AusNet has spent $40 million over the past 12 months as part of ongoing gas network upgrades and maintenance across Victoria.
AusNet Executive General Manager Gas & Metering, Fran Duiker, said these projects will enable AusNet to continue to distribute gas in a reliable and safe manner into the future.
“AusNet is focused on providing a safe and reliable gas network for our customers and preparing the network for peak periods during winter. One of the ways we do this is by replacing older gas mains,” said Ms Duiker.
Upgrading low-pressure mains to high pressure ones helps to manage the safety risk of gas leaks associated with older low-pressure networks. Many of our low-pressure mains are now over 50 years old.
“Leaks and blockages, although rare, can also cause outages. The availability of high-pressure gas means greater supply reliability and reduces the chance of interruptions,” said Ms Duiker.
Over the last 12 months we have renewed 11 kilometres of existing low-pressure gas mains in Geelong replacing existing cast iron, PVC and galvanised low-pressure mains with high-pressure modern polyethylene pipes (poly pipes).
Replacement works on Aberdeen Street will be completed by the end of June. This will complete all of Geelong's low-pressure mains replacement to high-pressure pipes.
AusNet has upgraded 356 kilometres of Geelong’s gas network to high pressure pipes since 2007.
“We have prioritised regions in our network where there are likely to be more cold snaps and consecutive cold days, and areas where there is a higher chance of outages, because they are on the fringe of our networks.
AusNet’s gas distribution network covers 60,000 square kilometres across the western parts of Victoria, consisting of 12,400 kilometres of distribution mains and 185 kilometres of transmission pipelines, which distribute gas to over 824,000 consumers in central and western Victoria.
Gas ready checklist
There are a few simple steps people can take to be safe, warm and energy efficient over winter.
- Get gas appliances serviced by qualified gasfitters.
- Install draught seals on external windows and doors; this could save you up to $30 per year.
- Set heater thermostats between 18 and 20 degrees; every degree higher can add 15 per cent to your bills.
- Keep AusNet’s emergency numbers handy: 13 67 07 for gas leaks or interruptions to supply; 1800 818 832 for life support customers.
For more information on being gas ready this winter, visit ausnetservices.com.au/gasready.
During winter, peak demand and unforeseen events may cause temporary interruptions to gas supply on the fringes of our network so it’s important to know what to do during an outage.
What do to if there’s no gas
- Call 13 67 07 to report any gas leaks or interruptions to your gas supply. You don’t need to turn your gas meter off before calling AusNet.
- Stay away from suspected faulty or leaking gas pipes.
- Life support customers can call AusNet’s priority line on 1800 818 832, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Only use portable gas bottles or gas stoves outdoors. Only use gas appliances for their intended purpose.