GAAR 2024-2028 is available for review

Reopening the Gas Access Arrangement Review (GAAR)

We have reopened our 2024-2028 Gas Access Arrangement Review to address significant changes affecting our gas distribution network.

Since July 2023, several key policy changes have created a materially different outlook for AusNet's gas network compared to the forecasts approved in June 2023. Notable changes include:

  • A ban on new residential gas connections when a planning permit is required.
  • The implementation of full upfront connection charges for new connections.

The impact of these changes are evidenced by our research and analysis of network data.

These decisions were made following the Australian Energy Regulator’s final ruling on our Gas Access Arrangement, rendering the previous forecasts and assumptions outdated.

Consequently, we have submitted a proposal to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) to amend our access arrangement. Under Section 65 of the NGR, we are permitted to request a revision of our Access Arrangement in response to material policy changes.

The AER invites submissions regarding our variation proposal to VICGAAR2023@aer.gov.au by Friday, 29 November 2024. For more information, please visit the dedicated section on their website here.

GAAR 2024-2028

The development of our proposal has been guided by extensive engagement with customer advocates, industry representatives, and other stakeholders. It is also supported by ongoing customer research that tracks sentiments towards gas and electrification.

Customer research highlights the importance of making changes to bills gradual and predictable, particularly for those with the lowest capacity to pay. Taking early action is essential to protect those who will continue to rely on gas in the long term.

We're committed to reducing future risks for our gas customers and are currently reviewing our capital expenditure proposals to ensure they align with emerging trends in our network. Our goal is to enhance value through our operations.

Gas is an essential service in Victoria, and it will be for decades to come. Our first priority is to continue safe, reliable supply of gas to our customers in Western Victoria.


We are one of 3 gas distribution businesses in Victoria. We deliver gas to 780,000 homes, businesses, hospitals, schools and other facilities in western Melbourne, Geelong and parts of western Victoria. You cannot choose your gas distributor, as they are assigned to you depending on the area where you live.

Our responsibilities in gas distribution include managing the reliability of your supply (and the frequency and duration of gas outages), gas pipeline safety (up to your meter), metering services and connecting newly-built properties to the gas network.

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) is responsible for regulating Australian gas distribution, which falls under a national framework.

Every 5 years, gas distributors across Victoria must submit a draft plan to the AER for the next 5-year regulatory period. This plan outlines the services we will offer customers, the costs to deliver those services, and the plan for how we will use money collected via the distribution charge on customers’ bills. This process is known as the Gas Access Arrangement Review (GAAR).

Our current regulatory period expires on 30 June 2028. Read our current Gas Access Arrangement (2023- 2028).

If you'd like to find out more about our past engagement, visit Gas Matters.