Richard Smithers and his partner Lisa have taken their family home in Melbourne fully off gas, but it wasn’t part of some long-held masterplan. When they renovated in the early 2000s, climate concerns were there, but electrification wasn’t the priority.
Several years later, a mix of timing, technology and circumstance pushed them to go all in – they ditched the gas, installed solar, a battery and new electric heating systems, along with draught proofing and more insulation. Richard is candid that financial capacity made the switch possible.
But they haven’t only achieved emissions reduction and bill savings – their house is now much more comfortable, and they have greater control, resilience and independence from the grid.
