On 13 December 2024, the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) released the Building Electrification Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) and proposed draft regulations for public consultation. Consultation closed on 28 February 2025, after more than 2,600 responses were received from stakeholders and the community.
In June 2025, the Premier, the Minister for Energy and Resources, and the Minister for Housing and Building confirmed the Government’s final policy position to drive greater building electrification across Victoria.
The Building and Plumbing Amendment Regulations 2025 have now been gazetted. Under these regulations, all new residential and most new commercial buildings must be built as all-electric, and existing gas hot water systems in residential buildings must be replaced with electric alternatives at end-of-life.
The regulations are scheduled to commence on 1 January 2027 for new residential and commercial buildings, and from 1 March 2027 for existing residential buildings. This will allow sufficient transition time for industry and consumers ahead of implementation. Specific exemptions are provided under the regulations and detailed information is available on Engage Victoria.
Division 3 (45D, 45E) relates to the prohibition on installation or replacement of reticulated gas water heaters. This Division does not apply until 1 March 2027.
In short, this division outlines that a person must not carry out plumbing work connected with the installation or replacement of a reticulated gas water heater intended for use with a swimming pool.
However, Division 3 also outlines several situations where these requirements do not apply. Members are encouraged to become familiar with both the requirements and exceptions in the new regulations.
The new regulations can be found here: https://content.legislation.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-12/25-140sra-authorised.pdf
Full information can be found here: https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/households/electric-and-efficiency-standards-for-buildings
DEECA can be contacted on 136 186.
SPASA members can contact our team via [email protected] or 1300 021 482.