Households and businesses in Auckland wanting to disconnect their piped gas could face higher fees to do so.
But if they leave the meter and pipes in place, they could still face a daily charge by their energy providers.
The Auckland gas lines owner Vector says from next month it is changing its pricing for permanent gas disconnections 'to enable full cost recovery' when someone wants the gas infrastructure taken off their property.
The cost ranges from $750 to $ 2,500. To compare, in Wellington it costs $1500 for a disconnection, while in Wairarapa it is about $700.
In a recent case Utilities Disputes says it had to intervene when a business was quoted $7500 to remove a gas connection. After a negotiation the charge was brought down to about $1000.
With high gas prices and limited retailer options for consumers, many are weighing up what to do with their gas connection.
Chief executive of the Green Building Council, Andrew Eagles, says homes should be encouraged to move off gas, to free up supply for industrial customers struggling to get affordable contracts.
But Gas NZ chief executive Jeffrey Clarke, says there is still a solid case for homes to keep gas and that surplus supply would just be picked up by electricity generators with deep pockets, rather than struggling industrial businesses.
Photo: Creative Commons / Andy Butkaj
