Every five years, we prepare a detailed plan about how we will operate, maintain, and invest in our gas network (ACT and Queanbeyan-Palerang) to meet the future needs of consumers. This gas access arrangement five-year plan is submitted to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) for consideration and approval to determine how costs associated with the gas network are passed onto consumers.
Our current AER approved 2021–2026 five-year plan is for the period from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2026 and is available on the AER’s website.
Planning for 2026–2031
Australia’s energy sector is entering a period of enormous change, and the ACT is leading the way. The ACT Government has set a target of net zero emissions by 2045. This includes a clear direction for the transition away from gas toward electricity over the next 20 years to 2045. While the NSW Government has not prevented new gas connections, it has set a target of net zero emissions by 2050.
This energy transition has never been done before. It brings with it risks and challenges for Evoenergy and our customers that need to be effectively managed so we can continue to provide safe and reliable gas services.
The 2026–2031 gas access arrangement review process for the period from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031 is underway. A carefully considered plan for our network, that considers and reflects long-term consumer interests, takes a while to develop. We’ve already begun planning and throughout this planning period we will be talking to our ACT and NSW consumers and other stakeholders to enable us to make informed decisions over the next five years through to 2045.
Consumer and stakeholder engagement
Engagement on our five-year plan is an important opportunity to gain insights into how the energy transition may impact the community. We will seek to ensure we undertake genuine and transparent engagement with consumers.