Switching gas providers

Fact Checked

In this Canstar Blue guide, we discuss the ins and outs of switching natural gas suppliers in Australia.

Changing utility providers can be a juggling act. You’ll of course want to make sure the switch is seamless and that you’re not left without a gas supply during the changeover from one supplier to another. Read on to find out what you need to do to change suppliers and the steps you can take to ensure it goes off without a hitch.

How to switch natural gas providers

Switching gas suppliers is generally a straightforward process. Here’s a step by step guide :

• Contact the new gas supplier you have chosen and ask to switch your service to them.
• Your new gas provider will send a request to the network distributor on your behalf. The network distributor owns, operates and maintains the gas pipelines. 
• This request will be also be sent to  your current gas provider
• After your final meter read, the new gas supplier will take over your property’s account
• You will receive your final bill from your old gas supplier

Your new gas supplier will need your usage requirements, supply address, banking details and Delivery Point Identifier (your meter number) in order to complete the switch. Your meter number can be found at the top of your gas bill or on your meter.

What to look out for when changing gas suppliers

Before choosing a new gas supplier, think about which features are most important to you. 

1. Supply charges: Gas supply rates reflect the cost of supplying gas to a home – either via natural gas lines or the delivery of LPG cylinders. Supply charges are generally the fixed price component of a gas bill.
2. Usage charges: Some gas suppliers have set usage rates for all gas consumption, while others may charge gas usage in ‘block rates’, meaning prices will change depending on how much gas is used.
3. Hidden fees: Some gas suppliers may have ‘hidden fees’ tied to plans, such as a connection fee, credit card surcharge, late payment fees or a paper billing charge. Always read the fine print before selecting a plan.
4. Customer satisfaction: A feature often overlooked is the level of service customers receive from their gas supplier. Whether it’s having longer call centre hours or next day LPG delivery, customer service and value for money are worth thinking about.
5. Location: Your postcode can have a major impact on the price you pay for gas. You should consider the difference in supply and running costs between both natural gas and LPG, particularly for those in regional areas or who have lower gas usage needs.
6. Incentives: Incentives are a great way for gas providers to compete for business. It could be a discount, a sign-up offer or a voucher. Some providers offer a larger discount for bundling electricity and gas.

Read more: What’s cheaper: Electricity or gas?

Can I change gas providers in my state?

Most customers in Australia should be able to change natural gas suppliers. The availability of natural gas will depend on a home’s location and whether or not the area is serviced by the gas mains – the underground pipes that supply gas to households. If you’re living in a regional area you may not have the option to switch suppliers.

For LPG, customers will be able to switch suppliers, so long as there are companies servicing their area. Similar to natural gas, customers in regional parts of the country may have limited choice.

Which retailers offer gas?

Here is a list of natural gas retailers in Australia. Keep in mind that not all of these companies operate in all areas of Australia. Please refer to each retailer’s website for further details.

• ActewAGL
• AGL
• Alinta Energy
• CovaU
• Dodo
• EnergyAustralia
• GloBird Energy
• Kleenheat
• Kogan Energy
• Lumo Energy
• Momentum Energy
• Origin Energy
• Powershop
• Red Energy
• Simply Energy
• Sumo
• Tango Energy

Compare natural gas plans in your state

LPG suppliers in Australia

LPG is accessible across most of Australia. However, many LPG suppliers will only service local areas. A few larger companies – such as Origin and Elgas – still deliver LPG nationwide. Here are some LPG suppliers in Australia:

• Agas National
• Kleenheat
• Origin LPG
• Elgas
• Supagas

Can you change gas suppliers if you owe money?

Like an electricity account, customers will need to settle any outstanding bills with their existing gas supplier before switching. Depending on the retailer, a credit check may be carried out by the new gas provider to determine the level of risk before taking you on as a customer. However, some smaller companies may not require this. For everything you need to know about switching energy providers in debt, read our guide.

You can check your credit score for free here

How long does it take to switch gas suppliers?

The time it takes to change gas suppliers will depend on when your home’s last gas meter reading was carried out. If you are billed every quarter it can take anywhere between a few days to a couple of months. You will usually find the date of your next meter reading on your most recent gas bill.

Is there a cooling-off period when switching gas?

Yes, like an electricity account, customers who switch gas suppliers have a 10-day cooling off period. This means if you change your mind about your new gas provider you’ll have 10 business days from the agreement date to cancel the contract. Terminating your contract after this period may result in exit fees.

Will it cost money to change gas companies?

Customers should consider connection, disconnection and exit fees before switching gas providers. All gas retailers are required by law to publish an energy price fact sheet for each of their plans, meaning every fee and charge will be listed within this document. Make sure to read this document carefully before you switch.

Will there be an interruption to my gas supply?

There shouldn’t be any interruption to your natural gas supply when changing retailers. The gas supplied to your home all comes from the same gas mains network, meaning once your final meter reading has taken place, it’s as simple as the new gas provider taking over your account.

Can you save by switching gas suppliers?

According to a 2023 Canstar Blue survey, 57% of respondents who had switched natural gas providers in the last two years said it proved to be a good financial decision to do so. With incentives such as no-lock-in contracts, no exit fees, discounts and sign-up offers, gas retailers are making switching an enticing option.

If you’re not willing to switch just yet however, there are other avenues you can take to pay less, such as contacting your retailer and asking for a better deal. If all else fails, don’t forget to do your homework and shop around for the most competitive deals in your area. To get started be sure to head to our free natural gas comparison tool below.

Compare Gas Plans and Prices

Original reporting by Kelseigh Wrigley
Image Source: marketlan/Shutterstock