Community
14 August, 2025
Terang’s gas network to shut down
THE impending closure of Terang’s compressed natural gas network sent shockwaves through the community as soaring costs left the service “no longer viable”.
Supplier Solstice Energy last week announced the piped gas network will be closed in mid-to-late 2026, in a change which will impact 171 residents and one business in Terang.
In a statement to Western District Newspapers, a Solstice Energy spokesperson said the supply of gas would be cut to more than 1100 households across the state after soaring costs rendered supply no longer viable.
“Solstice Energy is starting a supported and planned process of switching customers to bottled LPG ahead of a closure of the ten small compressed natural gas (CNG) networks in regional Victoria next year, which currently service about 1100 customers across ten regional towns,” the spokesperson said.
“These CNG networks are completely different to other gas networks as they rely on gas being compressed and then trucked across the state to the town.
“Over the past few years, there have been constant increases in the cost of supplying these regional CNG networks.
“We have been absorbing costs wherever possible, but this is no longer viable for our customers, or our business.”
Western District Newspapers understands prices will further increase from August 18, with usage and supply charges set to increase by approximately 50 per cent for customers due to ongoing cost pressures in the operation of small, truck-supplied networks.
“We have now had to implement a further price rise for customers, so we want to find a better option for them,” the Solstice Energy spokesperson said.
“Rather than continuing to raise prices in the future, we are instead supporting our customers to switch to bottled LPG gas or electricity and then closing the CNG networks by the end of 2026.
“We are deeply committed to serving our customers’ needs and this change will ultimately lower our customers’ energy costs.”
The spokesperson said customers could continue to use their existing service while being supported through the transition.
“Our customers can continue to use their existing gas heaters and cooktops and Solstice Energy will help fund and coordinate the switch to bottled LPG,” the spokesperson said.
“If customers choose to move to electric appliances, we can assist in some of these costs.
“We understand the immediate price increases may be difficult to absorb for some customers prior to the change and we will work closely with any customers experiencing financial difficulties.
“We will work closely with our customers to ensure a smooth change and, ultimately, we believe they will be better off with lower energy bills.”
For more information visit https://nextsteps.solsticeenergy.com.au.
Read More: Terang