Request an exemption from the regulation preventing gas network connections
People looking to install a new gas network connection in a commercial or community facility area can apply for an exemption. Exemption applications should be submitted only if there are no feasible alternatives. Exemptions are not available for connections to residential buildings. See the flowchart below to check if you’re eligible to apply for an exemption. The Exemption Guidelines provides detailed advice on what you need to include in your application.
About the regulation
Since 8 December 2023, Canberrans have been unable to obtain a new gas network connection in most circumstances.
Under the Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act 2010, the regulation restricts the gas distributor (Evoenergy) from providing new gas network connections in:
- Residential land-use zones
- Commercial land-use zones
- Community facility land-use zones
- Residential buildings (Class 1-4 buildings, as classified under the National Construction Code)
The restriction does not apply to Industrial, parks and recreational, transport and services and non-urban zones, unless it is a class 1-4 building. The Regulation also does not apply to designated areas (national land).
Who can take part
Only businesses or persons seeking a new connection in a commercial or community facility zone will be eligible to apply for an exemption.
Only property owners can be granted an exemption. This means if you are leasing a premise, you will need to work with your property manager or owner to complete an exemption application.
Exemptions to the regulation will only be granted in limited circumstances and are subject to a comprehensive assessment process.
Applicants must be able to show:
- It is not feasible to use electric appliances for their business operations.
- The business cannot operate in an alternative premises with an existing connection or in an exempt land planning zone.
- The business will provide a clear community and/or economic benefit to the Territory in allowing the connection.
- A commitment to transitioning off the gas network, which is supported by a comprehensive transition plan outlining a clear timeline and specific implementation steps.
Exemptions cannot be approved in:
- residential land use zones
- residential type buildings
- commercial core zone or business zone in the district of Molonglo.
Is my project eligible for an exemption?
Before applying
Exemption applications should be considered a last resort and will only be granted in limited situations.
Before applying, there are a number of steps that must be taken.
Applicants should read the Exemption Guideline before commencing their application. Failure to read the guideline may result in insufficient material being provided and delays in assessment.
Before completing the Application Form, applicants must contact:
1. ACT Government’s Sustainable Business Program team
It is a pre-condition of submitting an exemption application that businesses obtain advice from the ACT Government’s Sustainable Business Program. The role of the Sustainable Business Program is to provide tailored advice on electrification options for businesses.
The Sustainable Business Program advice does not extend to offering guidance or advice regarding the Gas Exemption process. Exemption process related questions should be forwarded to gasexemption@act.gov.au.
Applicants are expected to include and address advice received from the Sustainable Business Program in their exemption application.
2. Evoenergy (Jemena)
(Jemena manage gas connections on behalf of the ACT Gas Distributor, Evoenergy)
You must seek advice from Evoenergy on the type and capacity of the new connection and potential connection costs. For advice, please email act@jemena.com.au. An email template is provided in the documents below. Only property owners may be granted an exemption. If you are leasing a premise, you will need to work with your property manager or owner to complete an exemption application.
For more information on what should be included in your application, see the Application Form and the Exemption Guidelines.
How to apply
Applications must be made in writing using the Application for exempt new gas connection form [PDF 260.6 KB].
- Please read the Exemption Guidelines alongside the application form. This resource provides guidance on what is required and should be considered when completing the form.
- Applications will not be assessed unless the Application Form is complete, and all required attachments are provided.
Upon receiving a completed application, the applicant may receive a request from the ACT Government to provide further information to help assess the application.
The completed form and supporting documentation must be submitted to: gasexemption@act.gov.au
Cost
There is no fee involved in applying for an exemption.
Resources
- Application for exempt new gas connection form [PDF 260.6 KB]
- Jemena connection advice template [DOCX 22.7 KB]
- Exemption Guidelines
- Appliance and Emissions Attachment [PDF 307.9 KB]
- Exemption information factsheet [PDF 2.0 MB]
- Gas transition plan template [DOCX 27.4 KB]
Contact us
For questions about the exemptions process or developing your application, please contact gasexemption@act.gov.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Exemptions
The Minister can grant an exemption to the regulation in limited circumstances where there are no feasible alternatives to fossil fuel gas, and the applicant cannot move to a land use zone where a connection is allowed or a building that has an existing connection.
Community consultation for the most part supported this exemption approach – there was a clear community expectation that where there is a genuine need, no feasible alternative to fossil fuel gas and an overall community benefit, individuals should be allowed to seek an exemption from the regulation.
Allowing exemptions in limited circumstances helps government to balance broader Territory benefits, against network and environmental impacts, that may arise in individual circumstances.
Before submitting an application, proponents should check whether a gas meter is installed at the premises. The presence of a gas meter generally indicates that the property is connected to the gas network.
If the premises is part of a multi-unit building, please be aware that gas to the building does not mean all individual units will have their own gas connection. You must confirm whether a gas meter is installed specifically for the unit where you plan to operate your business. If the unit does not have its own gas meter, a new gas connection will be required—even if the building is already connected to the gas network.
If you are unsure, you can contact Evoenergy (act@jemena.com.au) to ascertain the connection status of the unit/premises.
