Frequently asked questions

Connecting

  • How do I get connected to natural gas?

    Connecting to natural gas is easy and if the gas pipeline goes past your home for most people connecting is free!

    Get a quick estimate on whether you are within range by entering your address into our handy gas checker tool. If you’re within the 20-metre range for a connection, access to your home isn’t complicated, and you want to install either gas hot water or central heating (or both!) you can go ahead and start a gas connection enquiry here.

    Before you submit your application make sure you’re signed up with a gas retailer first. Then fill in the connection enquiry form, once submitted our team will call you for a few more details to complete your application and submit it for approval. Find out more about the connection process here.

  • How long will it take to get connected?

    You can expect to be connected in approximately eight weeks, this is dependent on:

    • Accepting our quote (often $0) and terms using the link we email you
    • Being accepted as a customer by your nominated energy retailer
    • Acquiring a Council consent if required?
    • Contractor availability due to demand, weather and other gas emergency work on the network.

    Once your connection is complete with the gas meter installed, your gasfitter can install the exciting new gas appliances you have chosen.

    Our customer team will talk to you about timeframes as part of your application and let you know for example if there is high demand in your area that may increase the time to connect.

  • Is natural gas in my street?

    Find out if natural gas is available in your street and if your address is within 20 metres of the gas main by using our handy gas checker tool.

  • Can my gas meter be installed anywhere on my house?
    We have certain rules to follow when installing gas pipes and meters. As part of the gas connection process we’ll assess your requested meter position to confirm if it meets requirements. We’ll talk you through the process if this is not the case.

    You can contact our customer team to ask where the acceptable locations around your house are for a gas meter to be placed. As a general rule the location can be along the front of your house or no more than 3 metres down either side of your house - but the meter needs to be away from opening windows and sources of ignition, so do check with us.
  • Will my property be dug up?
    When your gas pipe is laid, the preferred option is to dig one hole, through which the pipe is then thrusted underground to another hole next to where your gas meter will be positioned.

    However sometimes it’s more practical and easier to open a trench and lay the pipe.

    Any property that is dug up will be restored. If we trench through concrete areas, we’ll install a temporary seal to the area and return within two weeks of the connection being completed to allow the ground to settle and then complete the final reinstatement.
  • Do I have to be on site when my gas connection is completed?
    Not generally. We don’t require anyone to be present unless there are access issues, for example locked gates, dogs and that type of thing.
  • I want to be on site when the connection is completed. Can this be arranged?
    We call you two weeks in advance of your connection date to confirm details and let you know the scheduled connection date.

    Depending on the weather and any emergencies that may arise, we may be onsite a day either side of your scheduled connection date.

    We do our best to meet the date we've set and to keep you informed if you’ve requested to be present when the connection is being completed.
  • What is an energy retailer?
    An energy retailer is the company who supplies and bills you for the natural gas you use each month.

    Before you start the connection process, select and contact an energy retailer to open your gas account. 

    Check out the list of local energy retailers that cover our network.
  • What is a gasfitter and why do I need one?
    A gasfitter is a licensed and/or certified tradesperson who will install your gas appliances and associated gas pipework in and around your house. Any work to install or service gas appliances must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter and any new installations or alterations must be certified as compliant by them.

    Leave gasfitting work to the experts - it's the law. You can request a list of local gasfitters to be emailed to you here. 
  • Do you complete connections for LPG bottles?
    No we don’t deal with LPG - also referred to as bottled gas.  

    We own and maintain the underground natural gas pipeline. We connect Kiwi home and businesses to natural gas and may be able to offer you a free connection! 

    Natural gas is sometimes called mains, piped or reticulated gas. The pipelines run underground, so it's reliable 24/7 and won't run out.
  • Is it cheaper to connect to natural gas than LPG?

    Even with daily fixed charges, natural gas can often be cheaper than LPG. If you use more than six large LPG bottles in a year, chances are you’ll be better off on natural gas.

    As a general guide, if there are 4 or more of you at home, go with natural gas.

    • If you’re looking at central heating, go with natural gas.
    • Just interested in cooking with gas? LPG is the one for you. 


    Check out our hot water cost comparison tool, select a few variables and get the estimated upfront and running costs of natural gas compared to other energies including LPG.

