Gas meters in Australia explained
Gas is a reliable and responsive source of power, which could explain why more than two million Aussies use natural gas in their homes. Whether it’s for cooking, heating or powering certain appliances, gas has a range of useful functions and is cost-effective.
Households are not billed the same way for gas usage, however, as it depends on several factors. Canstar Blue explains in this guide.
What is a gas meter?
A gas meter is a device that records natural gas consumption in households and businesses, which is then relayed to individual energy retailers for billing purposes. A property’s gas usage is measured in megajoules (MJ). Most gas appliances, such as ovens, will detail their energy consumption in terms of megajoules per hour (MJ/h), meaning an oven with an input of 20 MJ/h will use 20 MJs in one hour.
Gas meter types
The two main types of gas meters in Australia are imperial and metric meters. The type of gas meter connected to a property will depend on the gas pressure available in that specific area and the type of regulator, which is a component on a gas meter that lowers gas pressure . Here are the differences between the two gas meter types:
- Gas imperial meter: Measures gas usage in cubic feet (ft3) with multiple cyclonic, or circular, dials on the display. Gas imperial meters are being phased out and are normally found in older homes.
- Gas metric meter: Measures gas usage in cubic meters (M3) with a digital display of numbers on the panel. Newer homes will be equipped with a gas metric meter.
Where is my gas meter located?
The location of your gas meter will depend on what type of house you live in, as well as when the property was built. If you live in a stand-alone house, your gas meter would usually be positioned on a rear exterior wall or front porch, within proximity of your electricity meter. Older homes may have gas meters located in the garage, hallway, laundry or even under the kitchen sink.
For those living in apartments, townhouses or multi-dwelling buildings, your gas meter could be in the basement, carpark or under the kitchen sink. If your gas meter is located with the others in the building, be sure to look for your unit number. If you’re unsure of its location, contact your body corporate or talk to the building manager.
Compare gas prices
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for NSW. These estimated annual costs are based on the Jemena Gas Network in Sydney and yearly gas usage of 18,800 MJ/year, but prices will vary depending on your own circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Advertiser Disclosure
Canstar Blue may earn a fee from its Online Partners for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship or promotion of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship or promotion may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship/promotion fees may be higher than referral fees. If a product is sponsored or promoted, it is an ad and it is clearly marked as such. An ad might appear in different places on our website, such as in comparison tables and articles. Ads may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product’s rating, price or other attributes. The location of an ad doesn’t indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar Blue. Payment of fees for ads does not influence Value Rank or Customer Satisfaction Ratings. See How We Get Paid to find out more.
General Disclosure – Energy
The data in the table is updated within 24 hours of Canstar Blue becoming aware of a change. You can find a description of the initial sort order below the table. You can use the sort buttons at the top of each column to re-order the display. Learn more about our Gas Value Rank Methodology.
Please note that the Satisfaction Rating displayed in the table is a rating relating to customers’ overall satisfaction with the brand. It should not be confused with an individual product rating. Learn more about Brand Satisfaction ratings and for more information on how the Brand Satisfaction ratings are calculated, read the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customers Methodology.
The results do not include all energy retailers or products in the market and may not compare all features relevant to you. Canstar Blue does not supply electricity or gas services. If you decide to apply for a particular energy product, you will deal directly with the retailer, not with Canstar Blue. Fees, charges, product information and contract terms should be confirmed directly with the relevant retailer.
Some plans may require you to meet certain conditions before a discount may become available to you. Check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all possible discounts that may apply and any conditions that need to be met for you to be eligible for these discounts.
Check your current plan’s exit fees and other termination provisions before changing providers.
Some plans may have a minimum term that is longer than one year. In that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated Price, which is for one year only. Consider the provider’s detailed product and pricing information before making a decision to take out a new plan or switch electricity providers.
Pricing Information
The price shown is inclusive of GST and is the estimated lowest possible price a representative customer would be charged in a year for each plan, assuming all conditions of discounts offered, if any, have been met. Gas usage assumptions have been derived from the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table.
The general usage assumptions for products displayed in the table have been derived from:
- the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table. The figures provided are intended to serve as general estimates and should be used for information only. If the amount of gas you actually use differs greatly from this estimate, your bill could be significantly larger or smaller than the estimated price/year listed for each plan; or
- if you have provided usage data from your gas bill, the estimated annual amount payable for this plan is based on your individual circumstances.
The estimated yearly Price is based on single rate tariffs, which is when a flat usage rate is charged for ‘blocks’ of gas consumed and could be a limited amount per day, month, quarter, which may include a second block with a different usage rate applied, or, season.
Some plans may have a minimum term longer than one year – in that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated yearly Price (which is only for one year).
