Albany Faces Gas Network Shutdown, Residents and Businesses Scramble for Alternatives

ATCO's decision to decommission the aging gas infrastructure leaves the community grappling with an uncertain energy future

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:09pm

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A minimalist, photorealistic studio still life showing a polished metallic gas valve and pressure gauge floating on a clean, monochromatic grey background, symbolizing the abstract concepts of aging energy infrastructure and the uncertainty facing regional communities during transitions to alternative fuels.As aging gas networks force regional communities to transition to new energy sources, the uncertainty and financial burden expose the broader challenges of modernizing critical utilities.Albany Today

The residents and businesses of Albany, Western Australia are facing a major disruption as gas supplier ATCO announces the decommissioning of the town's aging gas network. With 90% of the 160-kilometer infrastructure requiring over $80 million in repairs, ATCO has decided to shut down the system, forcing thousands to transition to alternatives like LPG bottles or electric appliances. This decision has sparked outrage from the local mayor and concerns from business owners who rely on gas for daily operations.

Why it matters

The shutdown of Albany's gas network highlights the challenges regional communities face in modernizing aging energy infrastructure. As private companies like ATCO grapple with the high costs of maintaining outdated systems, the burden often falls on residents and businesses to shoulder the transition, raising questions about the role of government support and the future of energy access in rural Australia.

The details

ATCO Australia's executive general manager for gas operations, Russell Godsall, cited the staggering expense of repairing the 160-kilometer gas network as the primary reason for the decommissioning. With only 8,000 customers, passing on the $80 million in repair costs would have skyrocketed bills, leaving ATCO with no choice but to shut down the system. The process will begin in the second half of 2026 and span three years, leaving residents and businesses scrambling to find alternatives.

  • ATCO has known about the infrastructure's age since 2011.
  • The decommissioning process will begin in the second half of 2026 and span three years.

The players

ATCO Australia

The gas supplier that owns and operates the Albany gas network, which it has decided to decommission due to the high costs of repairing the aging infrastructure.

Russell Godsall

The executive general manager for gas operations at ATCO Australia, who cited the $80 million repair costs as the primary reason for the network shutdown.

Greg Stocks

The mayor of Albany, who argues that ATCO should have given more notice about the impending shutdown and criticizes the company for "abandoning regional communities."

Amber-Jade Sanderson

The Energy Minister of Western Australia, who has promised government support for the transition, though details remain unclear.

Les Palmer

The owner of a steakhouse in Albany, who is concerned about the impact of the gas network shutdown on his business, which relies heavily on gas-powered equipment.

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What they’re saying

“About 90% of the network would need to be replaced, costing over $80 million.”

— Russell Godsall, Executive General Manager, Gas Operations, ATCO Australia

“They've known since 2011 about the infrastructure's age. This feels like corporate Australia abandoning regional communities.”

— Greg Stocks, Mayor of Albany

“Gas is the heart of my kitchen. From deep fryers to char grills, it's how I cook. On my scale, some of these alternatives might not be feasible.”

— Les Palmer, Owner, Steakhouse in Albany

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.