The Energy Networks Association (ENA) has welcomed lower gas network charges being passed on by gas network companies despite difficult market conditions.
ENA Chief Executive Officer, John Bradley, pointed to the latest round of gas network decisions and regulatory proposals that highlight a bright future for natural gas in Australia.
“While there is a lot of talk about higher wholesale gas prices, Australia’s 4.5 million gas users are benefiting from much lower network charges, which are a larger portion of the retail bill due to the costs associated with supporting 88,000 kilometres of pipeline and 4.5 million connections,” said Mr Bradley.
“Gas customers will welcome the recent proposal from Australian Gas Networks of an 11 per cent reduction in network charges for South Australian residential customers and up to a 34 per cent reduction in network charges for Jemena’s NSW customers.
“This will mean annual gas bill reductions of about, $46 per year in South Australia and $118 per year in NSW.
“This is not only good news for customers – it is good news for the environment given the environmental benefits of gas.
“Natural gas networks provide more energy to homes and businesses than all the brown coal fired power stations in Australia.
“The use of natural gas in the home for cooking, hot water and heating can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75 per cent.
“Natural gas is an economic and environmentally sound choice for cooking, hot water and heating, and an important part of a complementary energy mix for many Australian households,” said Mr Bradley.
