Made the Switch to Electric? Here’s Why Your Gas Bill Might Not Drop Right Away

 Switching your home to efficient electric appliances—like heat pump hot water systems, reverse-cycle heating and cooling, and induction cooktops—is one of the best decisions for long-term comfort, savings, and sustainability.

But after going fully electric, many Melbourne homeowners are surprised to see a gas bill still show up. Some even notice the amount is higher than expected.

If this has happened to you, don’t worry. There are practical reasons behind it—and easy solutions.

Here’s what’s really going on.



1. Your Gas Meter Uses Old-Style Manual Readings

Gas meters in Victoria aren’t smart meters. They don’t automatically send real-time data to your retailer.
So if the meter hasn’t been physically read after you stop using gas, the retailer will:

  • Issue a bill based on estimated usage

  • Use your past gas consumption as the guide

  • Assume you’re still operating old gas appliances

These “assumed usage” bills can appear much higher than your actual usage, which can create unnecessary confusion.

✔ What you should do:

Contact your gas retailer and request a manual meter read immediately after electrifying your home.
Once an actual reading is taken, your bill will usually be corrected.

2. Fixed Gas Supply Charges Continue Until You Disconnect

Even when you use zero gas, you will still be billed for:

  • Daily supply fees

  • Service charges

  • Meter maintenance fees

These charges apply simply because your property is connected to the gas network, regardless of consumption.

Depending on the provider, these fees can range between:

  • 19 cents/day to $1.24/day,
    adding up to hundreds of dollars annually.

This is often the main reason homeowners still see bills after switching to electric.

3. To Stop Gas Bills Entirely, You Must Disconnect or Abolish the Supply

Electrifying your home doesn’t automatically cancel your gas connection.
To completely eliminate gas charges, you need to take one of these actions:

✔ Gas Disconnection

The gas line is sealed before it reaches your meter.

  • Quick to arrange

  • Low cost

  • Stops ongoing supply charges

✔ Gas Abolishment

The meter and supply line are removed all the way back to the street.

  • Takes longer (weeks to months)

  • Can cost $200–$1,500+, depending on the retailer

  • Permanently removes your gas connection

If your goal is to become 100% electric with no future gas bills, abolishment is the final step.

4. Your First Gas Bill After Electrifying May Be a Correction Cycle

Until your first proper meter reading is completed, you may receive:

  • A higher-than-expected estimated bill

  • A corrected bill later (showing little or no usage)

  • Supply charges only (until the connection is removed)

These adjustments can take a billing cycle or two, depending on when the meter is read.

5. Electrifying Still Saves Money in the Long Run

Even if gas supply charges continue briefly, switching to electric is still one of the most cost-effective moves a household can make.

Electric upgrades—especially heat pumps, solar-powered hot water, reverse-cycle heating/cooling, and induction—are:

  • Cheaper to run

  • More efficient

  • Better for indoor health

  • More environmentally friendly

Once the gas connection is removed, your savings become even more significant.

6. Victoria Is Rapidly Moving Toward Fully Electric Homes

Home electrification is accelerating across Victoria.
Recent studies show:

  • 35% of gas-connected households plan to cancel their gas supply within the next decade

  • Nearly 1 in 10 plan to cancel within the next two years

Government policy is also guiding the shift:

  • From 1 January 2027, all new homes built in Victoria must be all-electric

  • Since 2024, any home requiring a planning permit must exclude gas connections

This means all-electric living is becoming the new standard.

Final Message: Don’t Stress About That Gas Bill—Here’s What to Do

If your gas bill hasn’t disappeared immediately after switching to electric:

✔ Request a manual meter reading

✔ Check if supply charges are still active

✔ Arrange disconnection or abolishment if you want zero future bills

✔ Review corrected bills once readings update

✔ Complete electrification with efficient appliances and solar

Climate Green helps Melbourne households transition smoothly—offering energy-efficient installations, expert advice, and access to Victorian rebates to make your home cleaner, cheaper and future-ready.


Location: Melbourne VIC, Australia

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