Only property owners (or their authorised representatives) operating in a commercial or community facility zone are able to be granted an exemption. This means that if a tenant is seeking an exemption they must work with the owner or their authorised representative to complete exemption application.
An exemption will not be available for any residential zoned ‘block’ or land, to residential buildings in non-residential zones (Class 1 – 2 buildings, as classified under the National Construction Code), or to the commercial core zone or business zone in the district of Molonglo.
Please see the flow chart above to see if you’re eligible.
Before applying, there are a number of steps that must be taken including seeking advice from Evoenergy and from the ACT Government’s Sustainable Business Program regarding gas free alternatives.
Please note, if your business is granted a gas exemption, the exemption may be time limited and will require a commitment to transition actions under a formalised plan.
Applicants must seek advice about the proposed connection from Evoenergy before submitting an application. Jemena manage the gas network on behalf of Evoenergy. For advice, please email act@jemena.com.au.This advice must include an assessment of required connection size and potential connection costs (An email template is provided).
Businesses must also seek advice from the ACT Government’s Sustainable Business Program to explore supports available to help businesses electrify prior to submitting an application. The program provides free advice to businesses regarding gas-free alternatives, and rebates for certain sustainable upgrades. It is recommended to consult with the Sustainable Business Program at the earliest planning stage of your business.
Information provided in the Application form, from Evoenergy and the Sustainable Business Program, will provide the initial basis for evaluation.
When deciding an application, the Minister must consider the following:
- The objects of the Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act 2010;
- The Territory’s legislated net zero emissions targets;
- Expected emissions impact of the new connection;
- Impact to the Territory
- Information provided by Evoenergy; and
- Any other relevant information, such as the feasibility of business electrification and an electrification transition plan with defined goals and a clear timeline.
A well-prepared application provides all necessary information, allowing the exemption assessment process to commence. An Applicant should:
- Attach required advice from both the Sustainable Business Program and Jemena.
- Ensure property owners or their authorised representatives have signed the application.
- Complete all sections of the application form, ensuring all compulsory sections are fully addressed with comprehensive detail to support all claims.
- Support statements with evidence.
- Attach all mandatory/necessary documents to support your application.
The regulation promotes the use of electric alternatives, which may offer safer, more efficient, easier to clean, and lower emissions appliance options. Due to the availability of electric appliances for commercial kitchens, it is generally considered feasible for most food business to electrify their operations. This may require some food businesses to modify their kitchen processes or appliances used..
The Sustainable Business Program has worked with many ACT food businesses and assisted them with their electrification journey. They can offer practical advice and links to supports.
If applicants believe a gas connection is essential to their business, they must provide compelling evidence explaining why alternate premises with existing gas connections cannot be used. They must also demonstrate the specific benefits their proposed gas connection would offer to the community.
Please note, if your business is granted a gas exemption, the exemption may be time limited and will require a commitment to transition actions under a formalised plan.
Yes. You will need to seek permission to apply from the owner of the property. Only property owners or authorised representatives are eligible to apply for and receive an exemption. Please contact your property manager or landlord to request permission and keep a copy of evidence of permission as it may be requested at a later date.
Your application must be properly completed to be assessed. This means all required information on the Application Form must be completed and all required attachments to the application provided.
If your application form is incomplete or does not include the required attachments it will not be assessed. To ensure a timely consideration of your application, please ensure all requirements are met before submitting your application.
Once a properly completed application is submitted to the ACT Government, the application will be assessed. Assessment times will vary depending on the complexity and technical aspects of the application.
Once the assessment is complete, the Minister will either approve the application, approve the application subject to condition(s) or refuse the application.
The applicant will be advised of the outcome in writing. If the exemption application is approved, a copy will be provided to Evoenergy.
The Minister’s decision, as a government decision, will automatically be subject to judicial review under the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989.
The regulation included transitional arrangements, for premises with a Building Approval (BA) or Development Application (DA). This means that residential premises that have a valid Development Application (DA) or Building Approval (BA) can still receive a gas connection. For a BA or DA to be valid it must meet the following criteria:
- was lodged (DA) or issued (BA) before 2 March 2024,
- has not expired or been revoked, and
- does not have a Certificate of Occupancy.
Except for the transitional arrangement, exemptions are not allowed in residential zones and residential type buildings as the technology and skills to support electrification in Canberra homes already exists and is readily available for use.
All electric homes are not only better for the environment, they help households to save money on energy costs. We know that average household of four people could save over $2,500 a year in energy bills if they were all electric. Independent research also shows that an all-electric home in Canberra would save about $9,000 over 10 years.
About a third of Canberra households are already experiencing the benefits of an all-electric home, and many are also embracing sustainable technologies such as solar panels, home battery systems, and are increasing the energy efficiency of their properties.
The ACT has been successfully demonstrating that electrification on a large scale is possible since 2018 with the creation of Australia’s first all-electric suburb in Ginninderry. The government has since expanded this policy and Jacka and the newest parts of Whitlam are also being built without gas connections.
While the regulation will not prevent homes using an existing connection, it will ensure that more Canberra households will experience the benefits of electrification over the long-term as our city continues to grow.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.