ATCO Gas Australia's 2025-2029 Plan
Our blueprint for the future of energy in WA
- In September 2023, we submitted our proposed sixth Access Arrangement for the 2025-2029 period (also known as AA6) to the Economic Regulation Authority for approval.
- Our submission outlines our proposed investments to maintain and support the transition of our gas distribution network as we work towards net zero emissions by 2050
- Over the 2025-2029 period, we’re proposing to:
- Connect a further 68,000 residential and 2,300 commercial customers to the gas distribution network
- Replace 290km of end-of-life pipeline – so we can continue delivering a safe and reliable network
- Replace more than 110,000 domestic and commercial meters
- Prepare the gas distribution network for renewable gases, and use renewable gases as part of our unaccounted for gas replacement
- Half a billion dollars to be invested in the gas distribution network over five years, including for the delivery of renewable and lower emission gases
- For a typical residential customer, charges are forecast to rise by less than $1.50 a week from 2025
ATCO’s prices for the gas supply network in Western Australia are overseen by an economic regulator – the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA). Every five years, we submit our plans and proposed prices to the ERA for consideration and approval. This plan, known as an Access Arrangement, outlines our programs that are designed to enable us to deliver a safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy source for Western Australians – now and into the future.
GROWING WITH WA
Our Draft Plan is underpinned by the insights of more than 1000 customers and stakeholders, gathered over 400+ hours of consultation, to better understand what the community expects and desires from the gas network.
Nearly 9 in 10 customers consider our suite of investment programs to be of personal importance, with 97% of residents surveyed believing that having access to gas is important.
Our plans reflect this support and increasing demand for access to a safe and reliable network, with an additional 68,000 new customer connections predicted over the five-year period.
PLANNING FOR A RENEWABLE ENERGY FUTURE, TODAY
Our network infrastructure is uniquely positioned to support Western Australia’s energy transition.
Our investment in the 14,500km of pipeline buried under Perth’s greater metropolitan area will be integral to supporting Western Australia’s energy transition.
Our plan for 2025 to 2029 maintains our existing focus on safety, efficiency and reliability, but also considers how we can transform our network to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
KEEPING COSTS DOWN FOR CUSTOMERS
In the current high inflation and interest rate environment, we understand affordability is more important than ever for our customers.
We have designed our Plan to balance the priorities of delivering a safe and reliable gas network; transitioning to a low carbon economy; and keeping the service we deliver efficient to keep costs as low as possible for households and businesses.
For a typical residential customer, the cost to provide a safe, efficient and reliable gas distribution network, and to prepare it for Western Australia’s energy transition, will increase by less than $1.50 a week.
Next Steps
The ERA has commenced public consultation on our Plan and is now seeking submissions from interested parties before submissions close at 4.00pm (WST) Monday 27 November 2023. We expect the ERA will publish an issues paper by late October 2023 to assist interested parties in preparing submissions on ATCO’s proposed plan.
We encourage you to visit the ERA’s website for further information about how to get involved - www.erawa.com.au/current-consultations. If you have any questions or would like to provide direct feedback on our 2025-29 Plan, please contact us at haveyoursay@atco.com.au.
We anticipate a final decision on our plan by the ERA in the third quarter of 2024.