Albany’s gas network will remain operational into early 2027 after Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson negotiated a delay to the decommissioning process, giving thousands of households and local businesses more time to plan their shift away from gas.
Provider ATCO had announced its exit from the Albany market, with a three-year decommissioning process originally scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026.
Following a direct request from Minister Sanderson, ATCO has agreed to push back that start date to early 2027, a concession that community advocates had been pushing for since the closure was announced.
The delay is being welcomed as an opportunity for Albany residents to carefully weigh their electrification options, from reverse-cycle air conditioning and induction cooking to solar-battery systems, rather than being forced into rushed decisions under a tighter deadline.
Minister Sanderson framed the extra months as essential breathing room for families, businesses, and the local council to assess what works best for their individual energy needs.
The Western Australian government has committed more than $10 million in the 2026–27 State Budget to support the transition.
Some $9 million have been earmarked to convert social housing properties in the Albany area to electric alternatives, while a further $1.8 million will fund a broader assessment of energy options for the wider community.
Both measures signal a government intent on ensuring that the move away from reticulated gas does not fall disproportionately on lower-income households.
A dedicated working group has been established to keep local knowledge and community priorities at the centre of planning decisions.
In a further concession, the WA government and the City of Albany have also secured a commitment from ATCO to defer decommissioning of the town centre until the final phase of the overall process, ensuring the commercial heart of Albany retains gas supply for as long as possible during the transition period.
Great Southern Minister Reece Whitby said the decision reflected the government’s commitment to listening to the Albany community, noting that reliable and affordable energy remains critical to the city’s economic future.
ATCO Australia chief executive John Ivulich acknowledged that households and businesses would need time to prepare, and committed to conducting the decommissioning in a manner designed to minimise disruption for those affected.
Current ATCO customers are not required to take any immediate action.
Updates on the decommissioning timeline will be published progressively through Energy Policy WA as planning details are confirmed, and residents can register for direct notifications through the agency’s website.
The government has emphasised that the community will be kept fully informed at each stage as Albany navigates its path toward an electrified energy future.
