Tas Gas rebrands to Solstice, announces plans to take on Aurora in energy retail space

A gas distributor and retailer with operations in Tasmania and regional Victoria has announced plans to take on Aurora Energy, which was once found to have a market share of more than 99pc.

Phaedra Deckart, Solstice Energy, formerly Tas Gas, chief executive. Picture: File

A gas distributor and retailer with operations in Tasmania and regional Victoria has announced plans to take on Aurora Energy, which a 2020 review found had captured 99 per cent of the state’s retail energy market.

Tas Gas, which distributes natural gas to approximately 43,000 customers in Tasmania and additional customers in regional Victoria, announced on Wednesday its retail arm would begin supplying electricity to homes and small businesses on the Apple Isle in 2024.

As part of the shake-up, Tas Gas has been rebranded as Solstice Energy.

Solstice Energy chief executive Phaedra Deckart said as the “truly local alternative” in the Tasmanian energy market, Solstice Energy would provide “simple, affordable energy” for local households and small businesses.

“Customers have always been central to the way we work and we are excited about broadening our great service and products by expanding into electricity,” Ms Deckart said.

Tas Gas chief executive Phaedra Deckart unveiling the utility's rebrand to Solstice and future entry into the retail electricity space, where it will compete with Aurora. Picture

“Our ambition is to provide more local choice, with more investment in new technology, ideas and alternatives. We also aim to offer more help in easing cost-of-living pressures and more rewards for customers who stick with us.”

Ms Deckart said the company’s long history in Tasmania meant it had the on-the-ground knowledge to take on Aurora and provide “real choice and real competition”.

“For the past 20 years, we have played a key role in Tasmania’s energy security as the leading local natural gas company. In that time, we have built up local knowledge and expertise and supported local business and industry, along with local charities and sports,” she said.

“The energy market is changing, nationally and internationally, so we are changing with that. But what we’re not changing is our strong commitment to Tasmania.

“We’ve been here for more than 20 years and Solstice Energy will remain local, employing

Tasmanians, with offices in Hobart and Launceston.”

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Solstice Energy will continue to own and operate Tasmania’s gas pipeline infrastructure via its company Tas Gas Networks Pty Ltd as part of its diversified portfolio.

“We will also continue to pursue new projects, such as bio-fuels and green, renewable gases, using our pipeline expertise and reputation” Ms Deckart said.

A 2020 competition review by the Australian Energy Market Commission found that Aurora Energy maintained more than 99 per cent of market share in Tasmania, with retailer 1st Energy the only one to have taken small nibbles out of Aurora.

It’s understood Aurora still holds a market share of approximately 95 per cent.

On its website, Aurora touts the benefits competition brings.

“Competition in our energy market here in Tasmania has the potential to deliver massive benefits for all Tasmanians,” it said.

The other retailers in Tasmania’s energy market include Flow Power, CovaU Energy, Energy Locals, Glowpower, Shell Power and Gee Energy. Several of these are unavailable to the standard residential customer.