The city of Albany is facing a significant shift in its energy supply as ATCO Australia, the gas supplier, decommissions the local gas network due to high repair costs. This decision will impact 8,000 homes and businesses that rely on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the network, forcing them to transition to bottled gas over the next three years. Les Palmer, a steakhouse owner in Albany, is among those affected, expressing concern about the transition's feasibility and cost. He's exploring alternatives like wood and charcoal to maintain his char grills, but acknowledges the challenges of such a switch. The network's privatization in 2000 and subsequent purchase by ATCO in 2012 led to the decision, with ATCO citing the high cost of upgrades to the aging infrastructure. The estimated cost of repairs exceeds $80 million, a burden that would significantly increase bills for Albany customers. The City of Albany Mayor, Greg Stocks, criticizes ATCO's lack of notice and transparency, suggesting a corporate abandonment of regional areas. The transition's financial responsibility remains unclear, with Stocks planning to address the issue with the Energy Minister. The government, represented by Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson, pledges support for affected customers during the transition, aiming to ensure reliable and sustainable energy supplies. The situation in Albany mirrors a similar scenario in Esperance, where a reticulated gas network was shut down due to high maintenance costs. Premier Roger Cook reassures residents that no immediate action is required, emphasizing the absence of an immediate impact on the community.
