ACT residents should be given the right to choose the best energy source for their homes, leading energy industry experts said today.

Phasing out the use of natural gas in the ACT would deny residents the choice of a safe, reliable and convenient energy source for their homes.

The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA), the Energy Networks Association (ENA), the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) and the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association of Australia (GAMAA) have called for common sense policy discussion in the ACT election.

The ACT Greens are threatening to ban gas reticulation to new Canberra suburbs and prohibit the sale of new or replacement gas hot water systems, which would deny the citizens the right to choose a safe, reliable, affordable energy source.