might be affected now?
"The primary offering that may see an impact is our dual occupancy builds. These projects involve dividing one block of land into two (or more), requiring a planning permit," explains Andrea. "For those opting for a KnockDown ReBuild, where you're simply replacing an existing home, it doesn't always necessitate a planning permit, although approximately 25% may be affected."

How can I be sure if I can get a new gas connection?
"If you come to Metricon and find yourself thinking, 'I don't know if I need planning permission or not', we've got your back. We'll check your area and all the regulations for you, handling all the heavy lifting," Andrea says. "We're here to demystify the process and make it simple for our customers, so they don't need to worry about a thing."
What if I can’t get a new gas connection? What are my options?
"We're currently exploring the optimal choices with our suppliers and contractors. Metricon is in the best position to navigate these changes," says Andrea. "Our scale allows us to collaborate effectively with our suppliers, securing genuine cost savings on electric options. This ensures we offer the most competitive prices and the widest range of choices for our customers."
What are some of the options available if I do go all-electric?
According to Andrea, three key areas of your home come into play:
- Hot water
- Appliances
- Heating and cooling

"When it comes to hot water, making the switch to a heat pump is a breeze," notes Andrea. "As for appliances, the move is toward either an electric or an induction cooktop. Induction is gaining a lot of popularity, so it's a fantastic option for people looking to make the transition."
"When it comes to heating and cooling, the possibilities are wide open. We've got reverse cycle, split systems, evaporative, and we're also exploring panel heaters. So, there are plenty of potential combinations to suit people's preferences. Reverse cycle is like the halo product—it's a bit of a luxury, but fear not, we've also got some fantastic value options in the mix."
Are solar panels part of the solution?
"A lot of our customers are already thinking about solar as a more sustainable, long-term option," mentions Andrea. "It will certainly play a significant role, especially with the upcoming changes in the National Construction Code for Victoria slated for May next year."
"We typically recommend going for a basic solar package, but the sky’s the limit. You can upgrade your inverter, add a battery, and all these choices empower the customer to take control of their power usage and potentially offset some of their energy consumption," advises Andrea.

So Metricon can help me figure out what options might work best for me if I do go all-electric?
Andrea emphasises that Metricon is fully committed to being there for you every step of the way and ensuring the process is seamless. "With Metricon, customers are at the heart of the conversation because we aim to deliver the best result for the Australian lifestyle here in Victoria," she states.
"When you consider our hot summers and cold winters, our goal is simple: we want our customers to be comfortable in their homes all year round. We're always seeking that comfort factor. We're tapping into our extensive network of suppliers and thinking outside the box to achieve the best outcome for our customers. It's about providing them with choices and control over their build."
For advice on how to create a high-performance home for your family, check out this article with top tips from Metricon’s Sustainability Manager, Adam Selvay.