There’s been a lot of conversation about gas lately. The bottom line is homes and businesses using natural gas accounts for only a small share of NZ’s total gas supply. At Firstgas, we continue to invest in and maintain our network so we can deliver gas safely and reliably for years to come.
You don’t need to worry about gas suddenly running out
What this means for gasfitters and their customers
- No need to stop using gas: If customers use natural gas for cooking, heating or hot water, they can feel confident it will still be there when they need it.
- Households and businesses use a small share: Almost 300,000 homes and businesses use natural gas, but together they account for only a small share of NZ’s gas supply. Most gas in New Zealand is used by large industrial users, which means households are a relatively small part of overall demand.
- Price is the main change: Like electricity, the biggest change over time is likely to be cost, rather than availability of gas for most homes and businesses.
Advice for customers – don’t panic, plan ahead
There’s no need to rush into big decisions about changing energy supply. If people need to upgrade appliances, the most cost-effective time to do so is during renovations, new builds, or when the appliances reach the end of their life.
Why gas still matters
A reliable energy system uses different solutions together. Gas plays an important role in supporting New Zealand’s electricity system, especially in winter or when renewable generation is low. Gas will continue to play an important role as New Zealand’s energy system evolves alongside a range of other energy options, including LNG to support electricity generation, and renewable gas in the future.
Gas helps power New Zealand’s economy
Gas is essential for many commercial and industrial businesses across New Zealand. From food production and manufacturing to hospitals, schools and hospitality, gas helps keep businesses operating and communities supported every day.
Gas is a reliable energy choice for Kiwi homes and businesses
Gas networks remain a vital part of New Zealand’s energy infrastructure and are expected to continue supporting homes and businesses for many years. Residential customers use only a small share of total gas supply, while relying on it every day for hot water, cooking and heating.
Frequently asked questions
Natural gas continues to be delivered safely and reliably to homes and businesses across New Zealand every day. Gas remains an important part of New Zealand’s energy system and continues to support households, businesses and essential services nationwide.
While there has been increased public discussion about the future of gas, there is no indication that gas will suddenly “run out” for residential customers or small businesses. Around 300,000 homes and businesses currently use natural gas, and together they account for only a small share of NZ’s total gas supply. Firstgas continues to invest in and maintain the gas network to help ensure ongoing safe and reliable supply for customers.
For most households and businesses, the biggest change over time is more likely to be the cost of energy rather than the immediate availability of gas.
Customers can continue using their gas appliances for cooking, heating and hot water with confidence. There is no need to urgently replace working gas appliances or make rushed decisions about changing energy sources.
Gas also remains important for many commercial and industrial businesses across New Zealand, including food production, manufacturing, hospitality, schools and hospitals.
The best approach is to plan ahead, not panic.
Customers should consider their energy options over time and make decisions when it makes practical and financial sense, such as during renovations, new builds, or when existing appliances reach the end of their life.
Every household and business has different energy needs, so it’s important to understand:
‒ Upfront appliance and installation costs
‒ Ongoing running costs
‒ Performance and reliability needs
‒ Available energy options in their area
Taking a planned approach helps customers make informed decisions without unnecessary pressure or expense.
Gas is expected to continue playing an important role alongside renewable electricity and other emerging energy solutions. New Zealand needs a balanced and reliable energy system. Gas helps support the electricity network by providing flexible generation during periods of peak demand or when renewable generation is low, such as during winter or dry years.
As New Zealand’s energy system evolves, gas infrastructure may also support future energy options, including renewable gas and LNG to support electricity generation. A mix of energy sources working together helps support reliability and resilience for homes and businesses.
Renewable electricity is a critical part of New Zealand’s future energy system, but no single energy source can meet all demand at all times. Gas helps provide backup generation and flexibility when renewable supply is lower or demand is high.
No. Customers should replace appliances at the right time for their household or business needs, typically during renovations, upgrades or end-of-life replacement cycles.
Most gas is used by large industrial and commercial users. Residential and business customers together account for a small share of New Zealand’s total natural gas use.
Yes. Firstgas continues to maintain and invest in its gas network to support safe and reliable delivery for customers now and into the future as natural gas still has an important role as the nation transitions to renewable energies, including renewable gas or other energy forms. To get there, Firstgas is part of a group of energy companies called Clarus, who invest in research and development in renewables, and closely monitor international progress. Together with Clarus, Firstgas is helping chart a path toward cleaner, more efficient energy through solutions such as upgrading biogas into biomethane, and trialling hydrogen blending.
Yes. Gas and renewable electricity work together as part of a balanced energy system. Gas supports electricity generation when renewable output is low and helps maintain reliability during peak demand periods.