Thousands of homeowners in Albany, Western Australia, are facing potentially significant expenses following the announcement that the city's mains gas network will be decommissioned over the next three years. The change is expected to affect approximately 8,000 customers who currently depend on the network for cooking, heating and hot water.

The issue has become particularly concerning for residents who have recently purchased properties or invested in gas-powered household appliances. One of those affected is Albany architect Michael Roberts, who built his dream home at Middleton Beach after spending years designing buildings throughout the coastal city.

Roberts designed his property around the existing gas network, installing appliances for cooking and heating that were connected to the local supply. However, following ATCO Australia's decision to close the network, he now faces substantial additional expenses to change the home's energy arrangements.

He estimates that converting his property from gas to electricity could cost between $10,000 and $12,000. The expense includes replacing existing appliances and making the necessary changes to household systems.

The situation has also affected his architectural clients, some of whom had selected gas appliances for their homes without knowing that the local network would eventually close.

ATCO announced that it would decommission Albany's ageing gas infrastructure over approximately three years. The company previously indicated that maintaining the network would require substantial investment, with estimated maintenance costs reaching around $80 million.

The shutdown means households will have to consider two main options. They can replace their existing gas appliances with electric alternatives or convert their properties to bottled gas.

The Western Australian Government has announced a transition package worth approximately $31 million, including a contribution from ATCO. Customers moving towards bottled gas can receive support for conversion costs, while households choosing electrification can receive assistance of up to $2,000.

However, several residents and energy specialists believe the available financial assistance may not adequately cover the actual costs of switching to electricity.

Energy analyst Ray Wills has argued that the financial support should be increased to encourage more households to move away from gas entirely. He believes that converting a property can involve expenses running into several thousand dollars, making the existing assistance insufficient for many families.

Albany Mayor Greg Stocks has also questioned whether the funding arrangements will encourage residents to choose electric appliances rather than continue using bottled gas.

Western Australian Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the government had attempted to persuade ATCO to continue operating the network but ultimately supported a transition towards electrification.

The situation has also raised concerns about communication between the company, government authorities and affected customers. Documents previously obtained by ABC indicated that discussions about decommissioning the network had taken place months before customers were informed.

For residents, the immediate challenge is understanding the available options, calculating replacement expenses and deciding which energy system will be most affordable over the long term.

The closure represents a significant change for Albany's energy infrastructure. With thousands of households potentially affected, the transition is likely to remain an important issue for residents, local businesses and government authorities.