From Gas to Electric: How Esperance homes & businesses made the switch

Smartfix & Horizon Power: Helping Esperance transition from gas to electric

At Smartfix, we’re dedicated to providing practical, energy-efficient solutions that make homes and businesses safer and more efficient. Recently, we took on an important project in Esperance, working with Horizon Power to transition homes and businesses from gas to electric. This shift is part of Horizon Power’s gas distribution transition plan, supported by government funding, to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions. From 2022 to 2023, we helped provide a smooth transition for residents and businesses affected by the change.

Why Esperance?

Esperance is known for its stunning coastline, rich agricultural industry, and tight-knit community. As a regional town, it faces unique challenges when it comes to energy supply and infrastructure. The decision by the Esperance Gas Distribution Company to discontinue gas services meant that many homes, businesses, and government organisations would be left without essential utilities like cooking, heating, and hot water. To ensure continuity for affected customers, government funding was allocated to support the transition to alternative energy sources, making the switch from gas to electric a necessary and beneficial step for the community.

A major step toward cleaner energy

This unprecedented project brought together local trades, retailers, and the community to create a lasting energy solution. According to Horizon Power, over 85% of residential customers opted for either full or partial electric solutions, taking advantage of the opportunity to reduce energy bills and lower their carbon footprint. Additionally, 77% of those transitioning their heating chose an electric heat pump, embracing the technology for its efficiency and cost savings.

The work we completed in Esperance

Our team worked across multiple properties, disconnecting gas at the meter and submitting the necessary paperwork for gas suppliers to remove the meters safely. Inside these properties, we upgraded all gas appliances to electric alternatives, ensuring a seamless transition for residents and businesses.

Upgrading an aged care facility

One of the largest projects we tackled was at an aged care facility, where we replaced several commercial hot water systems and installed commercial heat pump dryers. This large-scale transition was designed to improve energy efficiency within the facility while ensuring reliable, cost-effective heating and drying solutions for residents.

Key upgrades we made:

• Gas Hot Water Systems → Heat Pumps & Solar Hot Water
  We replaced most gas hot water units with energy-efficient heat pumps, such as Enviroheat heat pumps, which are designed for reliability and reduced running costs.

  In some cases, we installed solar hot water units with electric backups to ensure consistent hot water supply while reducing reliance on gas infrastructure.

• Gas Cooktops → Electric & Induction Cooktop
  Induction and electric cooktops provide precise temperature control, faster heating times, and a safer cooking environment compared to traditional gas cooktops.
• Gas Ovens → Electric Ovens
  The switch to electric ovens allows for more consistent cooking temperatures, easy maintenance, and reduced reliance on gas lines.
• Gas Space Heaters → Split System Air Conditioners
  We replaced gas bayonets and space heaters with split system air conditioners, providing efficient heating and cooling solutions suitable for Esperance’s changing seasons.

Why make the switch to electric?

Switching from gas to electric isn’t just about upgrading appliances, it’s about improving reliability, efficiency, and safety. For homeowners and businesses in Esperance, here are some key benefits of making the switch:

• More Reliable Energy Supply
  Gas infrastructure in regional areas can be costly and difficult to maintain. Moving to electric appliances removes this dependency.
• Improved Energy Efficiency
  Modern electric appliances, especially heat pumps and induction cooktops, use less energy while delivering better performance.
• Lower Running Costs
  Heat pump water heaters and split system air conditioners are highly efficient, helping to reduce long-term energy bills.
• Enhanced Safety
  Eliminating gas appliances means removing the risk of gas leaks, providing a safer home and work environment.

A step forward in Smartfix’s sustainability mission

The transition from gas to electric in Esperance marks an important milestone in securing a more sustainable and efficient energy future for regional communities. With Horizon Power’s support and government funding, this project ensured that no home or business was left without essential utilities during the transition.

At Smartfix, we’re proud to have played a role in delivering energy solutions that benefit both residents and businesses in Esperance. If you’d like to learn more about Horizon Power’s gas distribution transition plan, visit their website for further details.