If you run a restaurant, takeaway or café in Victoria, you've probably heard that the state is "banning gas". The reality is more nuanced, and for many commercial kitchens the immediate impact is smaller than the headlines suggest. Here's a plain-English look at what has been announced, what it covers and what it doesn't, based on the Victorian Government's published information.
Please note: this article is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change and exemptions apply, so always check the latest official guidance for your specific situation.
The background: Victoria's Gas Substitution Roadmap
Victoria's Gas Substitution Roadmap is the state government's long-term plan to reduce reliance on fossil gas and move towards net zero emissions. It covers a range of measures, including changes to planning and building rules, energy efficiency programs and support for electrification.
As part of this, the government finalised the Building and Plumbing Amendment Regulations 2025, which introduce new building electrification requirements phased in from 2027.
What the new rules say about new buildings
According to the Victorian Government's planning and energy websites:
- From 1 January 2027, all new homes and most new commercial buildings will be required to be built all-electric. Energy Victoria's guidance specifically says this includes commercial kitchens in new commercial buildings.
- New industrial, manufacturing and agricultural buildings are not affected by these requirements.
For anyone planning a new-build restaurant or food business, this is the big one. If your project falls under these rules, you'll likely need to plan for an all-electric kitchen. Timing, building approval dates and exemptions can all affect whether and how the rules apply, so confirm with your builder, designer or building surveyor early.
What about existing commercial kitchens?
This is the key point for most operators. The government's published guidance states that existing commercial buildings are not required to electrify.
The Building Electrification Regulatory Impact Statement released in 2025 also explained that existing commercial kitchens were treated as a special case, based on industry feedback about how complex it is to retrofit electric alternatives into existing commercial kitchens.
In practical terms, if you operate a commercial kitchen in an existing building today, the new regulations as announced do not require you to rip out your gas wok tables, fryers, char grills or ranges. You can generally continue to use, maintain and replace gas cooking equipment, subject to the normal safety, certification and installation requirements.
What about homes?
The changes for existing homes focus mainly on hot water. From 1 March 2027, when a gas hot water system in an existing home breaks and can't be repaired, it must generally be replaced with an electric alternative. The government has said there is no requirement to replace existing gas cooktops in homes. Rental properties have their own additional requirements.
LPG is treated differently
The government's planning guidance states that the electrification requirements apply to reticulated natural gas, and that the use of LPG (bottled or reticulated) is not affected. If LPG is relevant to your site, confirm how this applies to your specific project with your gasfitter and building professionals.
What this means for your business
Here's how we'd suggest thinking about it, depending on your situation.
If you're in an existing site
- You can generally keep cooking with gas under the new regulations as announced.
- Keep your equipment well maintained and serviced by a licensed gasfitter. Safety and compliance requirements still apply.
- When replacing equipment, choose quality, certified appliances that will last. Durable, locally made equipment with good parts support is a sensible investment.
- Keep an eye on future announcements. Industry groups have publicly called for future changes, so rules for existing premises could be revisited down the track.
If you're planning a new build
- Check early whether your project falls under the all-electric requirements, and what exemptions (if any) might apply.
- Factor electrical capacity into your plans. A full electric commercial kitchen can need a significant power supply.
- Talk to your chefs. Some cooking styles, such as traditional wok cooking and char grilling, are hard to replicate exactly with electric equipment, so menu and equipment planning matter.
If you're taking over or refitting an existing premises
Whether a refurbishment or change of use triggers new requirements can depend on the details of the work and the building approval. Get advice from a building surveyor before you finalise your fit-out plans.
Energy costs and efficiency still matter
Whatever fuel you use, energy prices are a real cost for every kitchen. Simple habits make a difference: turning burners down or off between orders, keeping burners clean so they burn properly, and maintaining your equipment. See our article on energy-efficient gas cooking for practical tips.
How Suha Industries can help
At Suha Industries (Complete Commercial Catering Equipment), we manufacture Australian-made commercial gas cooking equipment at our factory in Sunshine North and supply catering equipment from a range of brands. We work with Victorian kitchens every day, and we're happy to talk through your options, whether you're upgrading gas equipment in an existing shop or planning a new fit-out.
Call Suha Industries on (03) 9334 5999 for free additional discounts on equipment and a free consultation.
Sources
This article is based on publicly available information from the following sources, accessed October 2026:
- Victorian Government, Department of Transport and Planning – "Victoria's Gas Substitution Roadmap" (planning.vic.gov.au)
- Energy Victoria – "New electrification and efficiency standards and regulations for Victorian buildings" (energy.vic.gov.au)
- Victorian Government – Building Electrification Regulatory Impact Statement (2025) (vic.gov.au)
- Energy Magazine – "New Victorian energy reforms unveiled"
Always check the official Victorian Government websites for the latest requirements.