No. As at July 2026, there is no blanket NSW phase-out requiring existing homeowners to remove lawful gas cooktops or hot-water systems. Local planning controls, appliance incentives and future supply policy can still affect new projects. Household LPG has a separate supply model, so check its future availability independently.
Where can restrictions apply?
Within the City of Sydney, planning controls restrict indoor gas appliances such as cooktops, ovens and space heaters in covered new residential development applications lodged from 1 January 2026. Broader all-electric requirements, including water heating, are scheduled to apply to specified new developments for applications lodged from 1 January 2027.
Other councils can adopt different controls. For example, North Sydney planning provisions effective from 1 July 2026 discourage gas connections and appliances in new residential developments. These local rules do not amount to a statewide requirement to remove existing appliances.
From 1 July 2026, some new gas-fired water-heater and boiler activities also stopped being eligible to create certificates under the NSW Energy Savings Scheme. That is an incentive change, not a statewide ban on existing gas hot-water systems.
Before selecting appliances for a new build or redevelopment, check:
- the property’s council area
- whether the development category and application date are covered
- the current planning controls, transitional provisions and consent conditions
- whether any quoted rebate or energy-saving certificate remains available.
Confirm the current requirements with the relevant council, certifier and scheme administrator because rules and approval pathways can change.
What about existing homes?
Current local restrictions do not require homeowners to remove an existing lawful gas cooktop or hot-water system. Replacing one may still be possible, subject to the property’s approvals, the appliance requirements and the suitability and compliance of the existing installation.
If you are considering electrification, review what affects a gas-to-electric cooktop conversion before comparing site-specific quotes. For a new home, confirm the planning position before selecting any gas appliance or applying for a new connection.
Installing, replacing or disconnecting a gas appliance, or altering or capping gas pipework, is licensed gasfitting work in NSW. Do not attempt it yourself.
For site-specific advice, contact our gas cooktop installation team or hot-water installation team to check the property, current rules and compliant options.