Setting Up Electricity: New House, New Power

when to connect electricity in new house

Moving into a new house can be a stressful experience, and one of the most important tasks is ensuring that your utilities are connected. This process can vary depending on your location and the type of property you are moving into. It is important to plan ahead and coordinate your electricity connection, along with other utilities such as gas, water, and internet, about one to two weeks before getting the keys to your new house. This guide will provide an overview of the process and offer some tips to ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

Characteristics Values
Time taken for connection 1-3 business days, excluding weekends. May take up to 3 business days in the metropolitan area or 6 business days in regional areas.
First bill Arrives within 2 months or 10-100 days.
Connection fee Yes, included in the first bill.
Connection process Contact the electricity distributor to know the retailer obligated to provide the electricity supply.
Electricity contract Reach out to electricity retailers to ask for details for the best plan.
Same-day connection Possible in some cases.
Gas connection Similar to electricity connection. Confirm if you have access to natural gas at the new property.
Gas connection fees Between $10 and $50.
Switching providers Contact the current retailer and inform them that you want to close the account.
Multiple electricity accounts Possible to have electricity accounts in your name at different properties.
Disconnecting electricity Organise the disconnection from your old address.
Transfer of utility services Use conveyancers to facilitate the transfer.
Timing Start coordinating 1-2 weeks before getting the keys to your new house.

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Compare plans from different providers

When moving into a new house, you will need to organise the disconnection of utilities from your previous address and set up a new connection for your new address. This process can take one to three business days, excluding weekends, and up to six business days in regional areas. It is important to note that you may need to wait up to 100 days for the first bill at your new address, which may include a connection fee.

To compare plans from different energy providers, you can utilise online platforms such as EnergyBot, Energy Made Easy, and Compare the Market. These platforms offer various tools to simplify the process of comparing energy plans:

  • EnergyBot: This platform uses real data to provide personalised and unbiased plan recommendations. It considers your energy usage to find the best rates in your area, offering monthly bill estimates and a seamless experience without hidden fees or complex tiers. EnergyBot is free to use and only receives a small referral fee when you select a plan or purchase solar products.
  • Energy Made Easy: This platform allows you to compare your energy usage with other plans using your National Meter Identifier (NMI). It provides a checklist to guide you through the process of switching energy companies.
  • Compare the Market: While this platform offers same-day or next business day connections, it also highlights that availability may vary between providers, and connections on weekends or public holidays are typically not available. They emphasise that you are not limited to choosing the same energy provider from your previous address and that changing to a new energy plan may be more suitable for your new home's energy usage.

Additionally, you can directly contact electricity retailers and ask them for details about the plans they offer. This approach allows you to understand the options available and select the plan that best suits your needs. Remember that the options for retail contracts will vary across different retailers.

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Disconnect from your old address

Disconnecting your utilities from your old address is a crucial step when setting up electricity in a new house. Here are some detailed steps and considerations to guide you through the process:

Notify Your Energy Provider

It is important to inform your current energy retailer about your move in advance. Contact them and specify the date you would like to close your account or disconnect the energy supply. This ensures that your plan can be transferred or adjusted accordingly. If you have housemates and the energy bill is in your name, it is your responsibility to organise who will be the new account holder before moving out.

Understand the Billing Process

After disconnecting, you will receive a final bill for your old property, which will include charges for electricity usage up to the disconnection date. Understand that billing periods vary, and your first bill for the new property may take 10 to 100 days to arrive, including any applicable connection fees.

Meter Reading

On your moving day, remember to record the meter reading at your old address. This will help you verify that your energy provider is charging you correctly for your final bill.

Disconnecting Process

The process of disconnecting electricity may vary depending on your location and distributor. In some cases, a distributor must leave a document provided by the commission, outlining the options for the new occupant regarding electricity supply and retailers. However, this may not apply if the disconnection is done remotely, and the distributor's contact information is available on the electricity meter.

Switching Energy Providers

When moving, you have the option to switch to a different energy provider or plan. Compare various providers and plans to find a better deal or one that suits your new home's energy usage. However, remember to check for any exit fees associated with switching providers, as outlined in the Energy Price Fact Sheet.

By following these steps and considerations, you can effectively disconnect your electricity from your old address and take control of your energy setup in your new home.

