Albany mayor calls for financial compensation measures for 8000 residents affected by ATCO gas switch off

The City of Albany has called for the State Government to financially compensate the thousands of residents affected by ATCO’s decommissioning of the city’s reticulated gas network. As the start date of the three-year phase-out draws nearer, about 8000 residences and businesses are facing a bill ranging between $600 and $2000 to convert their properties to bottled gas or electricity. “This is a major structural change for our city, and it has been imposed without the level of engagement or planning our community deserves,” mayor Greg Stocks said. “Residents and businesses need certainty, financial support and time to make informed decisions.” The city has asked the State Government to consider a trio of assistance measures for those affected by the forced change and requested the phase-out to begin in 2027 rather than later this year. These include offering full financial compensation for households that voluntarily switch to bottled gas, a 75 per cent subsidy on total conversion costs for those transitioning to electricity and considerations for premises that face uniquely complex circumstances in transitioning. ATCO’s surprise decision to switch off the mains gas supply and force about 8000 Albany residents to transition to bottles has been met with backlash since it was first announced in January. The company bought the city’s 160km gas network, most of which is constructed from ageing PVC pipes, in 2011. Mr Stocks said the timing of the decision to switch off the mains gas was poor, given that it coincided with a period of national cost-of-living pressures and while the city hoped it could retain the existing gas network, no alternative providers had expressed interest. While praising the $10.8 million pledged by the State Government to support the LPG transition of social houses, Mr Stocks said assistance was required more broadly. “This funding is a positive and important step for social housing residents who are among the most vulnerable in our community,” he said. “The scale of this transition means we must ensure that support is extended more broadly, so households and businesses outside the social housing system are not carrying a financial burden.” The city, with Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry has identified that some businesses may face closure due to the financial and logistical burden of converting within the proposed timeframe.