New Connection
Changes in Victorian government regulation, effective 1 January 2025, mean that all new gas connections will incur an upfront connection fee.
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 your energy bill, a portion of which covers the cost to transport your natural gas by companies such as AGN, Multinet Gas and Ausnet Services.
In Victoria, there are numerous energy retailers you can choose from. You can compare the pricing of all energy retailers at the Victorian Government energy comparison website.
On 9 May 2024, the Essential Services Commission (ESC) of Victoria released an updated 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.
d. Increased reporting requirements on website to provide greater transparency.
The key reason as to 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.
All 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 (EFT) Economic Feasibility Test).
AGN - $1,697.30 incl. GST
Note: Rates applicable until 30 June 2025AGN has evaluated actual costs based on an average of historical data for the network leading to this associated charge.
The geography, level of urbanisation and congested environments are reflected in the network connection fees.
YES! You are eligible to apply for a new gas connection.
Unfortunately, you cannot apply for a new gas connection. 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 completion of works. Check with your energy retailer to confirm when you will be charged.
Requirements will vary based upon each retailer’s internal regulatory and system requirements. If you require further clarification of Code changes, please contact APA Customer Services, 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:
Builders & Developers Gas Connection Information | Australian Gas Networks
Please notify your contractor 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:
Builders & Developers Gas Connection Information | Australian Gas Networks
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). Check with your Energy Retailer to confirm any additional charges they may apply.
Applications submitted prior to 31 December 2024 will be assessed under the previous framework where a (EFT) Economic 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.
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 (APA Customer Relations VIC): networksviccustrela@apa.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.
