- Funding secured to convert LPG connections in Albany social housing properties
- Working group set up by Cook Labor Government and City of Albany to guide wider transition
- ATCO to decommission the local gas network in stages over a three-year period
The Cook Labor Government and the City of Albany are working together to ensure Albany residents can access reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy options for years to come, as the town prepares for the decommissioning of ATCO's Albany Gas Distribution System.
ATCO has assessed the ageing network as nearing end of life and has advised that it will start decommissioning the network in stages over a three-year period.
The Cook Labor Government has approved $9 million as part of the upcoming State Budget to transition social housing properties in the area to alternative energy sources.
An additional $1.8 million will go towards planning for the transition and evaluating options for the wider community. An Albany Gas Transition project team has been created within the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification to lead this work and support customers through the transition.
It comes as a working group was convened to assess the options for customers impacted by ATCO's decision to exit the gas market in Albany.
The group, which includes local Albany representatives, will provide guidance on the staging of decommissioning and customer supports needed to ensure a smooth transition for the whole community.
Around 40 stakeholders, including local businesses and residents, energy providers, and government entities attended an initial workshop in Albany earlier this year.
The Cook Labor Government and City of Albany have also secured a commitment from ATCO to defer the decommissioning of the town's centre to the final phase of the decommissioning process.
This will ensure that Albany businesses have the time and space they need to make decisions about their future energy needs.
The Cook Labor Government is engaging with ATCO on commencement of its decommissioning program. No immediate action is required by customers at this time. More information will be provided on ATCO's decommissioning timeline as it becomes available.
ATCO customers and interested stakeholders can go to the Energy Policy WA website to sign up for updates.
As stated by Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Today's announcement is about ensuring the Albany community has the support they need to successfully navigate this transition.
"We know this change will have impacts for households and businesses across Albany, which is why we are bringing together local stakeholders, industry and government to plan carefully and collaboratively.
"We are committed to making sure Albany continues to have reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy options into the future."
As stated by City of Albany Mayor Greg Stocks:
"Our CBD is the heart of Albany's retail and hospitality industry.
"It is where small businesses operate, employing local people and creating the vibrancy that defines our city centre. These operators will need the greatest amount of time to transition away from the reticulated gas network.
"Knowing the CBD will be the last to be decommissioned provides critical breathing room."
As stated by ATCO Australia CEO John Ivulich:
"ATCO will continue to work with the State Government and the City of Albany to ensure that the gas network is phased out in a manner which minimises the impact on customers.
"We are liaising with the local business community to establish the boundary of the commercial zone, which will be the last area impacted by the decommissioning process."
