Multinet Gas Networks (MGN) is an Australian energy company and one of three Victorian natural gas distribution networks. MGN is one of three key companies that make up Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG), the other two being Australian Gas Networks (AGN) and Dampier to Bunbury Pipeline (DBP).
MGN distributes natural gas to around 703,000 homes and 16,000 businesses throughout Melbourne's inner eastern suburbs and outer Eastern Suburbs, the Yarra Ranges, and South Gippsland. MGN delivers gas from the transmission network, through a network of lower pressure, smaller diameter, pipelines to customers. The network comprises 164 km of licensed transmission pipelines, 9,650 km of distribution mains (operating at pressures between 7kPa and 515 kPa), and 179 regulator stations.[1]
MGN has over 1400 km of low pressure (7 kPa) gas mains, some of which are cast iron mains that date back to the 1880s. These older cast iron mains are subject to water ingress during wet weather and as such, are the common cause of supply reliability issues. MGN mains replacement program is aimed at replacing low-pressure gas distribution mains in the network and is targeting to replace all low-pressure mains by 2031. Upgraded low-pressure mains are typically replaced with high-pressure polyethylene gas mains by inserting the new polyethylene pipe into the existing cast iron main. This method minimizes damage to property and offers additional protection to the polyethylene mains.