{
  "id": 15308031,
  "title": "Gas company called 'rude' for not sharing decommissioning news earlier",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/gas-company-called-rude-for-not-sharing-decommissioning-news-earlier",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T00:00:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-18/secret-meetings-over-gas-network-albany/107272216"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Emails reveal that ATCO Australia and the Western Australian government discussed the fate of the Albany gas network months before residents were notified it would be discontinued. ATCO plans to phase out the network over the next three years, forcing customers to rely on alternative energy sources. The state government has ruled out taking over the network. The news of Albany losing its reticulated LPG gas network has put local businesses, such as the Jones' laundromat, at risk. The Canadian-owned company announced the decommissioning in January, citing aging infrastructure and maintenance costs. However, confidential emails show the company and the government had been discussing the network's future eight months prior, in May 2025. A meeting between the utility and Energy Minister Amber Jade Sanderson followed shortly after. While both parties were cordial during the conversation, city officials argue the announcement was too sudden and residents should have been informed earlier to assist in retaining the network. ATCO suggested the meeting was necessary due to the need for approval of any license changes from the Economic Regulation Authority. However, business owners want a viable alternative provided, including either a local supplier or government takeover of the network. Energy Minister Sanderson stated the government is not considering that option, as rebuilding the entire network would be prohibitively expensive.",
  "summary": "Emails obtained under Freedom of Information show the Canadian-owned company and the state government had been discussing the network's future eight months before affected customers were informed.",
  "key_points": [
    "ATCO Australia plans to decommission Albany gas network over three years.",
    "Confidential emails show company and government discussed fate eight months prior to announcement.",
    "City officials demand earlier notification to help retain the network."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The delay in communicating the decommissioning timeline leaves local businesses vulnerable to sudden energy shifts without the necessary lead time to secure viable alternative fuel sources.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}