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Tropical Cyclone Narelle has triggered significant disruptions to Western Australia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, forcing the evacuation of offshore workers and halting production at major facilities. The storm, tracking southward along the state’s northwest coastline, prompted Chevron to shut down its Gorgon plant and Wheatstone LNG operations on Thursday as a precautionary measure.

WA Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson confirmed that while export operations were suspended, domestic gas supplies remained unaffected. “LNG operators are well accustomed to managing cyclonic conditions in this region,” she stated during a Friday briefing in Perth. “They maintain robust preparedness protocols, and we’ve received no damage reports to date.”

The Wheatstone offshore platform, located approximately 225km off the Pilbara coast, has been remotely operated from Perth since Tuesday following staff evacuations. Simultaneously, Santos’ Darwin LNG facility underwent planned maintenance, compounding production challenges.

This Australian supply interruption coincides with critical global LNG shortages. Qatar’s exports remain paralyzed due to Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz following missile strikes on QatarEnergy’s Ras Laffan facility—which represents 17% of the nation’s output. The United Arab Emirates, the world’s second-largest LNG exporter, has also faced severe disruptions at its Das Island facility, though partial production resumed Tuesday after recent attacks.

With the cyclone expected to make landfall south of Coral Bay, approximately 1000km north of Perth, maritime traffic continues rerouting to avoid the storm’s path. Industry analysts warn these cumulative disruptions could further strain already tight global energy markets.

Two Victorian energy companies have been subjected to severe regulatory sanctions after engaging in systematic fraud within a government energy efficiency program. The Essential Services Commission has imposed penalties exceeding $4.2 million following investigations that revealed widespread misconduct including document falsification, staged photographic evidence, and prohibited sales practices.

Energy Efficient Upgrades (formerly operating as Shantey) has faced the most stringent penalties, with its accreditation within the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program permanently revoked. The company received a five-year ban from reapplying to the scheme after investigators discovered it had submitted fabricated project information and violated multiple consumer protection protocols. The commission documented instances where the company transported water heater units to properties that never had existing heaters, staged installation photos, and employed banned direct marketing approaches including doorknocking and telemarketing.

Additionally, the company circumvented program requirements by failing to obtain mandatory consumer co-payments, with evidence showing cash payments were made to customers to cover or refund these amounts. As a result, 2,586 certificates issued to Energy Efficient Upgrades have been invalidated, representing approximately $200,000 in value.

Ecosaver Australia faced comparable enforcement action, with the commission refusing registration of 48,550 certificates worth approximately $4 million. The company was found to have submitted falsified photographic evidence, claimed non-compliant upgrades, and similarly engaged in prohibited sales tactics.

Both companies had promoted their participation in the VEU program on their websites, positioning themselves as legitimate providers of energy-efficient solutions for households and businesses seeking to reduce energy consumption and costs.

The regulatory decisions were upheld on March 26, 2026, following review proceedings. Commission chairman Gerard Brody emphasized that these actions demonstrate the commission’s commitment to eliminating “unacceptable behaviour” within the VEU program. “Accredited businesses must ensure people doing work on their behalf follow the rules. If they don’t, it’s their reputation and profits at stake,” Mr. Brody stated, adding that robust compliance enforcement ensures a level playing field for ethical businesses and maintains consumer confidence in the program.

The VEU program remains operational, continuing to support Victorian households and businesses in reducing energy costs through legitimate efficiency upgrades including water heaters and lighting systems. Accredited businesses generate revenue through the creation and sale of energy efficiency certificates within the established regulatory framework.