FAQs

Natural gas is a colourless, naturally occurring gas, made up of methane and a small percentage of other gases. It is a very safe and clean-burning fuel source. The natural gas provided is from Victoria and has been used as a reliable energy source for over 100 years. Unlike LPG, natural gas is composed almost entirely of methane, which is lighter than air. If there is a gas leak, natural gas will disperse through natural ventilation. Natural gas is odourless however an odorant is added to assist in the identification of a gas leak.

• Instant heating (indoor and outdoor)
• Instantaneous continuous hot water
• Cooking (indoor and outdoor)
• Pool and spa heating

• Manufacturing processing
• Electricity, steam and hot water generation
• As a raw material (widely used in the manufacturing of plastics and fertilizers)
• A vehicle fuel source

The existing natural gas network is supplied by treatment plants, where the gas is processed to remove impurities such as water and carbon dioxide. The natural gas is then compressed in Longford, Victoria and transported on the Tasmanian Gas Pipeline at high pressure to the TGN pressure reduction stations, allowing the controlled release of gas into the town’s distribution network, which transports natural gas to households, commercial and industrial users.

Natural gas networks in Australia are recognised as an extremely reliable source of energy supply. Buried gas pipelines are not subject to the weather events that commonly affect electricity and are well protected by depth of cover, marker tape and signage as appropriate. As such, the gas supply can be expected to be able to be relied upon.

In a standard installation, the pipes will be installed using thrust boring or drilling which requires only small entry and exit holes. This technique allows faster installation and removes the need for large open cut trenches. If obstacles are present, a representative of TGN will advise if it is a non-standard installation and will discuss with you any additional costs.

Installed meter with no garden disturbance

Absolutely! Your licensed gas fitter can install your appliances whilst TGN is coordinating the installation of the meter. This enables your new natural gas appliances to be used sooner. Once the meter installation is complete, your licensed gasfitter can connect your pre-installed appliances to the meter.

To enjoy all the benefits of a new natural gas connection, please follow these easy steps:

1. Check to see if natural gas is available at your property by clicking here.
2. Research appliances you want to connect and get a quote to have them installed by your Licensed Gas Fitter.
3. Complete and submit an application with your Retailer.
4. The Retailer will contact you to confirm receipt of your application.
5. Speak with a gas fitter to understand what your costs for installation are and appliance usage details.
6. A representative from TGN will call you to arrange a site inspection. At the inspection a meter location diagram will be left in your letterbox.
7. Following site inspection, a TGN representative will contact you to arrange a convenient time for the meter installation.
8. Once the meter has been installed, your licensed gasfitter can connect the meter. Within 48 hours of the gasfitter connecting to the meter, the gasfitter is required to submit the completed gas fitting notice. If TGN does not receive the gas fitting notice within 48 hours, it will arrange for the disconnection of the meter.

If, unfortunately your home does not appear to front the natural gas pipeline, then please submit a Network Extension Enquiry. TGN registers and evaluates all enquiries based on the distance from the pipeline, density of the street and how many others have expressed an interest in the area. In all instances, TGN will let you know the outcomes of its evaluation.

If you are planning any kind of excavation or construction that you think may be on or near the pipeline, always contact Before You Dig Australia by clicking here.

Tampering with a gas meter is illegal, and potentially exposes people to the risk of a gas explosion, serious injury or even death. Those who tamper with gas meters not only put themselves at risk, but also other occupants of that property, neighbours and members of the general public. It is also illegal to ask, pay or allow someone else to tamper with your meter.

Gas meter tampering is a criminal offence. Members of the public who tamper with their own or other people’s meters are guilty of an offence and so liable for prosecution. If convicted of an offence under the Gas Safety Act they may be liable to pay a fine of 40 penalty points (200 penalty points for a business) of which the 2017 value is $6,343 ($31,714 for a business). In addition, offenders may have their gas service permanently removed.

The method of interfering with the meter varies but in all cases such activity is illegal and dangerous. By law, only TGN representatives and Registered Gas Installers are authorised to work on natural gas meters and gas pipework. By tampering with a meter, unauthorised people are not just putting their own safety at risk, but the safety of their families, neighbours and the general public.

All sites suspected of meter tampering are visited by an TGN approved person and the meter is inspected. If they suspect interference, the meter will be either exchanged or removed. If the meter is exchanged the customer can still consume gas at this point.

The removed meter is returned to TGN and re-inspected, tested and evidence of tampering is reconfirmed. The removed meter is stored securely and TGN will issue a letter to the occupant of the premises advising them of the interference found at the site and the necessary steps to resolve the matter. At the same time, TGN will advise the Office of Gas Standards and Safety, a section within the Department of Justice who will carry out their own investigations which may lead to prosecution proceedings.

When meter tampering has been confirmed at a residential site, TGN requires the end-user to make payment for the damaged meter and to arrange for a licensed gas fitter to recommission the installation and provide updated or new certificate of compliance details in accordance with the Gas Safety (Gas Installation) Regulations 2018.

The Retailer may also be in contact in relation to the unrecorded consumption as a result of the meter tampering.

Should tampering be uncovered at an industrial or commercial site, the costs associated are considerably higher than those applied at a residential property.

Under the Gas (Safety) Regulations 2014, a natural gas installation must be carried out by a licensed gas fitter. Once the installation is complete and has been tested and commissioned, the gas fitter will submit a Certificate of Compliance (also known as a Gas Fitting Notice) to the Director of Gas Safety and provide you and us with a copy.

For more detail please click on the following link:
https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au/topics/technical-regulation/gas-standards-safety/gas-installation-categories

TGN will not supply gas to your property until your gas fitter has provided us with a copy of the Gas Fitting Notice.

TGN recommends that gas users have their gas appliances serviced and their installation inspected for safety every 12 months, and this work should only be carried out by a licensed gas fitter.

If you suspect meter tampering is taking place, you can confidentially report it to TGN on 1800 770 018. Reports are taken very seriously and will be investigated.