ATCO Australia Gas Network Decommissioning
ATCO Gas Australia is preparing to decommission its Albany reticulated gas network from 2027.
This is expected to impact approximately 8,000 residents and businesses across Albany.
The below map indicates the impacted area.
Background
On Monday 19 January, ATCO Gas Australia announced its intention to decommission Albany’s reticulated gas network, impacting approximately 8,000 residents and businesses across the city. The transition is scheduled to occur over a three-year period commencing at the start of 2027.
A stakeholder working group, facilitated by the State Government through the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification, was established on 10 February 2026.
The City of Albany and State Government have successfully negotiated with ATCO Gas Australia to ensure that the CBD precinct will be the final area to be decommissioned. This is important because it provides local businesses that are heavily reliant on gas with the maximum time within the transition period to make the necessary operational arrangements.
Funding Assistance
The WA Government has announced a $20.9 million budget allocation for the Albany Transition Program, including $16 million to assist impacted residential customers to transition to alternative energy supplies before the gas network is decommissioned in their area.
The transition will be partly funded by ATCO, who have made a voluntary contribution of $5.5 million which was welcomed by the State Government.
The WA Government will cover the cost of standard household and small business transitions to LPG bottles, which is expected to be around $1,600. For complex cases, where bottled gas conversion is not possible or involves a higher cost, additional supports will be provided on a case-by-case basis.
Alternatively, customers can reallocate their standard level of funding support toward the cost of purchasing electric appliances if they prefer.
The remainder of the package will fund future works, as well as staffing and subsidy management systems.
Business Energy Audits
Businesses with larger annual reticulated gas consumption of over 30 gigajoules per annum will be eligible for government-funded business energy audits, to help them make informed decisions on which alternative energy source to transition to. Eligible business account holders will be contacted and guided through the process.
Further information on the funding support for these businesses will be announced following the results of the business energy audits.
Trade Capacity Assessment
A detailed Trade Capacity Assessment is now underway to ensure there will be enough tradespeople to deliver the high volume of conversion works required over the three-year transition period. Local trades in Albany will be engaged as part of the process, which will include an analysis of the licences and certifications needed to deliver the works and a forecast of the expected workloads and timelines.
A consultant, engaged by the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification, will work with local registered qualified trades and technicians, to design a program of work that is safe and suits the needs of the Albany Gas Transition Program.
More Information
ATCO GAS AUSTRALIA
Queries relating to the decommissioning of Albany’s reticulated gas network can be directed to ATCO Gas Australia.
Get specific information regarding the Albany reticulated gas decommissioning project
Register for ATCO Gas Australia’s project updates
STATE GOVERNMENT
Find information relating to the energy transition plan for households and businesses.
Register for the State Government’s transition project updates
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening with the gas network in Albany?
ATCO has advised the network is nearing end of life and has announced it will be decommissioned in stages over a three-year period.
In its assessment of the network, ATCO identified ageing pipes and infrastructure. Replacing it would result in excessive costs for customers.
The Government’s focus is supporting the community through the transition.
Who will be impacted by ATCO's decommissioning process?
All residents and businesses in Albany who use reticulated gas, which is billed by Alinta Energy, will be impacted by ATCO’s decommissioning process. Reticulated gas means gas that is supplied to property through pipes connected to the mains network.
The decommissioning process does not include the Supagas-owned gas network in Bayonet Head.
How will impacted customers be supported through this process?
Households and small businesses
For households and small businesses, the WA Government will cover the cost of standard transitions to LPG bottles, which is expected to be around $1,600. For complex cases, where bottled gas conversion is not possible or involves a greater cost, additional supports will be provided on a case-by-case basis.
Customers can reallocate their level of funding support toward the cost of purchasing electric appliances if they prefer.
Large businesses
Businesses with larger annual gas usage will be eligible for government-funded business energy audits, to help them to make informed decisions on which alternative energy source to transition to.
Transition funding arrangements for these businesses will be announced following the business energy audits.
How do I know if my business is eligible for a business energy audit?
The account holders for eligible businesses will automatically be notified by the gas retailer, Alinta Energy, and then contacted by a consultant on behalf of DEED in the coming weeks.
What do impacted customers need to do?
Nothing at this point in time – further information about how the Transition Program will follow soon, and impacted customers will be contacted with clear guidance on what they need to do when the Program goes live in their suburb.
The WA Government will ensure that all customers are provided with everything they need to make an informed decision on their transition away from reticulated gas.
Payments will not be made as rebates, so it is important that impacted customers wait until they are notified that the Transition Program is live in their suburb before taking any action.
When will ATCO begin decommissioning the gas network/when will my gas be shut off?
ATCO will be decommissioning the network over a three-year period, starting in early 2027. The network will be gradually decommissioned in zones.
The WA Government will ensure that customers receive plenty of notice beforehand, along with guidance on how to transition and access to available support.
What if there are not enough trades in Albany to carry out the conversion works?
A detailed Trade Capacity Assessment is now underway to ensure there will be enough tradespeople to deliver the high volume of conversion works required over the three-year transition period.
A consultant, engaged by the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification, will work with local registered qualified trades and technicians, to design a program of work that is safe and suits the needs of the Albany Gas Transition Program.
What about social housing?
The Cook Labor Government approved $9 million in funding as part of the 2026-27 State Budget to transition social housing properties connected to the Albany gas network to alternative energy sources. The Department of Housing and Works will undertake property assessments in the coming months to determine the most appropriate transition solution for each property.
I’ve been approached by an LPG bottled gas retailer about switching to LPG bottled gas. What should I do?
Please wait until the WA Government publishes the information and guidance needed for you to make the best decision for your situation.
If you have received unsolicited sales requests or been asked to sign agreements relating to the future gas supply for your home or business that concern you, we encourage you to seek further advice from Consumer Protection for residents and the Small Business Development Corporation for businesses. Further information can be found on the WA Government website.