  • Who should I talk to about relocating my gas meter?
    Any alterations to your meter box location must be requested via your energy retailer. Contact your energy retailer to discuss.

Hot water

  • How much is natural gas hot water?

    Let us point you to our hot water cost comparison tool. Use this handy tool to compare different options for heating the water at your place, like costs compared to an electric or LPG gas cylinder.

    In just a few minutes you can compare estimated upfront (appliance and installation) and running costs (the energy you use month to month) within our natural gas network regions - Wellington, Taranaki, Manawatū and Hawke's Bay.

    The tool allows you to select the amount of people you have at home and some other handy stuff to give you a great estimate. Better still, have the results emailed to you. It’s quick and easy.

    One thing to remember is that it is very hard to predict exactly how much gas hot water will cost because everyone uses different amounts of hot water and showers at different temperatures. We say as a general rule if there are 3 or more of you at home, gas hot water will usually work out cheaper - especially if you are connecting other appliances on gas.


    Our hot water cost comparison tool is on a separate website. Access it here (best viewed on desktop or iPad landscape).

  • What are my options for natural gas hot water?
    The majority of people choose natural gas continuous flow for endless hot water, high efficiency and practical space-saving reasons. Often referred to as 'instant', 'infinity' or 'califont' hot water systems, there are sizes to suit every household, with most easily able to handle multiple bathrooms from the single unit.

    If you're after a cylinder, natural gas-powered gas cylinders have an advantage as many still work during a power cut.

    Combi boilers can heat your hot water as well as your home, so this maybe worth looking at if you are building new, renovating, or if both your hot water and heating aren't up to scratch at home.

    Find out more about better hot water with natural gas.
  • Why does everyone rave about continuous or infinity hot water?
    What’s not to love about having unlimited hot water on demand? Whatever you call it, continuous flow, instant, infinity or califont hot water powered by gas is extremely efficient and cost effective, delivering only as much hot water as you need. And because you’re only heating what you need, you pay for what you use, unlike a cylinder which you pay to keep the water hot all the time.

    It's a major space saver also, with a small box mounted externally on your home, rather than a large cylinder taking up a whole cupboard.

    Once you’ve covered the energy retailer's daily charge, you can expect to pay around one-third the kilowatt unit price of electricity or around .09c per unit for natural gas compared to around 0.25c per unit for electricity. Like endless hot water, the benefits go on and on and on….

    Find out more about continuous hot water powered by natural gas.

Heating

  • Are heat pumps better than gas heating?
    Well the heat pump sales people may think so, but we’re not so sure!

    We talk with a lot of people at homeshows who say their heat pumps just aren’t up to scratch – going into defrost mode when it’s too cold outside, taking ages to heat, expensive to run and not heating enough of the home.

    Flued natural gas space heaters, like Rinnai’s compact Energysaver range, are comparable to heat pumps. They are reliable no matter the weather, fast, highly efficient and won’t add moisture to your home.

    But for all-over cosiness you can't beat natural gas central heating. Central heating systems can cost around the same as two heat pumps, but wouldn't you rather heat every room in your home with toasty-warmth, instead of just one or two?

    With heating options to suit every home and every budget, natural gas will keep you cosy indoors all winter long.

    Find out more about better heating with natural gas.
  • Why is gas heating so good?
    Heating your home accounts for around one-third of your energy bill, so choosing the right heating is important. Today, you can choose from many options including gas fire, flued gas space heaters (a great heat pump equivalent), and central heating,

    There's a natural gas heating solution for every home and every budget - and they are fast, highly efficient and generate a warm, healthy heat that won't add moisture to your home.

    If you already use natural gas for hot water, the 'per kilowatt hour' or unit cost of heating your home with gas compared to electricity is a lot cheaper - around one-third the price of electricity.

    Find out more about better heating with natural gas.

Cooking

  • Why is cooking with gas so good?
    The best chefs prefer cooking with gas. People love it because the flame is instant and very precise, giving you total control.

    If you love entertaining, find out more about getting creative in the kitchen with natural gas.
  • What are my options for gas cooking?
    Many people use a natural gas-powered hob, also known as a cooktop, with an electric oven underneath. These dual fuel ovens are really common. There are options around for gas-powered ovens as well as the cooktops.

