SwitchedOn Australia Gas company shutdown pushes regional towns onto LPG, not efficient electric alternatives
Dec 9, 2025
Kat Lucas-Healy, a senior climate and energy advisor at Environment Victoria, dives into the turmoil faced by ten regional Victorian towns as their gas supply is set to shut down. She discusses the residents' outrage and confusion over the abrupt transition, highlighting the stark difference with a successful case in Esperance, WA. Kat critiques the government's handling of this energy transition, warning that vulnerable communities risk getting trapped in higher-cost options, while outlining the urgent need for better support and clear communication.
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Sudden Gas Exit Forces Rapid Choices
- Ten regional Victorian towns face gas shutdown because Solstice says delivery is too costly.
- This sudden exit forces 1,145 customers to choose LPG or rushed electrification with limited support.
Homebuyers Shocked By Short-Lived Gas Service
- Residents report shock and anger because networks were built only a decade ago and homes were recently purchased as 'connected to gas'.
- Buyers say disclosure didn't reveal these were isolated, expensive compressed-gas networks.
Policy Promises Created A White Elephant
- The isolated networks originated from a government program promising cheaper energy but were never commercially viable.
- Rising gas export-driven prices made these small networks economically unsustainable.