North Brighton gas pipes not due an upgrade in 2020; households with supply issues told to seek compensation
After enduring regular gas outages for up to 16 months some North Brighton residents could be in line for hundreds of dollars in compensation. Here’s what they are entitled to.
Inner South
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Ongoing gas outages are being investigated in North Brighton and eligible households encouraged to seek compensation.
More than 60 families regularly go without hot water, heating and cooking facilities in the suburb because of an unreliable gas supply.
They say they lost gas every time it rained.
Provider Multinet has been investigating the problem by inserting cameras into the pipes to identify possible causes.
A Multinet spokesman said crews had found leaking gas mains and blocked storm water drains had led to some of the outages.
A wetter than average winter had also contributed to the problem, he said.
The cameras had been used during recent investigations in Grandview Rd where a gas main blocked with debris was discovered.
“Grandview Rd has been a focus of attention this winter. However we have also worked in other streets in the area as we are made aware of a leak or outage,” the spokesman said.
He said that while the entire LP network would be ungraded eventually, there were no plans for upgrades in North Brighton this year.
“In the interim we will continue to remove water and debris from the mains, and to replace localised sections of pipe, to maintain gas supply to customers,” he said.
Customers who lost supply for 12 hours or more were entitled to $150 in compensation and $300 if the outage lasted longer than 18 hours.
Payments of $150 were available for customers who experienced five or more outages while those who lost their supply 10 times would receive another $150.
“We have already made payments to some eligible customers, and will continue to do this as information comes to hand on the extent of the outages,” the spokesman said.
“Any customer who believes they are eligible for a GSL payment, but has not received one, can contact Multinet Gas.”
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