    Have a look online or talk to your local whiteware store.
  • Can I convert my LPG bbq to natural gas?
    It is possible to convert some BBQs to natural gas - so you won't run out of gas in the middle of sizzling your steaks to perfection. Conversions would need to be done by a gasfitter at your expense – and the BBQ would need to be certified as compliant by them. You'd also need the gasfitter to install a bayonet point in your backyard - this is like a plug for you to connect the BBQ into the mains gas.

    You may want to consider buying a natural gas-powered BBQ from the get-go. That way you'll never have to do that mad dash down to the service station for a refill.

    Find out more about outdoor entertaining with natural gas.

Safety

  • Is it safe to use natural gas in my home?
    Absolutely - natural gas has an outstanding safety record in New Zealand. It’s one of the safest energy sources you can use in and around your home. You're responsible for safety within your home, so make sure your gas appliances get their ‘warrant of fitness’ by having them serviced regularly by a gasfitter.

    Find out more about gas safety at home.
  • What should I do if I hit a gas pipe?
    If you hit a gas pipe, please call Powerco urgently on 0800 111 848.
  • What should I do if I smell gas in or around my home?

    In the unlikely event you smell gas or suspect a gas leak inside your home do the following:

    • Because they may ignite the gas, keep flames and cigarettes away from the area
    • Do not operate any electrical switches
    • Do not use your mobile phone in the area
    • If possible, turn off the gas supply valve at the gas meter
    • If it can be done safely, open doors and windows to ventilate the area
    • If the smell persists, go outside to a safe place away from your home and call Powerco on 0800 111 848

    If you smell gas outdoors, move away quickly and warn others to keep clear. Once clear of the smell, call Powerco on 0800 111 848 or emergency services on 111.

  • Who do I contact to find out where underground pipes are on my property?
    BeforeUDig can provide plans of where gas pipes, cables and other utility assets are around your property. Before digging, please call BeforeUDig on 0800 248 344 to get those plans and ensure you won't hit anything you're not supposed to!

Future of gas

  • Will there be gas after 2025?

    Yes, the flame isn’t going out! We'll continue to deliver gas to homes and businesses past 2025, it won't be "switched off".  Over 430,000 NZ homes and businesses use reliable gas energy.

    In the Emissions Reduction Plan for 2022-25, the former Labour led Government committed to developing a gas transition plan. This is in preparation and is expected to look at future options for natural gas and renewable gas. A managed transition will be needed to reduce natural gas use through to 2050. 

    2025 does not mean the end for existing gas customers. Gas energy has a bright future.

  • What will happen to my gas connection?

    Right now things remain the same. We will continue to connect homes to natural gas and deliver gas energy to homes and businesses.  There are currently no plans for natural gas to be “switched off”.

    Natural gas will continue to be delivered to connected consumers until we’ve fully moved to new low and zero carbon gases, likely to be by 2050. We envisage that future gases such as renewable hydrogen gas, biogas and bioLPG will start being introduced or blended with existing gases in the next 3-5 years.

    Kiwi gas users can be confident that the gas they turn on isn’t being turned off and will continue to flow well into the future.

  • What does the Climate Change Commission report mean for gas?

    The Climate Change Commission provided a report in 2021 to inform the Government’s first Emissions Reduction Plan. The Government decided which parts of that report to adopt in the Emissions Reduction Plan released in 2022. This plan does not ban new gas connections or set a date to phase out gas. The former Labour led Government was preparing a gas transition plan to set a transition pathway for gas, and also investigate low emission gas options to decarbonise New Zealand’s energy supply.

    The Climate Change Commission released a second report in December 2023. That advice recommends restrictions on new gas connections, primarily residential.  This advice has been provided to Government as it prepares the second emissions reduction plan which is due in 2024 and will focus on the 2026-30 period. However, no decisions have been made at this time.

    Gas energy is an important part of New Zealand’s energy future. The Climate Change Commission’s work and the Government’s emissions reduction plan acknowledge the role that decarbonising our energy system will have in achieving New Zealand’s carbon emissions targets and reducing the impact of climate change on our environment, but also acknowledge there are a number of transition aspects to work through before restricting natural gas use.

    New gases are the future.  If you like today’s gas, you’ll love tomorrow’s. With future gases like renewable hydrogen gas, and biogas and bioLPG already being developed and trialled here in New Zealand and globally, New Zealanders will continue to enjoy gas energy in their lives.

