Michelle Dorian, Tarrangower Times

Solstice Energy has confirmed the closure of the compressed natural gas (CNG) network in Maldon, which currently services 79 residences and five businesses, saying this will ultimately reduce energy costs for those customers affected.

“Our customers can continue to use their existing gas heaters and cooktops, and Solstice Energy will help fund and coordinate the switch to bottled LPG. If customers choose to move to electric appliances, we can assist in some of these costs,” a spokesperson from Solstice Energy told the TT [Tarrangower Times].

The spokesperson explained that the Maldon service, along with the other nine small town CNG networks that have been slated for closure, requires an expensive process of compressing and trucking the gas across the state to the town. Solstice Energy said: “Over the past few years, there have been constant increases in the cost of supplying these regional CNG networks. We have been absorbing costs wherever possible, but this is no longer viable for our customers, or our business.” The company says it will ensure a smooth change and expects the customers will experience lower energy bills as a result.

Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell said of the development: “The state Labor government has created a hostile environment for gas – pushing gas suppliers to end delivery, and gas appliance manufacturers to end production.”

Meanwhile, the Australia Institute says that its research shows over half (56 per cent) of gas exported from Australia attracts zero royalty payments. It says on its website: “Over the past four years, multinational gas companies made $149 billion exporting gas they got for free. If royalties had been charged on this gas, at least $13.3 billion in revenue could have been raised and used to increase living standards of Australians by funding schools, hospitals, renewable energy, and other needed public infrastructure.

This article appeared in Tarrangower Times, 8 August 2025.