New Connection
Changes in Victorian government regulation, effective 1st January 2025, mean that all new gas connections will incur an upfront connection fee. The fee for a standard gas connection1 is around $2,0002.
If your property is eligible, you could
Eligible customers may be able to connect to the gas network without paying upfront connection fees which will apply from 1 January 2025. You must submit an SCR if you are eligible to connect to the gas network.
Properties which may be eligible for no upfront charge up to 31 December 2024 are residential or small business customers that
meet the following criteria:
New homes, residential subdivisions, and apartment buildings that require a new planning permit for a build cannot connect to the gas network.
Energy Retailers are the companies that you buy your natural gas from. They send you the invoices for your energy consumption, a portion of which covers the costs of energy transmission and distribution by companies such as AGN and Multinet Gas.
In Victoria, there are numerous energy retailers you can choose from and links to several are below. You can compare the pricing of all energy retailers at the Victorian Government energy comparison website.
Gas is also on a journey to become renewable. Renewable gases such as renewable hydrogen and biomethane deliver all the great benefits of natural gas and are carbon neutral when burnt. Click here to find out how we’re changing gas for good.
On 9 May 2024, the Essential Services Commission (ESC) of Victoria released a new version of the Gas Distribution Code of Practice (“ the Code”)
a. Effective 1 January 2025, all new gas connections are to be charged upfront (based on customer’s application date)
b. There will be a single ‘standard connection’ charge for connection applications that meet the below criteria. All other connections will be individually assessed and quoted.
c. The Retailer remains responsible for cost recovery from end customer.
Increased reporting requirements on website to provide greater transparency.
The key reason why the Essential Services Commission decided to amend the Code was to update the rules for new gas connections and to provide additional consumer protections for Victorian gas network customers.
1 January 2025 – Customer connection applications received from this date will incur an upfront connection charge.
A standard connection charge will apply when the below criteria is met:
a. Residential tariff V connection with estimated load ≤ 1,500 MJ/hr and;
- a single dwelling1 or;
- a new multiuser site ≤4 dwellings.
b. Existing gas assets in the street (no mains extension)
c. No augmentation of the shared distribution system
d. Metering pressure of 1.1kPa or 2.75kPa
1Single dwellings within existing multiuser sites to be individually quotedAll new gas connections that do not meet the criteria for a “standard connection” will be quoted on an individual basis via the existing “Shipper” process.
Service Connection Requests (SCR) received prior to 01 January 2025 will be processed under the current regulatory requirements published under Version 16 of the Victorian Gas Distribution System Code.
Most residential connections submitted prior to 1 January 2025 do not incur an upfront charge (subject to the regulatory feasibility test).
MGN - $2,023 (incl. GST)
AGN - $1,697 (incl. GST)
Note: Rates applicable until 30th June 2025YES! You are eligible to apply for a new gas connection.
Unfortunately you cannot. The Victorian Government has prohibited new gas connections for any customers that have a planning permit issued after 01 January 2024.
We have been engaging with Retailers to ensure they are aware of the new obligations, as well as minimise any adverse impact to system changes that are necessary to comply with these new obligations.
New connection charges will be billed on SCR closeout except for Shipper applications which will follow current process.
Requirements will vary based upon each retailer’s internal regulatory and system requirements. If you require further clarification of Code changes, please contact MGN Stakeholder Relations, whose contact details can be found at the bottom of this document.
The 20-day turnaround commences when the site is confirmed as ready as per the site readiness checklists at the link below:
Multinet gas - Site Readiness Checklist
Builders & Developers Gas Connection Information | Australian Gas Networks
Please notify your planner once the site is ready. You may wish to use our site readiness checklist to confirm the site is 100% ready. Please note that site readiness includes clear access to the meter location. Additional charges may apply if our crews attend your site but are unable to lay a gas service.
Please refer to the Site Readiness Checklist:
Multinet gas - Site Readiness Checklist
Builders & Developers Gas Connection Information | Australian Gas Networks
MGN/AGN will charge the Retailer who submitted the SCR upon completion of works. Please note, SCRs will be charged on completion, shippers will be charged under current arrangements (no changes).
Applications submitted prior to 31 December 2024 will be assessed under the current framework where a regulatory feasibility test is undertaken.
Applications received post 1 January 2025, will be assessed under the new Code requirements. Please contact Business Development (contact details below) for more information.
MGN Customer Service phone: 1300 887 501 (Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm AEST)
AGN Customer Service phone: 1300 001 001 (Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm AEST)
www.australiangasnetworks.com.au
Email (Business Development): bd@agig.com.au
Email (MGN Stakeholder Relations): mgnstakeholderrelations@agig.com.au
AGIG acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands upon which we live and operate, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s historical and ongoing connection to land and waters, and we embrace the spirit of reconciliation.
