Moving house can be a stressful time. Whether you’re a new homeowner, or moving into a rental property, the prospect of dealing with all the paperwork, packing up your belongings, and settling into an unfamiliar suburb can be daunting. But what about connecting gas and electricity at your new address? Fortunately, it’s easy!
For most home buyers and renters, there are only two steps; you must arrange the disconnection at your prior residence and then the new gas and electricity connection at your new home. Of course, there are a few extra considerations based on your personal circumstances but, for the most part, it’s pretty straightforward! In this article, we will cover the basics of connecting gas and electricity when moving house. This simple guide will give you all the information you need so your new home can have power from the get-go.
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Comparing plans to get the best energy deal
Moving homes represents new beginnings and a fresh start – why not extend this to your energy retailer and find one better suited to your new property and energy consumption?
Prior to moving day, you’ll want to find an energy retailer that provides you with competitive rates and energy plans. The easiest and fastest way to ensure you receive a great deal, is to compare plans with your current energy provider. Our free energy comparison tool is the fastest and easiest way to compare your energy deal with over 95% of Australian energy retailers.
Once you’ve settled in, it’s important you shop around at least every 6 months to ensure you are getting a good energy deal. Remember, electricity and gas providers capitalise on their residential customers’ inattention to quietly increase prices.
Switching to a better plan? You may already have an energy plan but want more power or to shop for a better deal.
Energy Matters‘ Free Energy Bill Comparator” is a cutting-edge energy bill tool that compares your area’s most competitive retail offers. We collect the data from our wide range of trusted retailers, allowing you to decide on the switching plan and find the best deal for your needs.
If your goal is to get more electricity and minimise the cost of your gas and electricity bills, switch to a better plan now!
Disconnecting your current power supply
Give your old provider notice
Before you move out, be sure to inform your energy retailer that you will disconnect your power supply. Regardless of whether or not you’ve decided to switch energy retailers, you’ll need to provide your current one with adequate notice of the disconnection – at least a week to be safe and avoid any unnecessary supply charges. Arrange to have the power disconnected the day after you move out.
Your current energy provider may need time to process a final bill before closing down your energy account. Contact your retailer to find out how long it will take them to process your final bill. Be aware that you may have to pay an early termination fee on your contract if you’re changing providers or the contract isn’t available in your new location.
If you currently live with housemates and the energy bill is in your name, you must designate a new account holder before moving out. To transfer the account to the new holder, contact your energy retailer before moving.
Do your meter readings
Get a Meter reading from the existing home when you go out. It will save you money if you have no use of electricity.
Connecting electricity to a new property
Once you’ve settled on the best energy retailer for your needs, it’s time to connect electricity to your new property. This process is different depending on whether or not there is already an active power supply at your new address.
If there is an active power supply at the property
If your new property is already connected to the energy network (electricity wires and gas pipelines), your gas and electricity connections will be arranged when you contact your energy retailer to set up your contract and account with them.
If you’ve decided to stay with your current retailer, they will likely arrange the reconnection at the same time as the disconnection. However, the connection process is the same regardless of whether you’re an existing customer or if you’ve switched to a new provider. Your energy provider will typically require the following information to book your move:
- Your new address
- The date you want your gas and/or electricity connected (this way, the power will be on for the day you move in)
- Your contact numbers and a form of ID, i.e., your passport, driver’s licence or Medicare number
- Your concession details – you can register your concession details for your new house after you’re connected.
Depending on your energy retailer, you should expect your electricity connection to take between 1-3 business days. Gas connections can sometimes take a bit longer.
Ensure your energy provider has clear and safe access to your new property’s gas and/or electricity meters. On moving day, write down the meter reading for your old and new home to ensure your provider is charging you the correct amount for your usage.
If you require a new connection
If you need to arrange a new gas and electricity connections to your property (for example, if you’re building a new house), or change your existing connection (for example, by moving it or increasing its capacity), you can contact your energy retailer or distributor, electrical contractor or gas fitter. Your distributor is the company that owns and maintains the powerlines, power poles, and natural gas pipelines that service your property.
