Companies Exxon Mobil Corp FollowSYDNEY, July 28 (Reuters) - The Australian state of Victoria will ban natural gas connections to new homes from next year as part of a plan to cut emissions and lower energy bills, the state climate action minister said on Friday. Australia's second-most populous state is the country's largest consumer of natural gas with around 80% of homes connected but also has ambitious plans to reach net zero emissions by 2045, five years ahead of the federal government. Minister for Climate Action Lily D'Ambrosio said on Friday that new homes requiring planning permits must connect to all-electric networks. The changes will apply to all new public buildings yet to reach the design stage, including housing, schools, and hospitals. Australia last month finalised a package of rules for the domestic gas market including a cap on wholesale prices that was first introduced in December.

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Persons: Australia's, Lily D'Ambrosio, ” D'Ambrosio, Lewis Jackson, Stephen Coates Organizations: Exxon Mobil Corp, SYDNEY, Thomson Locations: Australian, Victoria, Australia