WA GAS NETWORK

THE NETWORK

ABOUT THE NETWORK

ATCO provides gas to over 800,000 Western Australian homes and businesses through more than 14,500km of pipeline.

Right now, more than 80% of the Perth metropolitan area is serviced by our underground network of pipelines. Prospective users (gas retailers) are encouraged to contact us to discuss their service needs and requirements should they want to connect to at ATCO network.

ATCO operates a distribution network of varying characteristics, we are able to supply any technical or physical characteristics of the pipeline that may affect access to, or use of the pipeline, or the price for pipeline services and are happy to work with users in this capacity.

To be able to deliver gas across the Perth greater metropolitan area (from Yanchep in the north to Mandurah in the south), as well as Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury, Busselton and Albany in the regions – we operate three main gas distribution systems:

The Mid-West and South-West Gas Distribution Systems (MWSWGDS) - these natural gas distribution networks reach Geraldton, Eneabba, Bunbury, Busselton, Harvey, Pinjarra, Kemerton, Capel and the Perth greater metropolitan area including Mandurah. The MWSWGDS is a covered pipeline which can be a confusing term given all of our pipelines are situated underground. In this context however, a covered pipeline means it is subject to an Access Arrangement which is reviewed and approved by the Economic Regulation Authority.

The Kalgoorlie Gas Distribution System (Kalgoorlie GDS) – is a natural gas distribution network that serves the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area. The Kalgoorlie GDS is not a covered pipeline (again, the pipeline is situated underground) however it is not subject to an Access Arrangement; and

The Albany Gas Distribution System (Albany GDS) - a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) gas distribution network that serves the Albany area. The Albany GDS is also not a covered pipeline and is not subject to an Access Arrangement.

Application Form For Prospective gas users

New gas users (retailers) can apply to connect to the ATCO gas network.

WA Gas Distribution Map

WA Network coverage

So you know we cover most of Perth and some of WA’s biggest regional centres. But where exactly are the pipes that help bring the natural gas to homes and businesses?

View the maps below to see how we move the gas around Western Australia.

Expanding the network

As Western Australia grows, so too does our natural gas network. From 1.4 million people in greater Perth in 2004, to a projected 3.5 million in 2034, demand for energy infrastructure continues to increase.

We are working on ways to ensure the benefits of natural gas are delivered in growth areas and new subdivisions across Perth. As one of Australia’s most cost efficient natural gas distribution network operators, we are committed to growing the network where it is economically viable to do so, ensuring Western Australian homes and businesses benefit through lower prices over the longer term.

 

The gas supply chain

You’re probably wondering how the gas makes its way from gas fields in our north-west to a home or business, and why there are so many different organisations involved.

Gas retailers, like AGL, Alinta Energy, Kleenheat and Synergy in WA, buy gas from the gas producers who operate in the mid-west and north-west of our state. The retailers then sell that gas to householders and businesses around Western Australia.

Gas transmission pipeline companies are responsible for bringing gas in large quantities from where it is produced to the main population centres in WA – predominantly in the southern part of the state.  That’s where ATCO become involved. Our network connects to the transmission pipelines, reduces the pressure and delivers it safely to your home or business.

The price on the bill sent to you by your retailer includes all of the various components of the ‘supply chain’ associated with bringing gas to you.

WA Gas Distribution Map

Report a Smell of Gas

Mid-West and South West Gas Distribution System

A natural gas distribution network serving the Geraldton, Perth metropolitan, Bunbury, Capel and Busselton areas.

For the MWSWGDS the total quantity of natural gas metered (or estimated) as having been injected into the network for February 2024 was 1717.37TJ

Services: Reference services

Kalgoorlie Gas Distribution System

A natural gas distribution network serving the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area.

The Kalgoorlie system is a discreet sub-network comprising one gate station (gate point) that is interconnected to the Goldfields (GGP) transmission pipeline.

Services: Haulage services

Capacity* (TJ/day): 8.9

* The quantity of natural gas that can be transported through each gate station on the distribution pipeline in any 24 hour period.

Albany Gas Distribution System

A liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) gas distribution network serving the Albany area.

The Albany GDS is a discreet sub-network comprising an LPG tank farm operated by ATCO to reticulate gas to customers. There is no transmission pipeline interconnection, so the retailer must arrange LPG truck deliveries to the tank farm on a daily basis.

Services: Haulage services

Capacity* (TJ/day): 0.96

* The quantity of natural gas that can be transported through each gate station on the distribution pipeline in any 24 hour period.

The benefits of gas

In WA, natural gas is delivered to the home more cheaply than grid supplied electricity while also also producing less greenhouse emissions.