Some plans may apply additional charges to the price shown. Always check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all charges that may apply.
What does the ‘phone’ mean?
By clicking on the number next to the phone icon, you will leave the Canstar Blue website and be connected with the call centre of the Online Partner’s brand that you have selected. You will be subject to that referral partner’s brand privacy policy and terms of use. You agree that Canstar Blue Referral Terms apply to this referral.
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for VIC. These estimated annual costs are based on the AGN – VIC network in Melbourne and yearly gas usage of 40,500 MJ/year, but prices will vary depending on your own circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Advertiser Disclosure
Canstar Blue may earn a fee from its Online Partners for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship or promotion of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship or promotion may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship/promotion fees may be higher than referral fees. If a product is sponsored or promoted, it is an ad and it is clearly marked as such. An ad might appear in different places on our website, such as in comparison tables and articles. Ads may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product’s rating, price or other attributes. The location of an ad doesn’t indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar Blue. Payment of fees for ads does not influence Value Rank or Customer Satisfaction Ratings. See How We Get Paid to find out more.
General Disclosure – Energy
The data in the table is updated within 24 hours of Canstar Blue becoming aware of a change. You can find a description of the initial sort order below the table. You can use the sort buttons at the top of each column to re-order the display. Learn more about our Gas Value Rank Methodology.
Please note that the Satisfaction Rating displayed in the table is a rating relating to customers’ overall satisfaction with the brand. It should not be confused with an individual product rating. Learn more about Brand Satisfaction ratings and for more information on how the Brand Satisfaction ratings are calculated, read the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customers Methodology.
The results do not include all energy retailers or products in the market and may not compare all features relevant to you. Canstar Blue does not supply electricity or gas services. If you decide to apply for a particular energy product, you will deal directly with the retailer, not with Canstar Blue. Fees, charges, product information and contract terms should be confirmed directly with the relevant retailer.
Some plans may require you to meet certain conditions before a discount may become available to you. Check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all possible discounts that may apply and any conditions that need to be met for you to be eligible for these discounts.
Check your current plan’s exit fees and other termination provisions before changing providers.
Some plans may have a minimum term that is longer than one year. In that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated Price, which is for one year only. Consider the provider’s detailed product and pricing information before making a decision to take out a new plan or switch electricity providers.
Pricing Information
The price shown is inclusive of GST and is the estimated lowest possible price a representative customer would be charged in a year for each plan, assuming all conditions of discounts offered, if any, have been met. Gas usage assumptions have been derived from the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table.
The general usage assumptions for products displayed in the table have been derived from:
- the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table. The figures provided are intended to serve as general estimates and should be used for information only. If the amount of gas you actually use differs greatly from this estimate, your bill could be significantly larger or smaller than the estimated price/year listed for each plan; or
- if you have provided usage data from your gas bill, the estimated annual amount payable for this plan is based on your individual circumstances.
The estimated yearly Price is based on single rate tariffs, which is when a flat usage rate is charged for ‘blocks’ of gas consumed and could be a limited amount per day, month, quarter, which may include a second block with a different usage rate applied, or, season.
Some plans may have a minimum term longer than one year – in that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated yearly Price (which is only for one year).
Some plans may apply additional charges to the price shown. Always check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all charges that may apply.
What does the ‘phone’ mean?
By clicking on the number next to the phone icon, you will leave the Canstar Blue website and be connected with the call centre of the Online Partner’s brand that you have selected. You will be subject to that referral partner’s brand privacy policy and terms of use. You agree that Canstar Blue Referral Terms apply to this referral.
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for QLD. These estimated annual costs are based on the AGN – QLD in Brisbane and yearly gas usage of 8,300 MJ/year, but prices will vary depending on your own circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Advertiser Disclosure
Canstar Blue may earn a fee from its Online Partners for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship or promotion of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship or promotion may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship/promotion fees may be higher than referral fees. If a product is sponsored or promoted, it is an ad and it is clearly marked as such. An ad might appear in different places on our website, such as in comparison tables and articles. Ads may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product’s rating, price or other attributes. The location of an ad doesn’t indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar Blue. Payment of fees for ads does not influence Value Rank or Customer Satisfaction Ratings. See How We Get Paid to find out more.
General Disclosure – Energy
The data in the table is updated within 24 hours of Canstar Blue becoming aware of a change. You can find a description of the initial sort order below the table. You can use the sort buttons at the top of each column to re-order the display. Learn more about our Gas Value Rank Methodology.
Please note that the Satisfaction Rating displayed in the table is a rating relating to customers’ overall satisfaction with the brand. It should not be confused with an individual product rating. Learn more about Brand Satisfaction ratings and for more information on how the Brand Satisfaction ratings are calculated, read the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customers Methodology.
