Given expected average price increases of around 10% per year, the lack of options customers now have to shift suppliers, and the potential savings from going electric, we're predicting they will keep dropping as we enter what's known as the 'gas death spiral'.

It's important to note that a small proportion of our total gas supply is used by homes. Most of it is used for industry and electricity generation, and there was a bit of a shake-up in 2024 when we dealth with a dry year and a gas shortage.

But it's also important to note that gas in homes makes no sense: it's more expensive, you need to pay more to give your kids asthma, and it's worse for the environment.

Unfortunately, New Zealanders who want to disconnect from the gas network are being confronted with exorbitant costs. Consumer NZ is doing some good work policing the fees being charged to customers, but more needs to be done to reduce them. And more needs to be done to ensure those who are forced to remain on the network aren't burdened by the costs of maintaining it.

If your gas water heater, gas fire or gas cooktop are getting on a bit, don't invest in the wrong tech and get locked into another 15 years of rising prices and unnecessary emissions. Make your next purchasing decision electric.

Check out TVNZ's piece on rising gas prices here https://loom.ly/kR4YpLc

And RNZ's reporting here https://loom.ly/YcTOb5c

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