The decision to decommission was made by ATCO and is not controlled, directed, or approved by the State Government. ATCO is a private operator and is responsible for its infrastructure and commercial decisions.
- Decommissioning has not started
- ATCO has not set a schedule for decommissioning
- Impacted customers will receive further information on ATCOs decommissioning timeline as it becomes available
- At this time no action needs to be taken by impacted customers
General Information
The WA Government and the City of Albany are working together to ensure Albany residents can access reliable, affordable and sustainable energy options for years to come, as the town prepares for the decommissioning of ATCO’s Albany Gas Distribution System (AGDS).
A working group has been established, which includes Albany representatives, to assess the options for customers impacted by ATCO’s decision to exit the market in Albany. The working group will provide guidance on the staging of decommissioning and customer supports needed to ensure a smooth transition.
The Department of Energy and Economic Diversification has established an Albany Gas Transition project team to enable planning to commence and to support customers through the transition.
The State Government is engaging with ATCO on commencement of the decommissioning program. No immediate action is required by customers at this time. More information will be provided on the decommissioning timeline as it becomes available and impacted customers are advised to register for updates using the below link.
If you would like to receive email updates about changes to the Albany Gas Distribution System, please register here
Background
The Albany Gas Distribution System (AGDS), owned and operated by ATCO Gas, supplies Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to approximately 8,000 Alinta Energy residential and business customers.
The AGDS consists of approximately 160km of pipes delivering gas from a tank farm to households and businesses across Albany.
Customers hold an account with and receive their gas bills from the retailer, Alinta Energy. The tariffs charged include an amount for ATCO’s gas distribution services.
On 19 January 2026 ATCO advised the public of its intention to decommission the Albany gas network.
More information is available on the ATCO website.
While the decision to decommission the network rests solely with ATCO, the State Government is committed to working with all parties to ensure the ongoing energy needs of Albany households and businesses are met.
Information for Households
The State Government is determining how best to support customers impacted by ATCOs decision. More information will be provided to as soon as it becomes available.
If you have received unsolicited sales requests or are asked to sign anything related to your homes reticulated gas supply that concerns you, we encourage you to seek further advice from Consumer Protection.
Information for Businesses
The State Government and City of Albany have secured a commitment from ATCO to defer the decommissioning of the town’s centre to the final phase of the decommissioning process. This will ensure that Albany businesses have the time and space they need to make decisions about their future energy needs.
The Small Business Development Corporation provides a free local business advisory service through SBDC Regional. Advisers can provide general business guidance to help you assess your options and make informed decisions as more information becomes available.
If you have received unsolicited sales requests or are asked to sign anything related to your businesses reticulated gas supply that concerns you, we encourage you to seek further advice before proceeding.
To speak with an adviser, contact the SBDC Regional service, delivered through Albany Business Centre, on 9841 8477 or book an appointment online.
Question and Answer
Show moreWhat is happening with the Albany Gas Distribution System?
The Albany Gas Distribution System (AGDS), owned and operated by ATCO Gas, supplies Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to approximately 8,000 Alinta Energy residential and business customers.
The AGDS consists of approximately 160km of pipes delivering gas from a tank farm to households and businesses across Albany and the surrounding suburbs.
Customers hold an account with and receive their gas bills from the retailer, Alinta Energy. The tariffs charged include an amount for ATCO’s gas distribution services.
ATCO Australia has assessed the ageing network as nearing end of life and has advised that it will start decommissioning the network in stages over a three-year period, commencing in the second half of 2026.
Why can’t reticulated gas supply continue as it currently is?
In its assessment of the Albany Gas Distribution System (AGDS), ATCO identified ageing infrastructure and financial viability concerns.
The decision was based on a comprehensive review of the network that found many of the pipes making up the network are nearing end-of-life. The expense of replacing this ageing infrastructure would result in excessive costs to end users.
How will affected customers be supported through this process?
The WA Government and the City of Albany are working together to ensure Albany residents can access reliable, affordable and sustainable energy options for years to come. A working group is exploring options for impacted customers and will provide guidance on the staging of decommissioning and customer supports needed to ensure a smooth transition.
The WA Government will ensure that all customers are regularly updated on the decommissioning schedule and are provided with everything they need to make an informed decision on their transition away from reticulated gas, including a communications and community engagement program.
What do impacted customers need to do first?
Nothing at this point in time – the State Government will share information on next steps in the coming months
When will ATCO begin decommissioning the gas network?
The State Government is engaging with ATCO on commencement of its decommissioning program, with preferred commencement in early 2027. The WA Government will ensure that customers receive plenty of notice beforehand, along with guidance on how to transition.
How does the financial support work for households?
The Cook Labor Government has approved $1.8 million as part of the upcoming State Budget to go towards planning for the transition and evaluating options for the wider community. An Albany Gas Transition project team has been created within the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification to lead this work and support customers through the transition. Information on customer supports will become available once the government has concluded the detailed planning phase, which will inform activities needed to ensure a smooth transition to alternate energy sources.
What about social housing?
The Cook Labor Government has approved $9 million as part of the upcoming State Budget to transition social housing properties connected to the Albany gas network to alternative energy sources. The Department of Housing and Works will undertake property assessments in the coming months to determine the most appropriate transition solution for each property.
I’ve been approached by an LPG bottled gas retailer about switching to LPG bottled gas. What should I do?
The State Government is determining how best to support customers impacted by ATCO’s decision. Customers are encouraged to wait until the State Government publishes the information and guidance needed to make the best decision for their situation.
If you have received unsolicited sales requests or been asked to sign agreements relating to your home or business reticulated gas supply that concerns you, we encourage you to seek further advice from Consumer Protection for residents and the Small Business Development Corporation for businesses. Further information can be found on the WA Government website.
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