If your distributor needs to design and build new gas and electricity connections, they will offer you a connection offer. The offer will detail the cost of the work and any terms and conditions.
We recommend that you begin the process well in advance, as the time it will take to connect your property will depend on the type and complexity of the connection. A range of state-based applications for new gas and electricity connections must be submitted and processed – these will all be available via your energy distributor.
Distribution and transmission companies in Australia
- ACT – Evoenergy
- NSW – Essential Energy, Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, TransGrid
- NT – Power and Water
- Qld – Energy Queensland, PowerLink
- SA – SA Power Networks, ElectraNet
- Tas – TasNetworks
- Vic – Powercor, Citipower, Jemena, AusNet Services, United Energy Distribution
- WA – Western Power, Horizon Power, Synergy
You can use the links below to find your energy distributor:
Connecting electricity to a rental property
Rental providers (landlords) are responsible for installing and connecting their tenant’s gas and electricity.
However, renters are responsible for having these utilities reconnected in their name. They should contact the utility companies to organise this, ideally before moving in, so the meter can be read and the new renters do not have to pay for other people’s usage. If the property uses bottled gas, the renter organises the supply and hires gas bottles.
How long does it take to connect or set up gas and electricity?
The time it takes to connect electricity and gas in Australia can vary depending on a number of factors, including the location of your property, the type of gas and electricity connections you need, and the availability of network capacity.
In general, electricity connections can be made within one business day if you give your provider at least five business days’ notice. Gas connections typically take a few days longer but can be done within three business days.
|
Utility |
Typical Connection Time |
|
Electricity |
1-3 business days |
|
Gas |
3-5 business days |
|
New meter installation |
1-2 weeks |
|
Same-day or next-day connection |
Available for a fee |
Urgent gas and electricity connections
While it typically takes between 2-3 business days to get your gas and electricity connected, sometimes you need it to happen faster. If you’ve had to move last minute or have, like many people before you, forgotten all about arranging your connection in the chaos of moving, fortunately, there is the potential to book an urgent connection. Your selected energy provider should have an urgent connection service – some even with the same-day connection. Check the website or call their customer service line directly for assistance.
What if my new property has solar panels?
Solar panels are a fantastic way to save money on your energy bills. They use the sun‘s natural rays as an energy source and then convert that into electricity for your home. Not only do they significantly reduce your energy bills, but having solar panels also means you can take advantage of feed-in-tariffs where you get paid for the electricity you generate from your solar panels and feed to the grid.
Make sure your energy provider is made aware that your new property has solar panels. In fact, when comparing energy plans, it’s a good idea to factor feed-in-tariff rates in your selection process. Your new energy contract should ideally offer a competitive feed-in-tariff rate, as well as offering a great deal on your grid electricity and gas consumption.
Energy Matters has been a leader in the renewable energy industry since 2005 and has helped over 40,000 Australian households in their journey to energy independence.
Let us discuss and choose the best quote that suits your needs and budget, and we can connect you with our trusted local installers, who will provide up to 3 FREE quotes for your home and business solar energy system.
Wishing you all the best with your move!
We hope you have found this guide helpful. While moving house is a big undertaking, connecting electricity and gas should be the least of your concerns. Make sure you are on the best energy plan for your requirements and that you’re being serviced by a reputable company that will offer great value and customer service. With our fast and free energy comparison tool, finding an energy provider with the right plan to meet your needs should be easy!
Our professional solar installers in Brisbane will assess and determine your energy needs. We customise a solar panel system in Brisbane to fit the roof size of your property, ensuring you receive the most suitable solar panel system for your Brisbane home, meeting to property’s energy requirements. Learn more: Australian Energy Regulator (AER)-Getting Connected.
Still can’t afford to switch to solar power?
Are you considering getting solar panels but are currently short on funds? You can still invest wisely, and Energy Matters can help you.
Powow and Energy Matters have teamed up to provide consumers with an alternative to switching to solar power and battery storage.
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