AGL’s submission to the AEMC’s consultation paper on Gas distribution networks: Connection and permanent abolishment charges

AGL Energy (AGL) welcomes the opportunity to comment on the AEMC’s consultation paper on Gas distribution networks: Connection and permanent abolishment charges.

In our submission, AGL is supportive of the Energy Consumers Australia (ECA) proposal to require new gas customers to pay full connection costs upfront as we agree with the ECA that that this will help:

• Avoid inefficient price signals.
• Prevent asset stranding.
• Stop existing customers from subsidising new connections.
• Help consumers compare gas vs. electrification costs.

AGL has some concerns with the Justice and Equity Centre’s rule change proposal to create a new regulatory framework for gas disconnections. While we support the introduction of clear definitions and binding AER guidelines for disconnection services, AGL has some reservations about the impacts of this rule change on customer choice and its potential operational issues on retailers.

Read the full submission (PDF).