Albany Gas Transition - Support for strata managers

Who is responsible for strata transitions?

Depending on the type of strata, the strata manager may be responsible for managing the transition to a new energy source for some strata properties.

Individual strata units can access the same funding support available to households. This includes funding for a standard conversion to LPG bottles or a contribution of up to $2,000 towards purchasing and installing electric appliances.

In some strata properties, space or layout constraints may make it impractical to install individual gas bottles for each unit. In these circumstances, this will be identified as a complex case during the quoting process by a registered trade. Funding support will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and, where approved, will be allocated to the overall rather than individual unit owners. 

In these circumstances, the strata manager or strata company will typically work directly with the trade to identify and implement the most suitable solution for the property. Once a solution has been agreed and funding support approved, the strata manager will generally coordinate the required works on behalf of the strata residents.

In every case, regardless of the solution and funding amount allocated, payments will be made directly to registered trades participating in the Albany Gas Transition Program. 

How the transition program will work

ATCO has divided the Albany gas network into zones which will be decommissioned in sequence over time. The Transition Program will begin operating in each zone well before ATCO’s gas supply is shut off, giving customers time to understand their options, access support and complete their transition.

Impacted customers will receive a notification and information pack instructing them on what to do to transition to their chosen energy source and how to access the WA Government funding once the Transition Program goes live in their zone.

You can use ATCO’s interactive map to search for addresses to see which zone they fall into, and the Transition Program and decommissioning timelines.

What support is available?

As part of the Albany Gas Transition Program, the WA Government will provide funding support, regardless of the transition option selected by a customer.

Gas bottles

The WA Government will cover the cost of a standard switchover to LPG bottles for households and small gas-use businesses. 

Larger gas-use customers, with annual gas consumption of at least 30 gigajoules, will receive a tailored funding package following the results of their business energy audits.

Where conversion to individual LPG bottles is not practical or would cost significantly more, additional support may be available following assessment by the Transition Program's case management team.

Electric appliances

The WA Government will provide a contribution of up to $2,000 towards the cost of purchasing and installing electric appliances for households and small gas-use businesses. Any costs above the approved funding amount will be the responsibility of the customer to pay directly to the trade contractor. 

How to access funding support

To access funding support for either gas bottles or an all-electric option, individual unit owners or the strata manager will need to contact a registered trade participating in the Transition Program to arrange a quote.

At the quote stage, the trade will determine whether the property is suitable for use of LPG bottles. If units within the strata cannot accommodate individual gas bottles, this will be flagged by the trade providing the quote as a complex case.

The Transition Project Team will then get in touch to discuss a solution and additional supports for the strata.

All funding support (gas or electric) will be paid directly to the registered trade undertaking the conversion works. The trade participating in the Transition Program will be aware of the payment process. 

What is a complex case?

A complex case is a property where the standard transition to individual LPG bottles is not possible, practical or will cost significantly more. This may occur where there is insufficient space for compliant LPG bottle installation, access constraints, heritage considerations, shared gas infrastructure, or other technical limitations. Complex cases will be identified by a participating trade contractor during the quoting process and referred to the Transition Program's case management team for assessment.

What do Strata Managers need to do?

Please advise residents and businesses within the strata properties you manage about the upcoming transition and available support through the Albany Gas Transition Program.

You can view the transition zones and indicative timelines at ATCO's website.

• Where individual units can accommodate LPG bottles, owners can generally follow the standard transition process.
• Where a strata property is identified as a complex case, the case management team will determine the most suitable energy solution and available funding support.
• Strata managers may need to coordinate communication, approvals and access for assessments and transition works.
• Once a solution is approved, the strata manager or strata company will generally coordinate the works on behalf of the strata.

If professional advice has already identified that individual LPG bottles are unlikely to be suitable for your strata property, please contact the Transition Program Team at albanygastransition@deed.wa.gov.au once the Program becomes active in your zone.

Accessing support

You can access further guidance and advice by:

• Calling our helpline on 08 9200 6888 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm)
• Visiting the Albany Gas Transition Support Hub, Albany Plaza, opposite the Coles, 42 Albany Hwy, Albany 6330, open on Mondays to Wednesdays from 12pm – 4.30pm and on Thursdays from 9am – 12.30pm
• Booking a private appointment with a member of our team in Albany, using our booking calendar.
• Emailing us at albanygastransition@deed.wa.gov.au 

LPG retailers 

There are three major LPG bottle retailers in Albany: