Requesting a gas disconnection, reconnection or abolishment

Gas disconnections

You can request a disconnection to temporarily close the connection to stop gas from being delivered to your home or business. While gas will not flow, the gas service line to your property will remain live.

Disconnection methods

Attach Meter Locks (AML) and Plugs (red plug)

This method takes two business days to complete and involves installing a plug into the inlet of the gas meter, to stop gas from passing through. This can be requested by you, or your retailer for non-payment.

The AML disconnection fee changes each year based on tariffs. You can view the current tariffs and charges here (PDF, 54 KB).

Disconnect Service in Street for Debt (DSD)

This method takes 20 business days to complete and involves disconnecting the gas service pipe on the street to stop gas from passing through. This is raised by your gas retailer.

There is no standard DSD fee – the fee is based on a quote prepared by Downer, who are contracted by us to complete certain gas works.

Gas reconnections

This means we restore your previously disconnected gas, allowing gas supply to your property.

Reconnection methods

Remove Meter Locks and Plugs (RML)

This method takes one business day to complete and involves removing a plug in the inlet of your meter, which may have been installed during the disconnection process. Removing this plug means gas can flow through the meter again. This method is used to reconnect gas when it was previously disconnected due to unpaid gas bills.

The RML reconnection fee changes each year based on tariffs. You can view the current tariffs and charges here (PDF, 54 KB).

Reconnect Service In Street for Debt (RSD)

This is raised by your gas retailer and involves reconnecting your gas to the service pipe in the street.

There is no standard RSD fee or set business days to complete– the fee and timeframe are based on a quote prepared by Downer, who are contracted by us to complete certain gas works.

Meter Turn On (MTN)

This methods takes two business days to complete and involves removing a plug in the inlet of your gas meter, so gas can flow through the meter again. This method is used for all reconnections not related to unpaid gas bills.

The MTN reconnection fee changes each year based on tariffs. You can view the current tariffs and charges here (PDF, 54 KB).

Meter Refix (MRF)

This method takes one business day to complete and involves a request for a gas meter to be reconnected at a property where the gas main and service pipe are already connected.

This reconnection method is raised by your gas retailer, following a meter removal disconnection for renovations.

The MRF reconnection fee changes each year based on tariffs. You can view the current tariffs and charges here (PDF, 54 KB).

Gas abolishments

You can request a gas abolishment if you intend to permanently disconnect your gas connection. A gas abolishment means we cut and cap the gas service line to your property, typically near or in the street, to permanently make the site safe.

How to request a gas abolishment

1. Contact your gas retailer

Your gas retailer is the company you pay your gas bill to. Contact your retailer and ask them to raise an abolishment service order on your behalf.

If you are a resident in social housing, Homes Vic may be able to request an abolishment directly with us (AusNet) from 8 Jan 2026.

2. Your gas retailer submits the service order to us

Once you make the request, your gas retailer will organise the abolishment directly with us.

Your gas retailer will submit two required service orders:

MRM – Meter removal

This takes two business days to complete.
This is also used if you’re removing the gas meter or moving it for renovations.

SDR – Service disconnection request

This can take up to 15 business days to complete.
This is when your gas service line is permanently cut and capped.

3. For any updates, contact your retailer

Because the abolishment process is managed directly between us and your gas retailer, you must contact your retailer for all updates and scheduling information.
We can’t provide gas abolishment updates directly to customers.

Gas abolishment fees

Residential

The residential abolishment fee changes each year based on tariffs. You can view the current tariffs and charges here (PDF, 54 KB).

Commercial

There is no standard commercial abolishment fee – the fee is based on a quote prepared by our delivery partner Downer, who are contracted by us to complete certain gas works.

Reasons your gas connection may be disconnected or abolished

AML and Plugs – you have requested to disconnect your gas supply, i.e. not pay for service to property charges but maintain the meter and service. A red plug is used to stop the supply of gas when the supply is cut off through the gas fitting/service line.

Safety reasons – for example, we may need to abolish the connection due to fire or vandalism to the gas meter. In some cases, a gasfitter will install a green plug. A green plug is used to stop the supply of gas at the meter when it’s unsafe to use. You will receive advance notice if we plan a disconnection for safety reasons and options to rectify the reason for disconnection.