Albany’s mains gas network will not be switched off until next year, the Advertiser can reveal, as ATCO agrees to delay the decommissioning until early 2027.

The three-year phase-out was originally set to begin later this year, with more than 8000 residents connected to the reticulated network forced to decide whether to move to bottles or electricity.

While it has not yet been announced what suburbs will be first on the chopping block, the State Government has confirmed the CBD will be the last area switched off.

The short delay will allow the affected homeowners and business operators much-needed time to navigate the transition, which is expected to cost up to $2000 per residence.

Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation Amber-Jade Sanderson, who formally requested ATCO hold off on the decommissioning on May 11, said she was “pleased” the provider had agreed to the new timeline.

“These extra months will provide crucial breathing room for families, businesses and the City of Albany to assess the best options for their individual energy needs,” she said.

“The Cook Labor Government is committed to supporting the Albany community through this process, to ensure the town has reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy options into the future.”

ATCO’s decision to decommission the 160km network it bought in in 2011 has been met with widespread backlash since it was first announced in January.

About 90 per cent of the network is constructed from PVC pipes, aged up to 50 years old.

ATCO said the “significant investment” required to replace them was too dear.

The company’s chief executive John Ivulich said ATCO hope to provide a “smooth transition” for existing customers on the Albany gas network.

“We recognise that households and businesses will need time to prepare for this change and we will undertake the decommissioning in manner which minimises the impact on those affected,” he said.

While the State Government has chipped in $10.8m for the transition — $9m to transition its own 450 social homes, and $1.8m for planning the wider decommissioning— ATCO has yet to announce any financial support for customers affected by its sudden withdrawal.