More and more Australians are choosing to do away with gas completely. With solar systems and battery storage being cheaper than ever, and the cost of being connected to and using gas reaching absurd levels, it’s no wonder Aussies are making the move.
In this blog, we’ll look at how much you can expect to pay to disconnect from gas. We will also explore a gas disconnection ‘scam’ robbing homeowners of hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Difference between gas main disconnection and gas service abolishment
Before we look at the cost of disconnecting from gas for your home, it’s important to understand the different types of disconnection.
Gas main disconnection is the cheapest option and usually all that is required to cease the ongoing connection and supply costs of gas. This fee is usually around $100 and will see your gas meter capped (gas capping may incur an additional fee). You will no longer be charged a daily supply fee and you will no longer be able to use gas on your property. This option is usually all that is required and gives you, or the next occupant, the option to reconnect to gas in the future.
Gas meter removal is usually more expensive, as you will need to pay the disconnection fee as well as the meter removal fee. This is where the gas meter is removed but the pipes remain intact.
Gas service abolishment, on the other hand, may cost you a few hundred to a few thousand more. This will see your meter removed and the gas pipes connecting to the gas main on your property extracted. While this usually is unnecessary, it is an option and it is often the default option when you call to discuss disconnection.
Avoid paying too much when disconnecting from gas
When you call your retailer to request disconnection, they will begin the process for you by lodging the required paperwork to your distributor. The distributor will usually contact you to discuss the fees and what is required (or, your retailer may discuss this with you prior to lodging the disconnection request).
This is where it is important to understand what it is you want or need for your property. Unless you need all the pipes removed, there is generally no need to have them extracted. This can save you thousands. Do not allow the distributor to forge ahead with any unnecessary works as you will be the one footing the bill. If you only want to cease the supply and connection charge then a simple service disconnection (no meter or pipe removal) is what you will be seeking. It is important to understand that this is YOUR choice and not that of the distributor.
The cost to disconnect gas: a state-by-state breakdown
Each Australian state, and each distributor, has its own cost associated with the disconnection from mains gas. There will often be costs associated with the removal of pipes, the removal of the gas meter, and the disconnection of the service. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) regulates the price of disconnection for VIC, NSW, QLD, SA, ACT, and TAS. Let’s take a look at each state.
Victoria’s (VIC) gas disconnection costs
Victoria’s Energy, Environment and Climate Action updated the cost of gas main disconnection on July 1, 2023. Victoria has three gas distributors; AusNet, AGN, and MultiNet. All prices are inclusive of GST and will be charged to you by your retailer. Prices do not include any fees imposed by your retailer.
| Service | AusNet | AGN | MultiNet |
| Disconnection | $64.00 | $81.00 | $58.33 |
| Service Abolishment | $220.00 | $220.00 | $220.00 |
| Meter Removal | N/A* | $115.00 | $69.68 |
New South Wales’ (NSW) gas disconnection costs
In New South Wales, the disconnection fees for gas vary according to your distributor. Jemena is the main distributor for gas in NSW and charges the following disconnection fees. Prices are inclusive of GST and do not include any fees imposed by your retailer. Prices are accurate as of January 2024.
| Service | Jemena |
| Disconnection | $134.20 |
| Service Abolishment | $1,381.60* |
| Meter Removal | N/A |
Central Ranges System and Wagga Wagga Gas Distribution Network also provide gas to parts of NSW. Please contact these distributors directly to find out the fees for gas disconnection. Evoenergy also distributes gas to Palerang (Bungendore) and Queanbeyan.
Australian Capital Territory’s (ACT) gas disconnection costs
The ACT has one gas distributor, Evoenergy. The following information has been provided as a general guide and is accurate as of January 2024. Prices are inclusive of GST and do not include any fees imposed by your retailer.
| Service | Evoenergy |
| Disconnection | $170 – $270* |
| Service Abolishment | $870 |
| Meter Removal | N/A |
Queensland’s (QLD) gas disconnection costs
QLD has two gas distributors; both of which are owned and operated by APA Group. APA Group did not provide a breakdown of disconnection fees, including service abolishment and meter removal, at the time of writing. Please contact your gas retailer for further information.
South Australia’s (SA) gas disconnection costs
SA’s main distributor is Australian Gas Networks, which is owned by APA Group. APA Group did not provide a breakdown of disconnection fees, including service abolishment and meter removal, at the time of writing. Please contact your gas retailer for further information.
Northern Territory’s (NT) gas disconnection costs
No information is readily available for NT gas disconnection. The Northern Territory does not fall under the purview of the Australian Energy Regulator. For further information regarding disconnection and service abolishment fees, please contact your gas retailer.
Tasmania’s (TAS) gas disconnection costs
Tasmania has one gas distributor, Tas Gas Networks. All prices are inclusive of GST and are accurate as of January 2024.
| Service | Tas Gas Networks |
| Disconnection | $110 ($275 for after hours) |
| Service Abolishment | No information* |
| Meter Removal | No information* |
Western Australia’s (WA) gas disconnection costs
WA’s main gas distributor is ATCO which services the Perth metropolitan area, along with regional centres such as Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury, and Albany, and encompasses numerous towns and centres scattered in between. No information is available for distributor gas disconnection. Please contact your retailer for more information. All prices are inclusive of GST and do not include any retailer fees.
| Service | ATCO |
| Disconnection | Contact retailer |
| Service Abolishment | $1,303.28 |
| Meter Removal | N/A* |
Why should I disconnect from the gas main?
Every day, your gas retailer will charge you a supply charge, even if you do not use your gas. If your home is becoming more and more energy-independent, or uses 100% electricity, maintaining a gas connection can be costly.
The daily supply charge for gas across Australia averages between 60 and 90 cents. This means that you will be paying between $219 to $329 per year, on average, just to be connected to the gas main. Disconnecting from gas is one easy way to save money, if you are using 100% electricity.
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