Gas in South Australia comes from a number of sources. Natural gas is used extensively for electricity generation - approximately 60% is used for this purpose - with the rest piped through the distribution network to be used by households and businesses.
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is used by customers with who are located away from a natural gas distribution network. LPG is also used extensively in portable appliances - eg barbecues.
On this page:
Licensing and regulation of gas exploration and productionProduction and transmission of gasDistribution of gasGas retailersShort term trading market (STTM)National Gas Rules and National Gas LawGas industry regulationLicensing and regulation of gas exploration and production
In South Australia a licence to explore for gas must be obtained before any exploration activity can begin.
Further approvals need to be obtained before any production activities can begin and for constructing and operating a transmission pipeline.
Information on the application process.
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Production and transmission of gas
Natural gas
South Australia's natural gas is sourced from:
- Moomba gas plant
- Victorian Otway Basin
- South west Queensland
- Katnook gas plant.
Six transmission pipelines deliver natural gas to the Adelaide metropolitan area and major regional areas:
- Moomba - Adelaide pipeline (MAPS)
- South East Australia Gas (SEA Gas) underground gas pipeline from Port Campbell in Victoria to Adelaide
- Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales (QSN) link allows gas to flow from Queensland into South Australia then through the MAPS
- South East South Australia pipeline (SESA) connects the SEA Gas pipeline to gas facilities at Katnoook/Ladbroke Grove
- Katnook - Mount Gambier pipeline
- SA Riverland pipeline transfers gas from Angaston to Berri then onto Mildura in Victoria. A connection on the SA Riverland pipeline supplies Murray Bridge with natural gas.
Liquid petroleum gas (LPG)
Port Bonython liquids plant produces 6,000 to 9,000 tonnes of propane per month. LPG bottled gas is around 98% propane.
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Distribution of gas
Natural gas
The gas distribution network in South Australia consists of over 7,500 km of pipes and is owned by Envestra Ltd.
The transfer of natural gas from the transmission pipelines to the distribution networks takes place at city gate stations where the gas is metered and the pressure is reduced.
Before natural gas enters household, industrial or commercial premises it passes through a customer gas meter so gas consumption can be recorded for billing purposes.
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
LPG is commonly available to customers as bottled LPG. In some areas of South Australia, LPG can be supplied through a large central tank and a reticulated gas network.
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Gas retailers
Retailers sell gas to residential, business and industrial customers. Customers have a choice of retailer and gas contract type.
The Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) regulates standing contract prices for customers who consume less than 1 TJ of gas per year.
Find out more about energy retailers and contracts by visiting the ESCOSA website.
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Short term trading market (STTM)
The short term trading market (STTM) is a market for the wholesale trading of natural gas at defined hubs between pipeline and distribution systems.
Within the STTM, 'shippers' deliver gas to be sold in the market, and 'users' buy gas for delivery to consumers.
Price transparency in the STTM ensures that the daily price of gas set by the market reflects the true supply-and-demand situation.
More information on the short term trading market is available from the Australia Energy Market Operator website.
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National Gas Rules and National Gas Law
The National Gas Rules govern access to natural gas pipeline services and elements of broader natural gas markets. The rules have the force of law and are made under the National Gas Law.
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Gas industry regulation
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More information
On this site
Choosing electricity and gas providers and comparing price plans
Non-renewable energy sources
Other websites
Petroleum - Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy (DMITRE)