Once you've replaced all your gas appliances with electric alternatives, the final step in going all-electric is disconnecting your gas supply. This eliminates the daily supply charge — typically $0.85–$1.00 per day ($310–$365 per year) — and severs the last connection to fossil fuel energy in your home. But how much does disconnection cost, and what does the process involve in each state? Here's everything you need to know.
Gas Disconnection Fees by State
Gas disconnection fees vary depending on your state, your gas distributor, and whether you want a simple meter removal or a full abolishment (permanent disconnection at the main). Here's a breakdown:
| State | Distributor(s) | Meter Removal | Full Abolishment | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | AGN, AusNet, Multinet | $100–$200 | $300–$600 | 2–6 weeks |
| New South Wales | Jemena | $100–$200 | $300–$500 | 2–4 weeks |
| Queensland | APH | $100–$200 | $250–$500 | 2–4 weeks |
| South Australia | AGN | $100–$200 | $300–$500 | 2–4 weeks |
| ACT | Evoenergy | $100–$200 | $300–$500 | 2–4 weeks |
| Western Australia | ATCO | $100–$200 | $250–$500 | 2–6 weeks |
| Tasmania | TasGas | $100–$200 | $250–$500 | 2–4 weeks |
The Disconnection Process
The process is broadly similar across all states, though specific steps and contacts differ:
Step 1: Ensure All Gas Appliances Are Removed
Before requesting disconnection, every gas appliance must be removed or disconnected, and all gas points must be capped by a licensed gasfitter. You'll need a compliance certificate confirming the property is gas-safe. This typically costs $150–$400 depending on the number of gas points.
Step 2: Contact Your Gas Retailer
Call your gas retailer (the company that sends your gas bill — e.g., AGL, Origin, EnergyAustralia) and request an account closure. They'll ask you to confirm your final meter reading and will process your final bill.
Step 3: Contact Your Gas Distributor
The distributor (the company that owns the gas pipes — not the same as your retailer) handles the physical disconnection. You can contact them directly or your retailer may initiate the process on your behalf. Key contacts:
- VIC (AGN): Australian Gas Networks — 1300 001 001
- VIC (AusNet): AusNet Services — 1300 360 795
- VIC (Multinet): Multinet Gas — 1300 887 501
- NSW (Jemena): Jemena — 1300 137 078
- QLD (APH): Australian Pacific Holdings — 1300 024 267
- SA (AGN): Australian Gas Networks — 1300 001 001
- WA (ATCO): ATCO Gas — 13 13 56
Step 4: Schedule the Disconnection
The distributor will schedule a technician to attend your property. Depending on the type of disconnection (meter removal or abolishment), this may require excavation work at the property boundary. You'll typically need to be home or provide access to the meter.
Step 5: Confirm Completion
Once the meter is removed or the pipe abolished, confirm with your retailer that the account is closed and no further charges will apply. Check your final bill carefully to ensure no ongoing supply charges are levied after the disconnection date.
What to Do About Gas Appliances Before Disconnecting
Each gas appliance needs an electric replacement before you can disconnect. Here's a quick summary of the best replacements:
| Gas Appliance | Best Electric Replacement | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gas storage hot water | Heat pump hot water system | $2,000–$3,500 (after rebates) |
| Gas instantaneous hot water | Heat pump hot water system | $2,000–$3,500 (after rebates) |
| Gas ducted heating | Ducted reverse cycle or split systems | $3,000–$10,000 |
| Gas wall heater | Split system reverse cycle | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Gas cooktop | Induction cooktop | $800–$2,000 |
| Gas oven | Electric oven | $600–$1,500 |
| Gas log fire | Electric fireplace or reverse cycle | $500–$2,500 |
Is It Worth the Cost?
The disconnection fee of $200–$600 pays for itself within the first year through the eliminated daily supply charge ($310–$365/year). It's essentially a guaranteed return on investment with a payback of less than 12 months.
The larger question is whether the total cost of replacing all gas appliances ($8,000–$15,000) is worthwhile. For most households, the answer is yes — combined annual savings of $800–$2,000 from lower running costs and the eliminated supply charge mean payback within 5–10 years, followed by decades of ongoing savings.
If you're not ready to replace everything at once, that's perfectly fine. Replace each gas appliance as it reaches end of life, then disconnect gas once the last one is gone. The key is to plan ahead so you're never forced into an emergency gas replacement when an electric option would have been smarter.