Australia's opposition Labor Party is proposing a ban on electric hot water systems in favor of solar- or gas-powered models.
An article in the Courier Mail, an Australian newspaper, details Labor's plans, which involve the end of electric hot water systems in new homes by 2010 and an additional ban on replacing systems in existing homes. Labor spokesman Peter Garrett also states his party supports an A$1,000 rebate for homeowners installing solar system.
The Courier Mail reports that only 5% of Australian households currently have solar-powered water heaters. The ruling Conservative Party leadership did not publicly respond to the Labor proposal.
