There are a few reasons why gas will not be supported in my home. All of these are valid reasons, and therefore, the one less bill that I will have is just a side effect. The only benefit of a gas line is for a gas powered fireplace, but I don’t need a fireplace. This is a small price to pay for not having a gas line.
Gas is Finite. We will eventually run out, and when we pass our peak, prices will only continue to go up, and therefore more costly. While I won’t be living below the poverty line, I don’t want an expensive bill if I don’t need it. Despite whether you believe in climate change or not, the fact that gas is a finite resource, is an economic issue, and not an environmental one. However, I do believe in climate change, and gas is a contributor to the problem.
Gas is dangerous. There is carbon monoxide, and the possibility of explosion with a wrong spark. There was a time when these were acceptable risks, but with the technology of today, these are no longer a necessary risk. Instead, gas can be substituted for electricity.
Which brings me to point 3. Gas is used for cooking, heating, and hot water – all of which can be done with electricity. Gas can not replace electricity – however as you see, electricity can replace gas. This means one less bill. And with the solar panels, there will likely be a very low electricity bill – again a financial decision as much as an environmental one.