- New support package puts WA first enabling local Albany households and small businesses to transition
- Customers eligible for funding to switch to LPG bottles or electrify
- Commercial businesses to be offered free energy audits to assess their options
- Cook Labor Government committed to providing quality infrastructure and services by securing the future of Albany’s gas network
- New funding builds on already committed $10.8 million package
The Cook Labor Government will invest an additional $21 million in a community support package for residents and businesses impacted by ATCO’s decision to exit the gas market in Albany.
About $16 million has been set aside to support more than 6,000 homes and small businesses to cover the costs of installing LPG bottles. Alternatively, if customers prefer, they can reallocate their funding toward the cost of purchasing electric appliances.
It is expected the standard costs to convert most customers to bottled gas will be around $1,600.
For the small number of older properties where bottled gas conversion is not possible or is more complex with higher costs, additional support will be provided on a case-by-case basis.
The remainder of the package will fund future works, as well as staffing and subsidy management systems.
Large gas usage businesses, including restaurants, will be eligible for free energy audits to assess their transition options and help them make informed decisions. Further support for these customers will be announced later this year once the audits are completed.
The broader Transition Program will be partly funded by ATCO, who has committed to make a voluntary contribution of $5.5 million which is welcomed by the Cook Labor Government.
In addition, a detailed Trade Capacity Assessment is underway to ensure the region has enough tradespeople to deliver the high volume of work required over the three-year transition period.
Local trades will be engaged in this process to ensure Albany businesses and workers are properly prepared.
Community consultation has been key to developing the package with a working group continuing to provide guidance on the decommissioning process.
This newly announced funding builds on the work already undertaken by the Cook Labor Government, including more than $9 million set aside to support social housing properties to transition to alternative energy supplies and working with ATCO to delay the transition until 2027.
Further details around the Transition Program including timelines and how funding will be accessed will be announced in October.
Impacted customers and interested stakeholders can go to the Energy Policy WA website to sign up for updates.
No further action is required by customers at this time.
As stated by Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“The Cook Labor Government is doing what’s right by Albany locals who are impacted by ATCO’s decision to exit the market.
“We’ve worked closely with the community for months to deliver the best possible result for Albany – securing delays to the decommissioning process, funding for social housing, and establishing a working group to guide the transition.
“Today’s announcement of a significant funding package is the culmination of this work – a solution which will support thousands of homes and businesses to transition to an energy option that is right for them.
“We will continue to stand by this community to ensure Albany has access to affordable and reliable energy for the future.”
As stated by Great Southern Minister Reece Whitby:
“Albany households and businesses deserve support after ATCO’s decision to leave the market, and that is exactly what the Cook Labor Government is delivering with this significant $20 million package.
“This package provides real support for thousands of Albany locals, and we will continue to work with the Albany community to ensure everyone impacted has assistance and solutions during this transition.”
As stated by ATCO Australia CEO John Ivulich:
“I’m pleased to announce ATCO is making a significant contribution to the Albany Gas Transition.
“ATCO has said all along that we will work closely with customers to ensure a smooth and seamless transition, and we are backing that commitment with a substantial voluntary financial contribution.
“We’ve invested close to $50 million in the Albany network since 2011, but the age and safety profile of the LPG network are amongst the reasons it must now be retired.
“We will continue to provide safe and reliable energy for households and businesses until the last connection is decommissioned. We are not walking away from the Albany community.
“As difficult as this decision has been, with many households already choosing bottled LPG and large customers opting for alternative supplies, the LPG network no longer has a viable longterm role in Albany. Decommissioning allows us to support customers through aplanned transition rather than facing escalating costs in the future.”
As stated by Albany Mayor Greg Stocks:
“We have advocated on behalf of the community to deliver the best possible result for Albany.
“With no gas provider committed to continuing Albany’s reticulated gas service, we are thankful for the State Government’s funding package and the practical support it will provide to affected households and businesses as they transition to alternative energy options.
“This funding reflects the significant advocacy and discussions undertaken to secure support for our community and help minimise the financial impact of the transition on residents and businesses.
“We will continue to advocate for the Albany community throughout the transition, ensuring residents are supported from end to end and have the information and assistance they need to make the transition as smooth as possible.”
As stated by MLC Samantha Rowe:
“I am proud to be part of the Cook Labor Government, which is delivering practical support to Albany households and businesses as they transition to new energy solutions.
“This funding package will help ease the cost of change for local families, while ensuring the community continues to have access to affordable and reliable energy.
“I have worked closely with local stakeholders on this issue and will continue advocating for the support and investment our community needs throughout this transition.”
