Victorians in line for hefty gas fees

Households and businesses in Victoria will soon face hefty gas connection fees as the state looks to move towards renewable. Under the current system, gas connection fees can be paid in instalments over prolonged periods of time, but from 2025, those fees must be paid upfront. For homes, it could range from $1,700 to $2,500, while businesses could be forced to pay up to $31,000. It’s one of several measures introduced by the state government and energy regulator – another is a ban on gas connections for new homes in Victoria, which begins on January 1, 2024. There are concerns the upfront fee could impact low-income earners and renters who may already be feeling the cost of living pinch.