The results do not include all energy retailers or products in the market and may not compare all features relevant to you. Canstar Blue does not supply electricity or gas services. If you decide to apply for a particular energy product, you will deal directly with the retailer, not with Canstar Blue. Fees, charges, product information and contract terms should be confirmed directly with the relevant retailer.
Some plans may require you to meet certain conditions before a discount may become available to you. Check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all possible discounts that may apply and any conditions that need to be met for you to be eligible for these discounts.
Check your current plan’s exit fees and other termination provisions before changing providers.
Some plans may have a minimum term that is longer than one year. In that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated Price, which is for one year only. Consider the provider’s detailed product and pricing information before making a decision to take out a new plan or switch electricity providers.
Pricing Information
The price shown is inclusive of GST and is the estimated lowest possible price a representative customer would be charged in a year for each plan, assuming all conditions of discounts offered, if any, have been met. Gas usage assumptions have been derived from the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table.
The general usage assumptions for products displayed in the table have been derived from:
- the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table. The figures provided are intended to serve as general estimates and should be used for information only. If the amount of gas you actually use differs greatly from this estimate, your bill could be significantly larger or smaller than the estimated price/year listed for each plan; or
- if you have provided usage data from your gas bill, the estimated annual amount payable for this plan is based on your individual circumstances.
The estimated yearly Price is based on single rate tariffs, which is when a flat usage rate is charged for ‘blocks’ of gas consumed and could be a limited amount per day, month, quarter, which may include a second block with a different usage rate applied, or, season.
Some plans may have a minimum term longer than one year – in that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated yearly Price (which is only for one year).
Some plans may apply additional charges to the price shown. Always check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all charges that may apply.
What does the ‘phone’ mean?
By clicking on the number next to the phone icon, you will leave the Canstar Blue website and be connected with the call centre of the Online Partner’s brand that you have selected. You will be subject to that referral partner’s brand privacy policy and terms of use. You agree that Canstar Blue Referral Terms apply to this referral.
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for SA. These estimated annual costs are based on the AGN – SA network in Adelaide and yearly gas usage of 14,800 MJ/year, but prices will vary depending on your own circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Advertiser Disclosure
Canstar Blue may earn a fee from its Online Partners for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship or promotion of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship or promotion may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship/promotion fees may be higher than referral fees. If a product is sponsored or promoted, it is an ad and it is clearly marked as such. An ad might appear in different places on our website, such as in comparison tables and articles. Ads may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product’s rating, price or other attributes. The location of an ad doesn’t indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar Blue. Payment of fees for ads does not influence Value Rank or Customer Satisfaction Ratings. See How We Get Paid to find out more.
General Disclosure – Energy
The data in the table is updated within 24 hours of Canstar Blue becoming aware of a change. You can find a description of the initial sort order below the table. You can use the sort buttons at the top of each column to re-order the display. Learn more about our Gas Value Rank Methodology.
Please note that the Satisfaction Rating displayed in the table is a rating relating to customers’ overall satisfaction with the brand. It should not be confused with an individual product rating. Learn more about Brand Satisfaction ratings and for more information on how the Brand Satisfaction ratings are calculated, read the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customers Methodology.
The results do not include all energy retailers or products in the market and may not compare all features relevant to you. Canstar Blue does not supply electricity or gas services. If you decide to apply for a particular energy product, you will deal directly with the retailer, not with Canstar Blue. Fees, charges, product information and contract terms should be confirmed directly with the relevant retailer.
Some plans may require you to meet certain conditions before a discount may become available to you. Check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all possible discounts that may apply and any conditions that need to be met for you to be eligible for these discounts.
Check your current plan’s exit fees and other termination provisions before changing providers.
Some plans may have a minimum term that is longer than one year. In that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated Price, which is for one year only. Consider the provider’s detailed product and pricing information before making a decision to take out a new plan or switch electricity providers.
Pricing Information
The price shown is inclusive of GST and is the estimated lowest possible price a representative customer would be charged in a year for each plan, assuming all conditions of discounts offered, if any, have been met. Gas usage assumptions have been derived from the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table.
The general usage assumptions for products displayed in the table have been derived from:
- the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table. The figures provided are intended to serve as general estimates and should be used for information only. If the amount of gas you actually use differs greatly from this estimate, your bill could be significantly larger or smaller than the estimated price/year listed for each plan; or
- if you have provided usage data from your gas bill, the estimated annual amount payable for this plan is based on your individual circumstances.
