The Economic Regulation Authority has published its draft decision for the access arrangement for the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline, which is one of the largest capacity natural gas transmission pipelines in Australia.
The Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline (DBNGP) takes gas from the major producers in the North-West down the coast to Perth and Bunbury, supplying gas-fired electricity generators and major industry, and connecting to ATCO’s distribution network to supply households across the South-West.
Under the ERA’s draft decision, the average tariff would increase by 33 per cent (in real terms) on 1 January 2026.
This is driven largely by inflation and a higher rate of return. The ERA has carefully scrutinised DBP’s proposed expenditure on the pipeline, cutting it by $152.8 million, which has helped to mitigate further tariff increases.