Got a burning question about Solstice Energy (Tas Gas)? You are in the right place! In this article, we analyze Solstice Energy natural gas services, rebates and customer reviews. Solstice Energy is the biggest of the only two gas providers in Tasmania, discover whether it is also the best choice for you.
Tas Gas has rebranded!
As of December 2023, Tas Gas has rebranded into Solstice Energy. But do not worry, it is the same gas company we know and love! Just a different name.
- Solstice Energy In a Nutshell
- Privately-owned Natural Gas Retailer
- Simple plans & average prices
- Retail operations in Tasmania & Victoria
- Largest of only 2 gas providers in Tasmania
- The only gas distributor for Tasmania
Who Is Solstice Energy?
Chances are that if you live in Tasmania, you already know the answer to this question. Solstice Energy is an LPG & natural gas retailer in Tasmania and Victoria, but they are known for being one of the only two gas providers in Tasmania, the other being Aurora Energy.
Unlike Aurora Energy, Solstice Energy is privately owned and holds the largest market share of the gas market in Tasmania, with Solstice Energy Retail claiming to own around 65% of the market. They sell gas to industrial, commercial and residential users.
On top of that, Solstice Energy is the sole gas distributor in the state. Their gas pipeline - the TGN (Tasmanian Gas Networks) - extends more than 800km and delivers around 3.54 PJ annually to approximately 50.000 Australians. However, Solstice Energy networks do not reach the whole of Tasmania.
These are the towns where the Tasmanian Gas Network operates:
| Solstice Energy in Tasmania | Solstice Energy in Victoria |
|---|---|
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Even when living in one of these suburbs, there is no guarantee that Solstice Energy covers your area, which is why Solstice Energy also provides a gas pipeline locator where you can see if the Solstice Energy pipeline connects to your street.
Solstice Energy Overview All in all, Solstice Energy provides a straightforward natural gas service without any complications or marketing gimmicks. They enjoy a comfortable position in the Tasmanian gas market and offer simple natural gas plans and rates.
Solstice Energy vs Aurora Energy
If you are looking for a gas retailer in Tasmania, then Solstice Energy & Aurora Energy are your only options.
Aside from Solstice Energy being privately owned and Aurora Energy being government owned, there aren't many significant differences between them. Here is a quick comparison between both brands' daily supply & usage charges:
| Customer Type | Daily Supply Charge | Usage Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Solstice Energy | 61.0c / day | 4.606c / MJ |
| Aurora Energy | 61.17c / day | 5.192c / MJ |
Solstice Energy & Aurora rates are almost identical, so you should make your decision considering other factors. For example, Aurora Energy is 100% public, so it would be natural to think they might be less competitive than Solstice Energy, but also more likely to enjoy government benefits. On the other hand, Solstice Energy controls the gas distribution in Tasmania, so they are the ones delivering the gas at the end of the day and probably have more to say on the matter.
Solstice Energy Reviews
There aren’t many Solstice Energy reviews out there, but the few ones you will find are overly positive.
This is how some popular review sites rank Solstice Energy services as of January 2025:
| Review Site | Score | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Google Reviews | 3.6 / 5 | 13 |
| Word of Mouth | 5 / 5 | 13 |
Aside from a couple of short complaints, most reviewers applaud Solstice Energy customer service.
This is an example of a verified 5-star Solstice Energy review from Arnie Vos:
Setting up an account with Solstice Energy was a quick and easy process! Their customer service is phenomenal. Many thanks to Chris from the Connections Team and to Will Smyth for being so awesome to work with; you guys are the best and you're both a huge asset to Solstice Energy!
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Commenters also praise Solstice Energy solid track record and cheap rates. Solstice Energy is a traditional and safe choice for most Aussies in Tasmania.
This is an example of another verified 5-star Solstice Energy review from emah211:
They have built a solid reputation over the years and that's why I would never trust my business' gas fitting to anyone else. They have earned my loyalty with good prices and excellent service. Why else would I gamble on hiring someone new? These guys are tops!
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Aside from Aurora Energy, Solstice Energy doesn't have much competition in Tasmania, so they don't put much resources into creating flashy marketing campaigns or gimmicks. Solstice Energy focuses instead in providing serviceable customer support and ensuring a correct gas supply to their customers. In Victoria, Solstice Energy has to compete with many more providers than in Tasmania, but their strategy remains the same.
Is Solstice Energy Worth It?
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Long & solid track record | Aurora's rates are cheaper |
| Largest gas supplier in TAS | Steep connection & disconnection fees |
| Fair prices | Few plan options |
| Many rewards & payment options | Does not reach all Tasmanian households |
If you are a Victorian customer you will find several options when going for a gas provider, but if you live in Tasmania, you don’t really have many choices so this will definitely influence your decision to stay or switch. So, is it worth it to switch to Solstice Energy? The answer to that question depends on if you live in Victoria or Tasmania.
Tasmanian Solstice Energy Customers
If you live in Tasmania, odds are you already have Solstice Energy. However, most Tasmanians have the option to choose between Solstice Energy and Aurora Energy. Should you switch to Aurora from Solstice Energy? Well, both companies offer similar rates and services, but Solstice Energy is the bigger, safer option. They have the Tasmanian Gas Networks and their gas pipelines are the same ones Aurora uses. However, Solstice Energy has some very high connection and disconnection fees which may stop you from wanting to switch. Also, Aurora is only marginally cheaper than Solstice Energy.
