New Gas Installations – Consumer Information (Victoria)
When undertaking a new gas installation, the first step as the consumer is to select a gas retailer to supply gas to your property. The retailer will manage the account and coordinate the provision of a gas meter once the installation has been completed and approved.
The next step is to identify the location of the gas meter. In properties such as shopping centres, apartment complexes, or multi-tenancy developments, gas meters are often located in a centralised gas meter room or enclosure. In these situations, individual meters are typically connected to a manifold system, which is a series of branch connections supplying multiple tenancies from a common location.
If the gas meter is located within the premises, the installation process may proceed as outlined below.
If the gas meter is located remotely—such as in a shared meter room or external enclosure—you must determine whether an existing consumer gas pipeline already runs from the meter location to your tenancy. This is critical, as the presence, condition, and size of this pipeline will directly affect the scope and cost of the gas installation and whether it is capable of supplying sufficient gas to your proposed appliances.
A licensed gasfitting plumber can assist in locating existing consumer gas piping and assessing its suitability. While many multi-tenancy buildings include pre-installed pipelines, this should never be assumed.
If there is no existing gas meter point or consumer gas pipeline servicing the premises, an application will be required for a new gas service connection (street tapping) from the gas distribution main. This process is organised through your gas retailer and carried out by the gas distributor, with all associated costs payable by the consumer. Your retailer will explain the application process, timeframes, and fees involved.
Before contacting your gas retailer, you should prepare a list of all gas appliances to be installed, including the megajoule per hour (MJ/h) rating of each appliance. This information is typically displayed on the appliance data plate, or your licensed plumber can assist in confirming these details. Appliance load information is essential for determining meter size, pipe sizing, and available supply capacity.
Once you have gathered this information, you will be well prepared to contact your retailer and discuss your requirements efficiently.
Recommended questions to ask your gas retailer:
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If a street gas connection is required, what is the cost and expected timeframe?
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What are the responsibilities of the licensed plumber versus the gas distributor’s contractors when preparing for a street connection?
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What is the available gas pressure at the street main?
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What gas meter size will be required based on the proposed appliance load?
After these steps have been completed, a licensed gasfitting plumber may proceed with the installation of the consumer gas piping. All gas installation work must be carried out in accordance with the Gas Safety Act and Regulations, and AS/NZS 5601 (Gas Installations).
Upon completion of the installation, the plumber is required to arrange an inspection with Energy Safe Victoria (ESV). If the installation complies, ESV will issue an approval / reference number, confirming the installation has passed inspection.
Once approval has been obtained, the plumber will contact the gas retailer to request installation of the gas meter. Meter installation is typically completed within three to five business days, however delays may occur in some cases due to meter availability, with wait times occasionally extending up to two weeks.