Hot Water System Replacement Legislation

Hot water systems are one of the highest single energy users and greenhouse gas contributors in Queensland homes. From 1st January 2010, existing houses and townhouses (class 1 buildings) located in a natural gas reticulated area must install a greenhouse efficient hot water system (i.e. gas, solar or heat pump), when the existing electric resistance system needs replacing. Householders will not, however, need to replace their existing electric resistance hot water systems if the system has not yet failed.  Your property is defined as being in a 'natural gas reticulated area' if we can supply a natural gas service and meter to the boundary of your property at no cost.

Natural gas is a more environmentally friendly source of energy compared to other fossil fuel types such as coal, meaning that it has a lower greenhouse gas footprint for example, than coal fired electricity.

For those households not affected by the legislation (i.e. where there is a cost to connect from the natural gas main to the boundary), each will still be able to replace their existing hot water system with an electric system or voluntarily upgrade to a greenhouse efficient system.

You can find out if your property is within a natural gas reticulated area by visiting the Reticulated Natural Gas Postcode Search website or by contacting APA Group on the Natural Gas Connection hotline on 1800 007 427.