Getting Rid of Gas

With rising energy costs and increasing environmental consciousness, more Australian households are choosing to disconnect from gas and go fully electric. Whether you're motivated by cost savings, health concerns, or environmental benefits, understanding the process, requirements, and costs involved is crucial for making an informed decision.

Why Households Are Going Gas-Free

The movement away from gas is gaining momentum across Australia for several compelling reasons:

Cost Savings: Households can save over $1,000 annually by switching from gas to more efficient electric alternatives. Removing gas means removing the daily connection charge for your gas supply, and it's realistic that efficient electric alternatives will deliver the same functionality of your old gas appliances, but at a lower fuel cost. As your existing gas appliances reach the end of their life, it makes sense to invest in efficient electric alternatives.

Health Benefits: Gas cooking and heating produce indoor air pollutants that can trigger asthma and respiratory issues.

Environmental Impact: Eliminating gas reduces your household's carbon footprint significantly.

Future-Proofing: Some states are already banning gas connections to new homes, signalling a broader transition.

Understanding Your Disconnection Options

There are two main types of gas service removal: temporary disconnection and permanent abolishment.

Temporary Disconnection - Meter Capping

• What it involves: Gas supply is turned off at the meter and capped. Capping means that although all the gas piping remains in place, the gas supply to your meter is physically blocked by a cap or plug that prevents gas from flowing to your property.
• Cost: Generally $100-$185 plus retailer fees
• Pros: Lower cost, stops ongoing supply charges, allows for future reconnection
• Cons: Gas infrastructure, including pressurised gas piping, remains on your property, so there are potential safety concerns and maintenance requirements.

Permanent Abolishment - Complete Removal

• What it involves: Gas line is disconnected from street main, meter and above-ground equipment removed
• Cost: $220-$1,200+, depending on state and distributor
• Pros: Safest option, no ongoing infrastructure maintenance concerns, removes all gas-related risks
• Cons: Higher upfront cost

The Disconnection Process

1. Contact Your Energy Retailer

After removing all your gas appliances, you'll stop consuming gas, but it's important to get your gas supply disconnected to avoid having to pay the ongoing daily connection charges that will otherwise apply.

Call the retailer customer service number on your gas bill

• Request either a disconnection or abolishment (specify which type you prefer)
• Ask for a breakdown of all associated costs
• Confirm timeframes for completion

2. Arrange Licensed Professional Services

Only licensed gasfitters can perform gas disconnection work. Your gas fitter will turn off the gas supply, disconnect pipes from appliances and the meter, cap lines, and provide compliance certification.

Most disconnections can be completed in a single day. Abolishment may take longer. Your gas fitter will require clear access to your gas meter and any relevant appliances

State-by-State Requirements, Costs and Regulations

*Costs are approximate and include GST. Retailer administration fees may apply. Victoria's $220 abolishment fee represents a significant regulatory intervention where remaining costs are spread across all gas customers.

Financial Considerations and Support

Potential Savings

Eliminating gas will save you about 60-90 cents per day in standing charges, and the electric alternatives to the common gas appliances are typically more efficient and cheaper to operate.

Costs

The Australian Energy Regulator has recently intervened in Victoria to cap abolishment fees at $220, with remaining costs shared among all gas customers.

Available Rebates and Support

While specific gas disconnection subsidies are limited, support is available for:

• Heat Pump Hot Water: Up to $1,250 rebates in some states
• Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning: Rebates of $490-$2,240 for replacing gas heating
• Induction Cooktops: Various state-based incentives available
• Solar and Battery Systems: Federal and state rebates can offset electricity system costs

Cost-Saving Tips

1. Choose Disconnection Over Abolishment: Disconnection is significantly cheaper than abolishment, especially outside Victoria. If you are OK with having a disused gas meter remaining on your property, this is the cheapest and easiest way to go.
2. Bundle Services: Have the gas line capping done at the same time as disconnecting final appliances
3. Shop Around: Different retailers may have varying administration fees
4. Time It Right: Coordinate with appliance replacements and home renovations

The Future of Gas in Australia

The trend toward electrification is accelerating:

• New Home Bans: Victoria and ACT have banned gas connections to new homes
• Industry Transition: Gas distributors are preparing for declining demand
• Government Support: Increasing programs supporting electrification
• Cost Pressures: Remaining gas customers may face higher costs as networks shrink

Making the Decision

Disconnecting from gas represents a significant household decision with long-term implications.

Choose Gas Disconnection If:

• You want immediate cost savings with a lower upfront investment
• Your property won't require excavation or major landscaping in future - the presence of gas piping can limit your options
• You're comfortable with some residual infrastructure remaining in place
• You think you might want to reconnect the gas in future, or that a future purchaser of the property might want to.

Choose Gas Abolishment If:

• Safety is your primary concern
• You want to completely eliminate all gas-related risks
• You're planning major property renovations or landscaping
• You want to contribute to the broader energy transition and completely eliminate gas from the property.

Disconnecting from gas can offer significant benefits for Australian households, from cost savings to environmental improvements. The process involves upfront costs and planning, but support programs are increasingly available.

Your first step is to replace your gas appliances with electric alternatives. Then, contact your gas retailer to arrange for the disconnection or termination of service.