New claims that Australia’s gas consumption will collapse in the next 10 years are wildly premature, the Energy Networks Association said today.

The Melbourne Energy Institute (MEI) has claimed that higher wholesale gas prices and more competitive Reverse Cycle Air conditioning would see Eastern Australian gas consumption halve in 10 years.

“Gas has always competed as a fuel of choice and Australia should not lose sight of the benefits of dual fuel energy networks to our households and economy,“ ENA CEO John Bradley said.