Margaret’s electrification journey
Published on 01 August 2025
Now in her ninth decade, Margaret has been concerned about climate change all her life and she’s still leading by example by electrifying her home.
“I looked around my house and thought, ‘what can I change?’” she says. The first step: replacing her gas heating with a split system. “It’s very effective and in summer I can keep cool too,” she explains. The difference in her winter energy bills from that one change? “Phenomenal.”
More recently, Margaret had solar panels installed and she’s already looking forward to seeing the savings on her bills. “There’s a double benefit for everyone: we lessen our emissions, and we reduce our bills too.”
And she’s not done yet. “I’m researching induction cooktops, and if I live long enough, I’ll replace my gas hot water system with electric too.”
Beyond energy savings, Margaret highlights the health benefits of switching away from gas. “Gas looks like it’s not polluting, but in fact it is — especially if you’re indoors with everything closed in winter. People with asthma would do well to think about getting off gas.”
Still, it’s climate that drives her most.
“I look out my window and see solar panels on neighbours’ roofs all around me. We’re all individually in our households trying to do something and that’s what counts. You might not be able to do much, but if you can do something, start there.”
Interested in switching to electric and saving on energy?