The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has approved the 2017 gas network tariffs submitted by the four Victorian gas distributors, Australian Gas Networks (Victoria and Albury) MultiNet Gas, AusNet Services as well the Victorian transmission system provider, the APA Victorian Transmission System (VTS) network (formerly GasNet).
The 2017 tariff variations submitted by the network service providers comply with the requirements of their respective gas access arrangements for the period 2013–17.
In Victoria, distribution charges make up approximately a third of an average residential customer's gas bill, while transmission charges make up approximately eight per cent, depending on the location of the customer and retail offers. Many other factors influence final retail gas bills.
The price change for the transmission component of a median standing gas offer in Victoria is estimated to reduce the annual average residential bill by approximately 0.4 per cent or $5.38. For the distribution component, the annual average retail bill is estimated to increase by less than CPI:
- 0.4 per cent or $5.13 for Australian Gas Networks (Albury)
- 1.4 per cent or $21.38 for Australian Gas Networks (Victoria)
- 1.4 per cent or $21.42 for AusNet Services; and
- 0.7 per cent or $9.58 for Multinet Gas.
Gas bills are a concern to many households in Victoria.
We encourage consumers to use the Victorian Government’s independent, price comparison site Victorian Energy Compare (compare.switchon.vic.gov.au) to find the best offer to suit their energy needs.
Shopping around saves money; consumers should take their time, and ask questions, before signing a contract.