One of Australia’s largest pipeline owners launched an advertising campaign that overstated how soon homes could be using climate-friendly gas in an attempt to retain customers and protect its networks from becoming stranded assets in a decarbonising economy, court documents say.

Australian Gas Networks, a distributor to 1.3 million households, is preparing to defend a lawsuit launched by the consumer watchdog alleging a series of its commercials constituted “greenwashing” because they tried to mislead viewers into thinking everyday heating and cooking gas could come from sustainable sources within a generation.

Consumers are increasingly switching from gas stoves and heaters to electric alternatives, aided by government schemes and policies banning gas hook-ups in new homes. Credit:

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