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Whether you’re fixing a problem or looking for a more efficient solution, connecting natural gas is a convenient energy choice for many Australian households.

Natural gas produces lower carbon emissions compared to other fossil fuels such as coal or oil. It’s reliable, has a great safety record, and gives us cosy indoor heating in winter while firing up our barbecues. 

So whether you’re in need of an emergency replacement or just looking for a new set up, connecting gas in your house needn’t be a complicated process. In fact, it can be as easy as taking the following five steps.

Step 1: Make sure there’s gas available

It may sound like an obvious first step, but although natural gas is available to over 1.2 million consumers in South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales, it may not be available to all premises. Even if a home is surrounded by other houses already connected to natural gas, this doesn’t automatically mean there’s gas available as gas mains don’t always go down every street.

To verify gas availability, you can:
- Contact the New Connections Team on 1300 001 001; OR
- Ask your chosen energy retailer.

If you reside in Victoria, you will need to contact your chosen energy retailer.

Important update for Victoria:

Since 1 January 2024 (applies to planning permits lodged after this date), under the Building Electrification Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) new homes, subdivisions, and apartments that require a planning permit can no longer connect to the gas network. Homes that do not require a planning permit are still eligible for a gas connection, but be aware that from 2027, all new homes in Victoria must be all-electric, regardless of permit status.
For more detailed information about eligibility or to confirm if your property is affected, check with your energy retailer.

Step 2: Lodge a new connection request

If you’re looking to connect a home in SA or QLD, you can lodge your request for a new natural gas connection by calling the New Connections Team on 1300 001 001 and providing the following details: 
- Your installation address;
- Your contact details;
- Your chosen gasfitter’s details (including plumbing/gasfitting licence number); and
- The details of the appliances to be installed (which helps to determine what size meter gets installed at your property).

However, if your home is in VIC or NSW, you will need to lodge your request directly with an energy retailer with an established new connection process. Generally, this means you’ll need to contact AGL, Energy Australia, or Origin Energy. Most of these energy retailers will have forms you can fill in online, to get the process moving. 

In some areas, such as Tanunda in SA, there may be only one retailer servicing the area (e.g., Origin Energy in Tanunda). 

Step 3: Get your inlet installed - the pipe from the mains to your gas meter

This is the connection from your street to your home. We will organise the installation of the inlet pipe from the gas main in your street to the meter position. Generally, an inlet can take between 20-30 business days to complete (depending on factors such as weather conditions and site readiness), so expect some flexibility in the timeline.  

Step 4: And your outlet too - the pipes from your gas meter to your appliances

Your chosen gas fitter or appliance retailer store will help you sort the pipework between the meter and your household appliances (i.e your outlet). 

Don’t worry, you’ll get your actual meter set up in step 5. An outlet can still be installed without a meter.

Step 5: Set up an account with your energy retailer and request a meter installation

You’ve put all pieces of the puzzle in place, and now all you need is to get a gas meter installed at your property. To do this, you’ll need to contact your chosen energy retailer, set up a billing account with them (if you haven’t already done so), and nominate a day for the installation (called a ‘meter fix’) to happen. Normally, at least two business days’ notice would be required, and you’ll be asked to make sure there’s someone present at the property either in the morning or afternoon (due to the nature of work, appointments are set up as half-day appointments). 

Once your meter fix has been scheduled and confirmed, a contractor will install the gas meter at your house, carrying out a pressure and safety test. The meter will be installed at a predetermined location (depending on a number of factors), but will be placed in a location that’s easy for future meter readers to access (reads are generally carried out every quarter). 

Generally speaking, a gas meter will only be installed in an existing home once the appliances and outlet service have been completed. In NSW and SA, however, a meter can be installed even if your outlet pipework isn’t yet complete. 

And that’s it! 

Your home has a new gas connection. Once in place, you’re free to switch to another energy retailer if you choose to do so. But in the meantime, your home will be able to enjoy instant, and infinitely controllable gas at all times.

(Please note: Particular parts of the new connection process will vary across states, depending on market regulations. The following article only gives an overview of the process; for specific enquiries, you should contact your energy retailer or contact the New Connections Team on 1300 001 001).

Is it time to add gas to your home? Find everything you need to know about making the connection.

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All information provided in this article was correct at the time of publishing (October 2025). Gas regulations and charges subject to change.