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In parts of Victoria from 2026, Solstice Energy is closing its compressed natural gas (CNG) network. If you are impacted by the network closing, you will need to:
- upgrade to electric appliances, or
- convert to bottled gas (LPG), along with your appliances.
Need to talk to someone?
Email DEECA: solstice.support@deeca.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1800 413 137 from anywhere in Australia, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service at 133 677 or visit the National Relay Service.
Why is the Solstice CNG network closing?
Solstice Energy has owned and operated the CNG network in regional Victoria since its establishment. Earlier this year, Solstice made a commercial decision to close this network because it had become too expensive.
What is a CNG network?
A CNG network refers to a compressed natural gas network. This means that gas is delivered to towns without a traditional underground pipeline.
Instead, the compressed natural gas is transported to ‘daughter stations’ in towns via truck, where it's stored and distributed via local pipes. This creates a 'virtual pipeline' for rural and remote communities.
About Solstice Energy
Solstice Energy is a private energy business based in Tasmania, offering retail electricity and natural gas. Their business operations span Tasmania, and regional Victoria. More about Solstice Energy.
Who is impacted?
The CNG network is closing in the following Victorian towns:
- Marong
- Heathcote
- Swan Hill
- Maldon
- Robinvale
- Kerang
- Nathalia
- Terang
- Lakes Entrance
- Orbost.
When the network will be shut down
The CNG network will close by mid- to late-2026. Solstice will notify you directly and we will publish a schedule on this page of when Solstice will shut down your town’s CNG network.
Options if you are impacted by the network closing
If you are impacted by the network closing, you have two options:
- upgrade to electric appliances, or
- convert to bottled gas (LPG), along with your appliances.
Option 1: Upgrade to electric appliances
Upgrade your existing appliances through the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program
Through the VEU program you can receive discounts or rebates on equipment and appliances that help save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
You can upgrade the following electric appliances:
- gas hot water heater to an energy-efficient electric heat pump
- gas room heater to an electric reverse cycle air conditioner
- gas central heating to an electric ducted reverse cycle system
- gas cooktop to an induction cooktop.
Go to the VEU’s latest discounts and rebates for more information, or find accredited providers supporting households in your town.
Install an energy efficient hot water system and rooftop solar through the Solar Homes Program
The Victorian Government has also eased eligibility criteria for Solstice Energy customers to access Solar Homes Program rebates for energy efficient hot water and rooftop solar systems.
For information, visit Solar Victoria at Supporting Solstice Energy customers to go electric.
Option 2: Convert to bottled gas (LPG), along with your appliances
If you want to move to bottled gas, Solstice Energy:
- can manage this process for you, or
- will provide financial support if you manage the upgrade yourself.
Please visit Helping you switch to cheaper energy.
Note: DEECA is not affiliated with Solstice Energy. Please direct to Solstice any questions about rebates, payments, timing or other concerns.
Estimated costs, rebates, and potential savings if you want to upgrade to electric appliances
The below information includes estimated costs, rebates, and potential savings if you want to upgrade to electric appliances.
Gas hot water heater to an energy-efficient electric heat pump
Initial cost: $4,000–$5,000:
- less a rebate/discount of up to $2,030 if you buy and install a locally made hot water system, or
- up to $1,630 if you choose another system
- plus Solstice will pay you $300-$600.
Running costs | Yearly | Over ten years |
|---|---|---|
| With the current CNG network | $1,916 | $21,468 |
| With an LPG conversation | $1,360 | $15,237 |
| With an electric conversion | $361 | $4,047 |
Gas room heater to electric reverse cycle unit
Initial cost: $2,400–$5,000:
- less a rebate/discount of up to $1,610 when you replace a gas heater
- plus Solstice will pay you $400.
Running costs | Yearly | Over ten years |
|---|---|---|
| With the current CNG network | $1,569 | $17,574 |
| With an LPG conversation | $1,113 | $12,473 |
| With an electric conversion | $283 | $2,945 |
Gas central heating to electric ducted reverse cycle system
Initial cost: $10,700–$16,000:
- less a rebate/discount of up to $5,530 when you replace a gas ducted heater
- plus Solstice will pay you $600.
Running costs | Yearly | Over ten years |
|---|---|---|
| With the current CNG network | $4,039 | $45,250 |
| With an LPG conversation | $2,867 | $32,116 |
| With an electric conversion | $677 | $7,583 |
Gas cooktop to induction cooktop
Initial cost: $2,300–$3,000:
- less a rebate/discount of up to $140 to replace an existing gas cooktop
- plus Solstice will pay you $250.
Running costs | Yearly | Over ten years |
|---|---|---|
| With the current CNG network | $178 | $1,999 |
| With an LPG conversation | $128 | $1,419 |
| With an electric conversion | $67 | $754 |
Please note:
- Eligible Solstice customers will receive $1,000 per premises to convert to electric appliances. This is in addition to the rebates/discounts shown in the table above.
- Solstice will only manage a conversion if you decide to move to bottled gas (LPG).
- Savings amounts are indicative only and don’t consider your specific circumstances. You may have agreements with energy retailers and tariffs that impact these amounts.
How to safely convert your gas supply
Never attempt to convert your natural gas supply to LP gas. Always use a qualified gasfitter.
- Never attempt to convert a gas supply from one fuel source to another by yourself (e.g. natural gas to LP gas). It can damage or destroy your gas appliances, cause a fire or even cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Converting a gas appliance from one fuel source to another must be done by a qualified gasfitter with a specialised class of gasfitting (type A appliance conversion).
- Upon completion of work make sure you obtain a copy of the Compliance Certificate. A compliance certificate certifies that the work complies with prescribed plumbing standards.
- Connection of LP gas cylinders to indoor gas appliances must be done by a qualified gasfitter.
What can happen
- A natural gas appliance operating on LP gas will produce a larger flame with yellow tipping resulting in overheating. Overheating can damage or destroy your gas appliance.
- Changing the gas supply source can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- This includes space and ducted heaters, cookers or water heaters.
Don’t bring outdoor appliances or LP Gas cylinders indoors
- You should never use gas appliances designed for outdoor use inside your home or anywhere indoors. Gas appliances such as barbecues, patio heaters, water heaters and decorative appliances marked for outdoor use are only to be used outdoors. These appliances do not have flues and because they are designed only for outdoor use will emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide into living spaces.
- Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless gas and it can be fatal or cause serious and long-term health conditions.
- Always follow health and safety instructions provided with a gas appliance and operate them only as intended by the manufacturer.
- Do not bring LP gas cylinders indoors.
Find out more
We will be visiting your area soon
Representatives from DEECA will be visiting the affected locations soon. Please revisit this page for details on when we will be in your area.
Sign up to our mailing list
We will be sending communication about:
- support the Victorian government can offer you if you have been affected by the Solstice CNG network shutdown
- when the Solstice CNG network will be shut down
- when we will be visiting your town.
Page last updated: 27/10/25