Gas Disconnections and Abolishments
Important safety information
Only Jemena and our authorised contractors can perform Gas Disconnections or Abolishments on our distribution assets. It is a serious offence under the Gas Supply Act for any unauthorised person to interfere with gas meters or pipes.
Penalties may include:
• Up to 5 years imprisonment
• Fines of up to $550,000 for individuals or $1.1 million for companies
Understanding your Disconnection Options
Permanent Gas Abolishment or Temporary Gas Disconnection?
If you are planning to demolish, rebuild or undertake major renovations, the gas service will need to be permanently removed for safety reasons. In this case, you will need to request a permanent gas abolishment.
If you are not currently using gas appliances but would like to keep the option to use gas in the future, a temporary gas disconnection may be the better option.
A temporary gas disconnection allows the gas supply to be safely turned off without permanently removing the gas service from your property. The gas service pipe remains in place from the street to the meter location and continues to contain gas, however the supply is isolated and gas appliances cannot be used at the property until the supply is reconnected.
Different Types of Gas Disconnections
Gas Disconnection (Temporary)
Gas Abolishment
(Permanent)
Gas Disconnection (Temporary)
This option is suitable if you aren’t using gas right now but may want it again in the future. It is not suitable if you are removing all gas appliances permanently or where you are renovating or rebuilding.
What does a Gas Disconnection involve?
- An authorised Jemena technician temporarily turns off the gas supply at the meter.
- The gas meter and pipework remain on your property, making this a temporary solution.
- The gas service pipe from the street to the meter remains flowing, so care should be taken when carrying out any digging or earthworks.
- Once the disconnection is completed, your retailer will stop charging service or supply availability fees.
Important information:
- The Gas Disconnection cost is charged by your energy retailer, so you’ll need to speak with them for more information.
- There may be safety risks with leaving unused gas assets in place as the gas pipe running from the main in the street to your meter will continue to contain gas. In particular, extra caution is required when doing any digging or earthworks.
- Gas disconnections occur within 5 business days after Jemena receive a valid retailer request. This is subject to weather, site conditions and unhindered access to our meter.
How do I request a Gas Disconnection?
Frequently Asked Questions
Gas Abolishment (Permanent)
Choose this option if you are renovating or demolishing, or want to permanently remove gas from the property (for example, if you are replacing all gas appliances with electricity).
What does a Gas Abolishment involve?
- An authorised Jemena representative isolates your gas supply at the main in the street and removes the meter.
- The service pipe remains on the property. This is because it is considered a consumer-owned pipe so cannot be removed by Jemena.
- Your retailer stops charging service fees once the abolishment is completed.
Important information:
- For major renovations or demolition, abolishment is required regardless of whether you expect to reconnect later. This is a safety requirement under the SafeWork NSW Demolition Code of Practice, Section 3.8 Essential Services. It is a requirement to notify Jemena of any upcoming demolition work.
- The Gas Abolishment cost is charged by your energy retailer, so you’ll need to speak with them for more information.
How do I request a Gas Abolishment?
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful Information
Feedback and Complaints
If you have a complaint about a gas disconnection or abolishment service, you can contact Jemena via our feedback and complaints process. We will handle complaints in accordance with our standard complaints and dispute resolution procedure.
Abolishment Rule Change
For more information about the 120A rule change, visit the AEMC website.