    As we decarbonise the energy sector, these new gas energies will help us achieve New Zealand’s renewable energy aspirations and a net-zero carbon future by 2050.

  • Is gas still a good choice for Kiwi homes?

    The living is easy in a gas home. The comfort, control, reliability and convenience of fast, powerful hot water, home heating and cooking make gas the natural choice for around 430,000 Kiwi homes and businesses.

    Gas is still a great choice because there are low and zero emission gases like hydrogen and biogas on the horizon. These new clean energy technologies are being trialled locally now. 

    Did you know around 90% of Powerco’s gas network (and most new reticulated subdivisions!) are ready now to distribute renewable gas blends and biogas? Current gas appliances can likely take blends of these new gases now too.

    The flame isn’t going out. Kiwi gas users can be confident that the gas they turn on isn’t being turned off and will continue to flow well into the future.

  • Is gas running out?

    Current gas reserves show there is plenty of natural gas available to power Kiwi homes, so it is not running out.  Over 430,000 NZ homes and businesses use reliable gas energy.  

    We will continue to deliver gas to connected homes and businesses well into the future, the flame isn’t going out.

  • How much does using natural gas contribute to New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions?
    Collectively, New Zealanders using natural gas to power their homes produce less than 1% of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions and use around 3.6% of all the natural gas produced.
  • What happens to gas when New Zealand reaches our renewable energy goals?

    New Zealand is already a world leader with a large amount of renewable electricity - and we 100% support this.  Gas will help us get more renewable energy and we are excited about new low and zero carbon gases like hydrogen, biogas and bioLPG that are being trialled now which will be renewable, low or zero carbon. 

    Did you know around 90% of Powerco’s gas network (and most new reticulated subdivisions) are ready now to distribute renewable gas blends and biogas?  The future is bright for gas energy.

  • What does the future hold for gas?

    New renewable, low and zero carbon gases are the future. If you like today’s gas, you’ll love the gas of tomorrow. With future gases like renewable hydrogen gas, and biogas and bioLPG already being developed and trialled here in New Zealand and globally, New Zealanders will continue to enjoy the benefits of gas energy in their lives as we move to tomorrow’s gas energy.

     
  • When will new renewable gas be available?
    Future gases like renewable hydrogen gas, biogas and bioLPG are already being developed and trialled here in New Zealand and globally. We have a goal to have blended gas in parts of the Powerco network by 2030. 
  • Will my gas appliances work with new gases?
    Yes! New appliances you buy today will generally last 15 years.

    If you currently own a modern appliance that uses natural gas, you can have confidence that you’ll be able to use it for its expected lifetime (typically up to 15 years). Most modern gas appliances are already compatible with future gases and able to run on a blend of natural gas and renewable hydrogen gas (up to 20%) or biogas. Blending gases will be an important part of our journey as we scale up to zero carbon gas energy and new compatible appliances will become widely available.
  • I'm building a new home, should I still choose gas? 

    Absolutely. The living is easy in a gas home. The comfort, control, reliability and convenience of fast, powerful hot water, home heating and cooking make gas the natural choice for around 430,000 Kiwi homes and businesses.

    You can also be confident that gas will be available for you to use with any natural gas appliances in your home for their expected lifetime.  Modern gas appliances are already able to run on a blend of natural gas and renewable hydrogen gas (up to 20%) or biogas. New compatible appliances will become widely available as we scale up towards a more renewable gas energy future.

    Gas energy is here to stay, but it will be changing. What isn’t changing is the value and benefits you get living in a home energised by gas.

  • Should I be choosing solar instead of natural gas?
    Natural gas is a great back up option to solar at home, and many gas hot water systems are solar-compatible. This means if there’s not enough sun to warm the water for everyone, natural gas will step in to provide as much hot water as needed.

    If you’re considering a full solar set up at home, it would pay to check all the costs carefully. Geographical location and position of your home, the number of solar panels, and having a battery for energy storage are just some things to consider – and all influence the cost of the total solution.

Ready to connect?

Check out the connection process, to know what choices you'll need to make as part of getting connected to natural gas.

Submit your natural gas connection application today. Our customer team will then ring you to confirm a few more details and progress your application.

Connect now

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