Advertisement Bunsen burners are beginning to make way for electric hot plates as natural gas is progressively phased out as an energy source in Victorian schools. Several newer schools are in line to have their gas heating connections switched off this year. The energy switch is being pursued on environmental and cost-saving grounds as wholesale gas prices soar on Australia’s east coast market and the state chases a target of net-zero emissions. Natural gas is set to be phased out in government schools in Victoria. Credit:Andrew Meares The change means Bunsen burners will not be a feature in some future school science labs, such as Preston High School’s $18 million third stage, due to open in 2023, where senior students will instead use electric hot plates. Junior students in the school’s older buildings will continue to use Bunsen burners.