Ditching Gas, What Is The Process? Should I Do It?

meong on 14/10/2023 - 15:52
Last edited 14/10/2023 - 16:23

Some context:

We've been sick of our old gas ducted heating (inefficient, requires restarting all the time) and had been slowly adding split system to each of the rooms.

Our hot water is also running on heat pumps ever since we have solar panels installed.

Our gas bill for the past 3 months is only $90 meaning we paid more service charge than the usage charge.

In the past few months our gas stove is just dying, one hob's clicker is dead, largest hob is not working, now the oven is triggering the fuse if we turn it on. Asking around the cost to fix it is at least $300 just for the call out fee as it needs someone that has both the plumbing and electricity license (gas cooktop, electric oven).

So we just bought an induction freestanding cooktop/oven to be delivered next week and there are no more gas usage in the house (removed the battery of the wall panel for the gas ducted heating).

How do I disconnect gas to avoid service charge? Is that a permanent thing? Or can that be reconnected later?

And yes I could have asked my gas bill company but they dont have support over the weekend… Might as well ask fellow ozbargainers while I wait for Tango support to open on Monday 😀

Thanks

UPDATES:
Apparently, its been mentioned before that it is indeed expensive to disconnect but there is a capping option? Has anyone done it?
https://www.smh.com.au/environment/sustainability/would-you-…

Article is behind paywall, view PDF version here: https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/41247/107286/gas_disco…

Credit to @rock-bottom there is a new flat charge for VIC:
https://www.aer.gov.au/news-release/aer-decision-supports-vi…

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Stewardo on 14/10/2023 - 16:04
    +1

    You contact your retailer. They close your account and then they will contact the gas supplier in your area who will come out and disconnect supply.

    • dust on 14/10/2023 - 16:08

      I've been quoted over a grand for disconnection of gas supply.

      • meong on 14/10/2023 - 16:13

        Damn it… So either i continue paying service charge or suck up the disconnection fee??

        EDIT: I just linked above an article about a quote similar to what you mentioned.

        • Aureus on 14/10/2023 - 16:33
          +1

          In Canberra I just cancelled my plan and they eventually capped the meter. Physical removal is expensive, so I will just wait for the government to eventually do it for free.

          • meong on 14/10/2023 - 16:34

            @Aureus: If your meter capped, do you still have to pay for service charge?

            • Aureus on 14/10/2023 - 16:34
              +1

              @meong: Nope. Haven't paid anything since I cancelled my gas plan.

      • sumyungguy on 14/10/2023 - 16:14
        +1

        Looks like AER has set a charge of $220 in Victoria https://www.aer.gov.au/news-release/aer-decision-supports-vi…

        • dust on 14/10/2023 - 16:15

          Last week. In NSW though. That being said, apparently it's 50-50 on whether they chase you up for a supply charge if you don't sign up for another gas service, even if you don't get a full disconnection.

  • SBOB on 14/10/2023 - 17:32
    +4

    Don't ask for abolishment, as that's removing the meter and costly.

    Depending on the area you are in you can either ask for a gas disconnection, meaning they'll come and cap off your meter and tag it as disconnected, costs a couple $.
    Other alternative is just cancel your current retailer gas account (say you're moving out if you need to make an excuse) then go turn the shut off valve at the meter.

    Find the distributor region you're in and their site will list costs for abolishment (expensive as it's full meter removal) and disconnection (meter stays but is capped or isolated).

  • JimmyF on 14/10/2023 - 19:05
    +1

    Apparently, its been mentioned before that it is indeed expensive to disconnect but there is a capping option? Has anyone done it?

    There are generally two levels of removal.

    One is they take the meter only away and cap the pipe at that point. Pretty cheap option, but you still have a gas pipe with gas in it on your property.

    The other is removal of the meter, and they disconnect the gas main at the street level. So the pipe has no gas in it.

  • dazweeja on 14/10/2023 - 19:17
    +1

    In the same boat and I've just organised with Globird to apply a meter lock. $110 in VIC. I figure I might as well keep the meter there in case we sell the house and the next owner wants gas. For reference, this is what it says on the Globird website:

    This fee covers the cost of applying a meter lock when you close your gas account while you are still living on the premise. This fee is charged when your distributor turns off and locks the gas supply out of a property. The charge still applies on failed attempts caused by accessibility issues. Please make sure there is clear access to the meter.

    • meong on 14/10/2023 - 19:22

      Have you been paying service charge ever since?

      • SBOB on 14/10/2023 - 19:47
        +1

        once your account is closed or a disconnection applied there's no service charge.

        • meong on 14/10/2023 - 20:41

          Ah yes of course what was i thinking 😂

  • lgacb08 on 14/10/2023 - 21:18
    +2

    No sweat, just ring your retailer and tell them you're moving, then close the gas valve and, pay the final bill and move on.

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