The State Government must outline what additional support will be provided to residents in the 10 regional communities who were recently told they are about to lose their gas supply, The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said today.
Ms Broad raised the issue in Parliament, saying locals should not be left out of pocket through no fault of their own.
Ms Broad has also written directly to the Minister for Energy on behalf of residents and businesses seeking additional support including a price freeze, full cover for conversion costs to ensure households and businesses are not disadvantaged, clear timeframes, and face to face support in each town to help answer questions.
“The majority of these towns – Heathcote, Kerang, Maldon, Marong, Nathalia, Robinvale and Swan Hill – are in the Northern Victoria electorate,” Ms Broad said.
“With the ever-rising cost of living, this is the last thing regional residents need.”
Solstice Energy announced it will cease supplying gas to homes and businesses in these towns by the end of 2026, forcing 1150 households and 34 businesses to switch to electricity or LPG for heating, hot water and cooking – basic essentials for living.
“In 2015 the Labor government confirmed that the Energy for the Regions program would proceed and they would deliver natural gas to Victoria’s regions,” Ms Broad said.
But local residents were shocked to hear about the change through the media.
“Neither Solstice nor the government have been up-front with residents, deciding to cut the 20-year contract halfway, 10 years early,” Ms Broad said.
“In Marong, Solstice connected new customers in November last year and one this year who were charged a $2400 connection fee without any forewarning that this supply was about to be cut off.
“Even with government rebates, residents are concerned they will be left thousands of dollars out of pocket and ineligible for these rebates due to income thresholds or prior use of similar programs.
“Families are already doing it tough with rising power bills and a cost-of-living crisis; now they are being forced to spend thousands to replace their appliances just to stay warm or cook dinner.
“For some, to change to electric is costly; requiring switchboard upgrades and new line connections, as well as new appliances. One household estimated it would cost $28,000 to fully convert.
“Elderly residents, self-funded retirees and families with newborns and young children are among the residents stressed about escalating price rises and having their gas supply cut off within the year.
“Many residents simply do not have the money to cover the additional costs associated with changing or the capacity to navigate information online and coordinate trades and new appliances.
“They are concerned that they will be left severely out of pocket and fear for the vulnerable in the community being contacted by dodgy service providers offering assistance. I have spoken with residents who have said that going electric is not an option, and some homes have no space for an LPG bottle,” Ms Broad said.
“The Allan Labor government’s anti-gas agenda has created uncertainty and is ultimately hurting our regional communities.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
