If you've got residential projects in the pipeline, now is the time to understand how these changes may affect your project costs and factor connection pricing into your quotes and plans.
New residential connection pricing
From 1 January 2027:
- A standard residential connection up to 20m (no trench provided) will cost $1,000 ex GST.
- A residential connection up to 20m with trench provided will cost $500 ex GST.
- For properties more than 20m from our gas network, a base connection charge of $1,000 ex GST will apply, plus $80 ex GST for each additional metre.
- Residential connections located more than 20m from the network with an open trench will incur a base charge of $500, plus $40 per additional metre.
- Meter charges may also apply through the customer's gas retailer.
The updated pricing better reflects the cost of delivering new residential gas connections and ensures connection costs are funded fairly and sustainably. Even with these changes, our pricing remains competitive compared with other gas networks around New Zealand.
Key dates
- Residential connection applications received by 11.59pm on 31 December 2026 will be charged at current rates.
- Projects scheduled for connection up to 30 June 2027 will still be eligible for current pricing, provided the application is submitted before the 31 December 2026 deadline.
- Applications received from 1 January 2027 will be charged under the new residential connection pricing.
FAQ
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Are there any changes to the residential connection process?
No. The application and connection process remains the same.
The main change is the introduction of residential connection charges from 1 January 2027. -
Is this change related to gas availability?
No. Gas is still available for residential customers.
The Commerce Commission stated its view that there is an ongoing need for gas in New Zealand’s energy mix for at least 20 years. This means that if you install a new gas appliance today, there will be gas available to supply that appliance throughout its expected lifetime.
The pricing change is about how the cost of new residential connections is funded. -
What if I submit an application before 1 January 2027, but the connection isn't installed until later?
Residential connection applications received by 11.59pm on 31 December 2026 will be charged under the current pricing structure, even if the connection work is completed after 1 January 2027.
Projects scheduled for connection up to 30 June 2027 will still be eligible for current pricing, provided the application is submitted before the 31 December 2026 deadline.
Applications received from 1 January 2027 onwards will be charged under the new residential connection pricing structure. -
What if I've already quoted a customer?
Residential connection applications received by 11.59pm on 31 December 2026 will be charged under the current pricing structure. Applications received from 1 January 2027 onwards will be charged under the new pricing structure. We recommend reviewing any upcoming projects and submitting applications before the change takes effect where appropriate.
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What should I discuss with customers considering a new gas connection?
The main message for customers is that residential gas connections will no longer be zero-cost from 1 January 2027.
We've provided zero cost residential connections for many years, but the new pricing better reflects the cost of delivering new connections and helps ensure those costs aren't shared across existing customers. -
Who can I contact if I have questions about an upcoming project?
If you'd like help understanding the new pricing, confirming connection requirements or discussing a specific project, please contact The Gas Hub team. We're happy to help you work through the options so you can provide accurate advice and pricing to your customers.
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Why is residential connection pricing changing?
Residential gas connections have been provided at no cost for many years. The new pricing better reflects the actual cost of connecting new properties and helps ensure those costs aren't being carried by existing customers on the network.
The change also provides a more sustainable and transparent approach to funding new connections.