City of Sydney wants to ban gas in new builds – can it do it and is it worth it?

Health professionals and climate organisations have welcomed the move by the city of Sydney to ban gas, but critics say it could lead to higher energy bills and hurt businesses. Photograph: Hollandse Hoogte/Shutterstock

The debate over banning gas has heated up again in New South Wales after the city of Sydney voted to begin the process of electrifying new homes and some businesses.

Eight out of 10 councillors voted on Monday night to investigate how to change the council’s local planning rules to ban new gas connections.