How to Get Off Gas in New Zealand
Getting off gas in New Zealand starts with notifying your gas retailer. Here’s how disconnection and decommissioning work, what each costs, along with tips on how to avoid unnecessary costs.
By Carolyn Cox · Sustainability Expert, 25+ years · Updated 27 October 2026
Overview
There are two main options for getting your home off piped or reticulated gas in New Zealand - disconnection or decommissioning - and the first is much cheaper than the second.
Read on to find out more about the pros and cons of each option and how best to navigate the process with your Gas Retailer to avoid unnecessary fees and charges.
Unfortunately the advice from Gas Retailers in New Zealand is not always clear or consistent. So I’ve reached out to each of them to confirm the costs involved for you. It’s important to make sure you are fully informed before you call to make the change.
Based on my conversations with Gas Retailer call centres asking to cancel your gas service may be the best request to make as disconnection and decommissioning often seem to be confused. Being offered a quote may be a warning sign you’re about to head towards the more expensive option - decommissioning.
Replacing gas hot water? · Find the right hot water heat pump for your home.
Replacing gas cooking? · Find the right induction cooktop for your home.
Ready to make the switch? · Find a great installer to coordinate your electric appliance update with your gas disconnection.
Weighing your options
| Option 1: Disconnection | Option 2: Decommissioning or Disestablishing | |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | Quick | Takes longer - 2 to 6+ weeks |
| Cost | Much lower | Higher (varies by location) $175 to $2,500+ |
| Who does it? | Your gasfitter | Normally the Gas Retailers contractor |
| Meter | Capped on your side of the meter - stays in place | Removed |
| Pipeline | Stays capped with gas in it | Usually stays but emptied of gas |
| Meter Reading | Final reading for you, Retailer must continue to monitor | Final reading for you and Retailer |
| Reconnection | Possible | Reinstatement and costs needed |
Fees & Charges
Last verified 27 October 2026. Email carolyn@goeselectric.nz to update.
| Confirmed Disconnection Fee (GST incl.) | Decommissioning (GST incl.) | Daily Gas Line Charges Cease | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact Energy | Awaiting retailer response | Quote required | Awaiting retailer response |
| Genesis Energy | $192 | Quote required | Day of disconnection |
| Mercury | $0 | Quote required | Day of disconnection |
| Nova Energy | $0* | Quote required ($175 - $815, average $575) | Day of meter removal |
| Pulse Energy | Quote required (10-15 working days) | Quote required (10-15 working days) | - |
| Rockgas | Awaiting retailer response | Awaiting retailer response | Awaiting retailer response |
Option 1: How to Disconnect Your Gas $
- Contact Your Gas RetailerLet your retailer know you'd like to disconnect your gas supply.
- Book a DateTell them when you'll be disconnecting and will stop using gas (check your contract for any notice period). For me this was the day of my hot water heat pump install when I removed my gas califont - my last gas appliance.
- Book a GasfitterYou'll need to book a certified gasfitter to safely disconnect or remove gas appliances, and complete the disconnection on your side of the meter by capping off the gas line. This is at your cost.
- Fixed Daily Charges Fixed daily gas line charges should stop when supply is physically disconnected and ends. You should not be charged daily line charges beyond this date - unless you are on a fixed term contract. Check with your retailer. We recommend obtaining written confirmation from your retailer of the effective disconnection date, when daily charges end, and whether any contractual fees apply.
- Final Reading Your retailer will take a final meter reading for your last bill. If you have a smart meter this can be done virtually. I just sent a photo of the final meter reading and this was verified later with a physical meter reading.
- CelebrateEnjoy the freedom from fossil fuels - and celebrate the fact you'll no longer be paying those circa $1.80-$2.76 a day line fees!
Option 2: How to Decommission Your Gas $$$
Decommissioning removes your gas meter and cuts off/isolates the gas supply near the main gas pipeline outside your property.
- Contact Your Gas RetailerLet your retailer know you'd like to have your gas connection decommissioned.
- Confirm a DateTell them when you'll stop using gas (check your contract for any notice period). Fixed charges stop when supply ends.
- Final Reading Your retailer will take a final meter reading for your last bill.
- Request a quote Ask your retailer for an itemised quote covering the work required, including meter removal and isolation of the gas supply. Confirm whether underground pipework will be removed or left in place. If left in place it will not contain any gas.
- Confirm the timeframeAsk who will carry out the work and how long it is expected to take. Timing and costs depend on your location, network and the work required. A contractor for your Gas Retailer will typically visit your property to provide a quote. Then when you accept works will be booked. This may take 2-6 weeks or longer depending on availability.
- What if you want to reconnect?It's important to remember that if you or future owners of the property want to reconnect this work would all need to be reinstated. Again with major work and higher cost required. Ask your retailer or network operator about the implications before going ahead if you are unsure.
What to replace your gas appliances with
| Gas appliance | Electric alternative | Explore your options | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Heating | Gas califont or hot water cylinder | Electric hot water cylinder or hot water heat pump | Compare hot water heat pumps |
| Space heating | Gas space heater | High-wall or ducted heat pump | Explore heating options |
| Cooking | Gas cooktop | Induction cooktop | Compare induction cooktops |
Is your last gas appliance a...
gas califont or hot water cylinder OR a gas cooktop
Resources
Need help removing your last gas appliances?
- Goes Electric: compare hot water heat pumps
- Goes Electric: compare induction cooktops (coming soon)
- Goes Electric: find a heat pump installer
Useful resources:
- Utilities Disputes: Free, independent help with gas disconnection disputes.
- Gas Industry Co.: Your options for disconnecting or decommissioning gas (PDF).
- Commerce Commission: Monitoring gas disconnection charges.
- Powerswitch: by Consumer - compare gas and electricity prices and contracts
- Billy: Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko - compare gas and electricity prices and contracts
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