Gas networks are facing structural decline as households and small businesses switch to electricity to lower their bills and emissions. Yet the National Gas Rules were written for a period of network expansion and no longer reflect this reality.
Energy Consumers Australia (ECA) has called for the rules to be modernised, so the costs and risks of the transition are managed fairly. Without reform, consumers could continue to pay for infrastructure that is increasingly under-used, exposing those least able to electrify to rising costs.
ECA and the Justice and Equity Centre have each submitted rule change proposals to address regulatory gaps in how the framework responds to the changing dynamics of gas use by households and small businesses. Together, these reforms seek to ensure the transition away from gas is planned, transparent and fair to protect consumers from stranded-asset risks and supporting efficient investment decisions.
Modernising the National Gas Rules will help align the regulatory framework with Australia’s net-zero future, giving consumers confidence that network investment and cost recovery are efficient, transparent, and in their long-term interests.
