Compare gas providers in the NT

The Northern Territory has recently been connected to the east coast gas market by the completion of the Northern Gas Pipeline. However, you still won't find traditional natural gas plans in the NT.

You can still get gas for cooking, heating and more though. Here's what you should know about getting set up and what your options are in the NT.

How can I get gas in the NT?

If you're after gas, your main option will be picking up bottled LPG gas from one of several providers.

LPG is generally delivered in a canister rather than through a pipe. It's mostly made up of propane, which gives out a bit more heat than methane (natural gas) when burnt. Overall, they're fairly similar fuels, just delivered in different ways.

You will need to make sure your appliances are properly rated or adjusted for LPG use since it comes at a different pressure than natural gas. Ask a gasfitter or your installer if you're unsure since improper use of propane on natural gas appliances can result in carbon monoxide poisoning.

Who sells LPG in the NT?

There are quite a few LPG suppliers in the NT. Depending on where you live, you can buy gas from the following companies:

Some of these companies allow you to schedule regular deliveries or will monitor your supply and refill it when necessary, meaning you shouldn't ever be short on gas.

Gas prices in the NT: What should you expect to pay?

If you're ordering bottled gas, you'll usually be paying 2 fees: the cost for the gas itself plus a "service charge" for the bottle, which is essentially a rental fee on the container.

While prices vary based on location (thanks to transport costs) and provider, you'll generally pay between $110 and $150 for a standard 45kg cylinder of LPG. Rental charges usually run between $40 and $50 per year.

How long a 45kg canister lasts will depend on what you're using it for. Generally, it will last for the following:

• 12+ months if you only use it for cooking.
• 4-6 weeks for a family of 3, used for cooking and hot water.
• 20-30 days if you're feeding a gas heater for a couple of hours a day and also heat your water.

All of these are estimates. How long you can go before replacing it will depend on your personal usage.

How do I get the best gas deals in the NT?

Since each gas supplier handles gas differently, it's worth considering the following points:

• How do I want my refills? You usually have a choice between the following:
Cylinder exchange
Swap empty cylinders for full ones. This may require you to go into an exchange centre to complete the swap, but it gives you full control over refilling.
Tanker delivery
A truck comes by and fills empty/low cylinders. This is convenient, but you may have to wait for delivery and it could be more expensive than a simple exchange.
• Cylinder size. LPG gas usually comes in 45kg, 90kg and 210kg cylinder sizes. Bigger sizes mean a longer wait between needing a refill but could be more unwieldy and some tankers are unable to fill larger sizes.
• Support options. Some providers have more contact options or are more responsive than others. It's worth scanning support options when selecting a provider.
• Contracts. Some plans may come along with a 12- or 24-month contract. Make sure you aren't signing up to a long-term commitment if you don't want to.
• Are they local? If a provider doesn't have any locations or distribution nearby, you might end up paying high transport costs.

What gas rebates are available in the NT?

No rebates for gas are currently available in the NT.