City of Sydney Council bans gas appliances in all new homes from 2026

One of Australia’s biggest local councils has banned indoor gas appliances in all new homes.

City of Sydney councillors voted for the big change on Monday night, which the council says will save each household $626 per year.

Six other NSW councils have banned gas appliances in new builds, as seven more work toward the same move.

“We congratulate the City of Sydney for taking bold climate leadership and taking action where the state government is falling behind,” Electrify Your Council campaign manager James Conlan said.

“Gas is a dirty fossil fuel that has no place in homes. Stopping new gas connections is a no-brainer for cutting emissions and making sure our homes aren’t making us sick.”

Hornsby Shire, Lane Cove, City of Newcastle, Waverley, City of Parramatta and City of Canada Bay councils have all banned gas appliances in new homes.

The City of Sydney’s updated development control rules mandate electric stoves, ovens and heaters and coolers in all newly built houses and apartments.

The changes take effect January 1. Gas hot water systems are still allowed for now.

The council is progressing work to make all new homes, offices, hotels and serviced apartments fully electric by 2027. This further move would also rope in electric hot water systems for apartments and houses.

Independent research presented to council says the latest rule change will save an average household $626 on their power bills each year.

Prince of Wales Hospital neurologist Shaun Watson said the council was putting the health of residents first.

“Burning gas in the home releases carbon dioxide which is heating the planet. Gas used in the home also releases nitrogen dioxide, benzene and formaldehyde which are known to trigger childhood asthma,” Dr Watson said.

“City of Sydney has set a great precedent for other councils in NSW to follow.”