The Victorian Parliament initiated this Inquiry because significant parts of the state’s oil and gas infrastructure are reaching the end of their operational life. As this infrastructure winds down, Victoria must also plan for the future of its onshore gas distribution network which delivers gas to households and small businesses.
Victoria is already moving away from gas as people respond to higher bills, availability of efficient electric alternatives and climate objectives. Household demand has fallen and rising network charges are expected to make some sections of the distribution network uneconomic to operate.
Energy Consumers Australia's submission calls for a planned and transparent approach to decommissioning that clarifies responsibilities, provides clear notice and support to affected communities, and improves forward planning. To enable this, we encourage the Committee to consider four key actions:
- Clarify roles, powers and accountabilities for decommissioning decisions.
- Develop a clear consumer protection and communication framework.
- Integrate decommissioning into state planning and launch a decommissioning readiness study.
- Pilot practical ways to support communities to electrify and phase out parts of the gas network.
A structured framework will help ensure that network closures are managed safely, fairly and in a way that protects Victorian consumers.