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Sign up for a new connection

Signing up for a new electricity connection can be a straightforward process, but it's important to plan ahead to avoid any disruptions. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process of signing up for a new electricity connection for your new house:

Choose Your Energy Retailer

Firstly, you'll need to decide on an energy retailer and select a plan that suits your needs. You can compare plans from different providers to find the best option for you. In some cases, such as embedded networks like apartment buildings, you may be limited to specific retailers or offers. It's worth checking if there are any price caps or regulations in your area, such as the Default Market Offer (DMO) or the Victorian Default Offer (VDO), to ensure you're getting a fair deal.

Contact the Retailer

Once you've chosen your preferred retailer, get in touch with them to discuss your options. They will be able to advise you on the plans they offer and any specific requirements for setting up a new connection. If you have particular needs, such as solar panels, let your provider know during this stage.

Provide Necessary Details

To establish a new connection, your energy retailer will require certain details from you. This may include personal information, your desired connection date, and your new address. If your new home has gas appliances, you may also need to provide details about the gas connection and any necessary piping. Ensure you have clear and safe access to your electricity meter, as this is essential for the connection process.

Understand the Timeline

Setting up a new connection typically takes between one and five business days, but it can vary depending on your location and the retailer. In some cases, same-day or next-business-day connections may be available, but this often depends on eligibility requirements. If you require an urgent connection, after-hours, or weekend service, additional fees may apply.

Final Checks

Before your move-in date, it's important to double-check that everything is in order. Confirm that your new connection is active and functioning properly, and don't forget to check your electricity meter. Take a meter reading on the day of your move to ensure accurate billing.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new electricity connection, making your new house feel like home.

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Understand billing periods

Understanding billing periods is essential when connecting electricity to a new house. The billing period between different addresses is not always the same. When you receive your electricity bill, you will see the billing period listed on the page. Typically, your first bill will arrive within 10 to 100 days of moving into your new home. However, it is important to note that you are not starting a new billing cycle. Instead, you are slotting into the existing cycle at your new address. Therefore, your first bill will cover the period from your move-in date to the end of the existing billing cycle, which could be up to 90 days.

It is important to be proactive and stay on top of your billing periods to avoid any inconveniences or disruptions in your electricity supply. Before moving, ensure you give yourself ample time by arranging for your energy services to be connected in advance. It is recommended to allow at least five business days before your move, and it is always a good idea to double-check that everything is turned on the day before you officially move in.

Additionally, when moving, you must organise the disconnection of electricity from your old address. You will receive a final bill from your previous property after you have moved out, covering the electricity used up to your disconnection date. Remember to inform your energy provider of your move-out date to avoid paying for electricity at multiple properties.

When you move into your new home, you will need to sign up for a new energy retailer, commencing from your move-in date. It is important to do your research and understand the different tariff and plan options to find the best match for your needs. Retailers typically require between three and five days to set up a new connection, and you may incur additional fees for urgent connections or connections made after hours or on weekends.

Understanding billing periods and effectively managing your electricity connection during a move can help ensure a smooth transition and a comfortable start in your new home.

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Know your energy rules

The energy sector is regulated by the states and territories, so energy rules differ across Australia. For instance, in QLD, NSW, and SA, the Default Market Offer (DMO) is a price cap for all standing offers to protect customers from paying too much for electricity. A similar scheme exists in Victoria, called the Victorian Default Offer (VDO).

If you are in an embedded network (such as an apartment building or caravan park), electricity can also be purchased through exempt retailers. The Victorian Default Offer prices are the maximum price for all residential and most businesses.

When disconnecting the supply address of a customer who is vacating or has vacated the supply address, a distributor must leave a document provided by the Commission at the supply address. This document should set out:

  • To whom the occupant must address any request to connect the supply address
  • What the occupant’s options are for entering into a contract for the sale of electricity with a retailer
  • A list of current retailers

This obligation does not apply where a disconnection is done remotely and the distributor's telephone number is set out on the electricity meter.

If you are moving interstate, you should be aware of the differences in energy rules across Australia.

Frequently asked questions

Start coordinating your electricity connection about one to two weeks before getting the keys to your new house. It typically takes retailers between one and five business days to set up a new connection.

You will need to organise the disconnection of electricity from your old address and set up a new connection at your new address. You can do this yourself or a conveyancer can help facilitate the transfer of utility services. Ensure there is clear and safe access to the meter at your new house.

If you plan to move interstate, be aware that energy rules differ across Australia. You will also need to organise a gas connection if your new home has gas appliances.

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