The estimated yearly Price is based on single rate tariffs, which is when a flat usage rate is charged for ‘blocks’ of gas consumed and could be a limited amount per day, month, quarter, which may include a second block with a different usage rate applied, or, season.
Some plans may have a minimum term longer than one year – in that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated yearly Price (which is only for one year).
Some plans may apply additional charges to the price shown. Always check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all charges that may apply.
What does the ‘phone’ mean?
By clicking on the number next to the phone icon, you will leave the Canstar Blue website and be connected with the call centre of the Online Partner’s brand that you have selected. You will be subject to that referral partner’s brand privacy policy and terms of use. You agree that Canstar Blue Referral Terms apply to this referral.
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for WA. These estimated annual costs are based on the ATCO network in Perth and yearly gas usage of 6,300 units/year, but prices will vary depending on your own circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Advertiser Disclosure
Canstar Blue may earn a fee from its Online Partners for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship or promotion of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship or promotion may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship/promotion fees may be higher than referral fees. If a product is sponsored or promoted, it is an ad and it is clearly marked as such. An ad might appear in different places on our website, such as in comparison tables and articles. Ads may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product’s rating, price or other attributes. The location of an ad doesn’t indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar Blue. Payment of fees for ads does not influence Value Rank or Customer Satisfaction Ratings. See How We Get Paid to find out more.
General Disclosure – Energy
The data in the table is updated within 24 hours of Canstar Blue becoming aware of a change. You can find a description of the initial sort order below the table. You can use the sort buttons at the top of each column to re-order the display. Learn more about our Gas Value Rank Methodology.
Please note that the Satisfaction Rating displayed in the table is a rating relating to customers’ overall satisfaction with the brand. It should not be confused with an individual product rating. Learn more about Brand Satisfaction ratings and for more information on how the Brand Satisfaction ratings are calculated, read the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customers Methodology.
The results do not include all energy retailers or products in the market and may not compare all features relevant to you. Canstar Blue does not supply electricity or gas services. If you decide to apply for a particular energy product, you will deal directly with the retailer, not with Canstar Blue. Fees, charges, product information and contract terms should be confirmed directly with the relevant retailer.
Some plans may require you to meet certain conditions before a discount may become available to you. Check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all possible discounts that may apply and any conditions that need to be met for you to be eligible for these discounts.
Check your current plan’s exit fees and other termination provisions before changing providers.
Some plans may have a minimum term that is longer than one year. In that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated Price, which is for one year only. Consider the provider’s detailed product and pricing information before making a decision to take out a new plan or switch electricity providers.
Pricing Information
The price shown is inclusive of GST and is the estimated lowest possible price a representative customer would be charged in a year for each plan, assuming all conditions of discounts offered, if any, have been met. Gas usage assumptions have been derived from the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table.
The general usage assumptions for products displayed in the table have been derived from:
- the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table. The figures provided are intended to serve as general estimates and should be used for information only. If the amount of gas you actually use differs greatly from this estimate, your bill could be significantly larger or smaller than the estimated price/year listed for each plan; or
- if you have provided usage data from your gas bill, the estimated annual amount payable for this plan is based on your individual circumstances.
The estimated yearly Price is based on single rate tariffs, which is when a flat usage rate is charged for ‘blocks’ of gas consumed and could be a limited amount per day, month, quarter, which may include a second block with a different usage rate applied, or, season.
Some plans may have a minimum term longer than one year – in that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated yearly Price (which is only for one year).
Some plans may apply additional charges to the price shown. Always check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all charges that may apply.
What does the ‘phone’ mean?
By clicking on the number next to the phone icon, you will leave the Canstar Blue website and be connected with the call centre of the Online Partner’s brand that you have selected. You will be subject to that referral partner’s brand privacy policy and terms of use. You agree that Canstar Blue Referral Terms apply to this referral.
How to read your gas meter
Before reading your gas meter, you’ll need to identify which type of meter your property is connected to – imperial or metric. Imperial gas meters tend to be a little trickier as you’ll need to read each dial, while metric gas meters look more like a car odometer.
Imperial gas meter reading
Take note of the pointer on each dial and record the numbers from left to right. If a pointer is positioned between two numbers on a dial, always read the lowest number. Some old imperial gas meters may have an additional two dials on the top or bottom which are for testing purposes only, so disregard them. Once you’ve noted the numbers from each dial, you’ll need to convert it from cubic feet into cubic metres, with one cubic metre roughly equal to 35.3ft3. The meter pictured below reads 7,205ft3, making it about 204M3.
Metric gas meter reading
The meter should have a display panel of about eight numbers with M3 (a reminder that this means cubic metres) next to it. Record each number from left to right, ignoring the numbers in red as these are f