Victorian Solstice Energy Customers
If you live in Victoria, you have a much wider variety of gas retailers to choose from and many offer better rates than Solstice Energy. If you live in Victoria, you may want to first consider other, cheaper options such as Dodo, Alinta Energy or Globird if you are looking exclusively for a bargain.Â
Selectra's Verdict on Solstice Energy: Tasmanian customers won’t have too difficult a time choosing a gas provider. After all, you only have two options. The good news is that Solstice Energy is a fine choice in Tasmania. Solstice Energy has a long and professional track record providing gas and, with the Solstice Energy Networks, is also the main distributor in the region.
Solstice Energy is a safe and solid choice for anyone looking for a fair and straightforward gas provider in Tasmania and Victoria. However, if you are after the cheapest offer, you may want to take a look at other providers. This is particularly true for Victorians.
Solstice Energy Prices & Other Charges
Solstice Energy tariffs & Charges are straightforward. You won’t find any fancy plans or marketing gimmicks on their site, nor will you find any of this information listed on Energy Made Easy or on Victorian Energy Compare.
These are Solstice Energy's’ Daily Supply & Usage Charge for Tasmanian customers:
| Location | Daily Supply Charge | Usage Charge |
|---|---|---|
| TAS Residential | 61.0c / day | 4.606 c / MJ |
*Figures are for illustrative purposes only and don’t compare all products, providers, plan features, offers, or rates. Products are compared like-for-like and any distinctions between products are clearly marked. Not all offers may be available in all locations or distribution networks. Rates based on gas distributor for Tas Gas with a daily usage of 10,986MJ / year. Calculations are based on the reference price for each area. Any offers or estimated costs compared are for example purposes only and may change based on your individual circumstances or habits. Offers and availability are subject to change. Read more about Basic Plan Information here. Valid July 2022.
Important Information Show Less
These are Solstice Energy’ Daily Supply & Usage Charge for Victorian customers:
| Location | Daily Supply Charge | Usage Charge |
|---|---|---|
| VIC Residential | $1.25 / day | 6.262 / MJ |
*Figures are for illustrative purposes only and don’t compare all products, providers, plan features, offers, or rates. Products are compared like-for-like and any distinctions between products are clearly marked. Not all offers may be available in all locations or distribution networks. Rates based on gas distributor for postcode 3000 in Vic with an average daily usage of 159MJ / day. Calculations are based on the reference price for each area. Any offers or estimated costs compared are for example purposes only and may change based on your individual circumstances or habits. Offers and availability are subject to change. Read more about Basic Plan Information here. Valid July 2022.
Important Information Show Less
Besides your natural gas usage charges, Solstice Energy may charge you additional fees if you use any of the following services.
This is a list of "hidden charges" from Solstice Energy and how much would they cost you:
| Service Fee | Price During Business Hours | Price After Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Meter Testing Fee | On site - Free Off Site $110 | On site - Free Off Site $110 |
| Disconnection Fee | $110 | $275 |
| Reconnection Fee | $110 | $275 |
| Special Meter Read Fee | $110 | $275 |
| Technician Attendance Fee | $110 | $110 |
What's the Takeaway? Solstice Energy has steep disconnection and reconnection fees. What this means is that, if you switch providers, you will have to pay several hundred dollars when you leave and also when (or if) you come back.
​​​​​​​In other words, it may not be in your benefit to switch to Aurora (or another provider for VIC customers) as you will likely lose more money on fees than you would save from switching.
Solstice Energy Rewards
If you are a customer of Solstice Energy with an account in your name, you can fill out Solstice Energy site’s reward application and claim one of the following rewards:
Flued Heating Reward
- Connect an additional natural gas flued heating appliance & get $500 off your next gas bill.
Hot Water Reward
- Connect an additional natural gas continuous hot water system & get $250 off your next gas bill.
Ducted Heating Reward
- Connect an additional natural gas ducted central heating appliance & get $1000 off your next gas bill.
Commercial Installation Incentive (for commercial customers)
- Customers can apply for an incentive of $5000 for the purchase and installation of flame effect fireplaces. The terms and conditions link of this offer is currently unavailable, so you may want to contact Solstice Energy directly and ask them about this reward.
Solstice Energy Billing & Payment Options
Solstice Energy offers a wide variety of billing and payment options.
This is a list of Solstice Energy payment methods:
- Direct Debit: Solstice Energy will charge you directly from your bank account. You can pay monthly or every two weeks.
- BPAY: you can quickly pay your bills through the biller code on your gas bill.Â
- Credit Card: pay using Visa or Mastercard either online or through the phone.Â
- Pay by Mail: send a check or money order directly to Solstice Energy physical address.
- Pay in Person: pay with cash, cheque or EFTPOS at an Australia post office.Â
This is a list of Solstice Energy payment options:
- Bill Smoothing: pay weekly, every two weeks or monthly. Solstice Energy will review your account once every year.
- Centrepay: if you have Centrelink, you can direct some of your government payment to Solstice Energy.
- Short Term Payment Plan: if you can't pay your bill in one payment, Solstice Energy will schedule with you a payment plan with smaller instalments.
- Bill Payment Extension: if you can't manage to pay your bill in time, you can contact Solstice Energy and they may give you a 10 day extension.
Solstice Energy Contact Information
NOTE: Solstice Energy warns their customers of delays in their customer response due to staff shortages. They encourage customers to contact them using their site’s email form, so you might have to wait for a bit if you call them.
You can contact Solstice Energy 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday with any of the following options:
- Solstice Energy Office Address: 5 Kiln Court, St Leonards TAS 7250
- Solstice Energy Postal Address: PO Box 858, Launceston TAS 7250
- Free Call: 1800 750 750
- Fax: 03 6336 9385
- Gas Emergency & Outages: 180 2111​​​​​​​
