How to disconnect gas in Perth: a step-by-step guide for WA homeowners

Deciding to exit gas is the easy part. Actually doing it involves a handful of calls, some lead time, and a couple of tradespeople. This guide walks you through the whole process for WA homeowners.

Before you start: check you're ready

Gas exit only makes financial sense once you've replaced your gas appliances, or have a firm plan to do so. Going all-electric means:

• Gas hot water → heat pump water heater (or solar hot water electric boosted)
• Gas cooktop → induction cooktop
• Gas ducted heating / gas space heater → reverse-cycle air conditioner (heat pump)
• Gas instantaneous hot water service (multi-point) → heat pump or on-demand electric

There's no financial benefit to disconnecting the gas pipe if you still need it for anything. Plan the appliance replacements first, then disconnect.

If the goal is simply a smaller gas bill and you are not ready to replace appliances, switching is the cheaper lever: compare WA gas suppliers by annual cost before committing to an exit.

Step 1: replace the last gas appliance

The most common holdout is the gas hot water system. Hot water accounts for 20–30% of a typical Perth household's energy use. Replacing it with a heat pump cuts that by about 65%.

Before you book the disconnection:

• Confirm every gas appliance has been replaced or taken offline
• Tell your plumber you want the internal gas lines capped at the meter (they'll do this as part of the replacement job, or as a separate small job)
• Keep a note of the date each appliance was retired: you'll need it when calling to cancel your supply contract

Step 2: cancel your gas supply contract

WA has two gas distribution networks:

The network operator (ATCO) owns the pipe and meter. Your retailer (Kleenheat, Alinta Energy, AGL, Origin, ENGIE, or another) handles the billing. You need to contact your retailer to end the supply contract, which then triggers ATCO to arrange the physical disconnection.

Call your gas retailer and say:

"I want to permanently disconnect my gas service. I've replaced all my gas appliances and I'd like the supply contract closed and the meter removed."

They will:

• Close your account
• Issue a final meter read
• Pass the disconnection request to ATCO

Lead time: expect 1–4 weeks from the retailer's disconnection request to ATCO completing the physical work. Some retailers can arrange this faster if you ask.

Step 3: the physical disconnection (ATCO's job)

Once your retailer passes the request, ATCO sends a technician to:

1. Read the meter one final time
2. Isolate and remove the gas meter
3. Cap the gas main connection at the property boundary

You don't need to be home for this, but make sure the meter is accessible. ATCO will leave a notice confirming the service is disconnected.

Cost: meter removal is usually free for residential customers in WA, covered by ATCO's regulated service obligations. Confirm this with your retailer when you call. Occasionally there are administrative fees, but they're small.

Step 4: cap the internal pipework (optional)

Once the external meter is removed, the internal gas pipes are already inert (no gas in them). Most homeowners leave the internal pipework in the walls. It's not a hazard and costs money to remove.

However, if you're renovating, selling, or want a clean finish, a licensed plumber can cap or remove the internal lines. Cost varies widely depending on how much pipe is involved and whether walls need to be opened.

For a standard sale or rental: you don't need to remove internal pipework. The disconnected meter is visible evidence the property is gas-free.

Step 5: update your energy accounts

Once disconnected:

• You'll stop receiving gas bills (check the final bill arrives and is correct)
• You can remove the gas retailer from your direct debits
• Your electricity bill will likely increase: this is expected, and the savings from your new efficient appliances should more than offset it

Use BillWise's bill analysis tool to benchmark your first post-gas electricity bill. If the increase is larger than expected, it's worth checking your tariff and whether a Midday Saver switch would help.

How long does the whole process take?

Total: allow 4–8 weeks from "I want to exit gas" to meter removed. If you're working to a deadline (settlement, renovation start), give yourself 10 weeks to be comfortable.

What about the gas concession?

If you receive the Utilities Concession for gas, it applies only to active gas supply. Once disconnected, the concession stops, but so does the supply charge (about $90–150/year in WA). The concession for electricity continues independently.

Rebates that apply before disconnection

Heat pump hot water: the federal government's Renewable Energy Upgrade Fund (where available) and some state programs support heat pump hot water installation. Check with your installer. STCs for hot water systems can reduce the upfront cost by $300–1,000 depending on the model and your location.

Solar installation: if you're adding solar at the same time as electrifying, the STC rebate for a 6.6kW Perth system is currently around $1,800 off the installed price (2026 figures, Zone 3, 5-year deeming).

Selling a gas-free home

Buyers and tenants increasingly see "all-electric with solar" as a positive, not a trade-off. In WA, Synergy's survey data shows 45%+ of households plan to electrify within 5 years, and a gas-free home simplifies the running costs story for buyers.

Real estate disclosure: you're not required to disclose that a property was formerly gas connected. But a new hot water system, modern induction cooktop, and no gas meter is generally a straightforward conversation with buyers.

Common questions

"What if my strata building has shared gas infrastructure?" Strata properties with shared gas mains are more complex: you'd need body corporate approval to disconnect the individual service, and the shared line stays in place regardless. Check with your strata manager before starting.

"Can I keep the gas connected just for a barbecue?" You can, but it's rarely worth it. The supply charge alone is about $90–150/year for zero or very low usage. A LPG bottle for the barbecue costs less and avoids the fixed charge entirely.

"What if I change my mind later?" Reconnecting gas after full disconnection is possible but expensive. ATCO would need to re-lay connections, potentially from the street. Treat gas exit as a one-way decision once the meter is removed.

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To find your retailer's contact number, check your latest gas bill or the retailer's website. ATCO Gas Australia handles the physical Perth network: search "ATCO Gas Australia contact" for their current number. Use BillWise to model your post-gas electricity costs →.