How to cancel your energy contract

Moving house or switching providers? Here’s how to cancel your electricity or gas contract and make the move.

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Mariam Gabaji

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Key takeaways

  • Cancelling your energy plan is simple, whether you're with EnergyAustralia, Origin Energy, AGL or any of the smaller providers like Alinta Energy or Powershop.
  • Just sign up with a new provider and they'll handle the switch for you.
  • If you're moving, let your current provider know in advance and sign up with your new one using your new address and move-in date.
  • Most residential energy plans don't have an exit fee, but check your contract for an early termination fee if you're on a fixed-term plan. You may also see a disconnection or special meter read fee on your final bill.

How to cancel your electricity or gas contract

We'll talk you through the two different scenarios:

  • One where you're simply switching energy providers at your current address,
  • And second, where you're moving to a different address and signing up for an electricity or gas plan with a different provider.

Scenario 1: Not moving but switching providers?

There's very little that you need to do. The first step is to sign up with a new electricity and/or gas provider, whether online or over the phone.

They'll take care of everything for you, even letting your existing provider know you'll be moving on.

Keep an eye out for messages confirming your switch and the details of your new energy plan.

And don't worry! Your electricity or gas supply won't be disconnected during the process.

Scenario 2: Cancelling your energy contract when you're moving out

If you're moving to a different address and want to switch providers, don't cancel your current plan straight away.

Let your provider know (either over the phone or online) that you're moving and on what date. Give them at least 3 to 10 days' notice.

While you're at it, sign up online with your new provider and give them the following details:

  • Your new address
  • The date you need to get connected
  • And whatever other information they require when you're signing up

Did you know?

There's a 10 business day cooling-off period after you sign up with a new energy provider. If you change your mind during this time, just let them know - you won't be charged an exit fee.

Will I be charged for cancelling my energy contract?

Most energy providers don't charge residential customers an exit fee because electricity and gas contracts are typically ongoing with no lock-in terms.

Fixed-term or fixed-rate contracts are rare to come across these days, especially in states with deregulated energy markets such as NSW, VIC, SA and South East Queensland.

However, you might run into other charges, like:

Disconnection fees

You may be charged a disconnection fee when you cancel your energy plan and move out. This can vary anywhere between $15 to $120+.

This fee comes from your energy distributor, not your provider.

Distributors manage the network and supply electricity to your provider, who then sells it to you.

When you cancel your service, your provider will pass on this fee from the distributor, which you'll notice on your final bill.

Special meter read

Your provider may charge you for a special meter read if you cancel your energy plan out of your scheduled billing cycle.

They will need to do this to finalise your last bill. This won't apply if you have a smart meter.

You can request your retailer to waive the fee if they are happy with you submitting a meter reading.

Energy bill stress
1 in 4 Aussies consider energy bills as one of their most stressful expenses behind groceries and housing costs. If you're also feeling the pinch, compare energy plans to find a better deal, especially now that you know cancelling your existing contract is simple.
Source: Finder Consumer Sentiment Tracker April 2025

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Mariam Gabaji is a journalist with 13 years of experience, specialising in consumer topics like mobile services and energy costs. Her work appears in the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, The Guardian, SBS, 7News, A Current Affair and Money Magazine. Mariam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and was a finalist for the 2024 and 2025 IT Journalism Award for Best Telecommunications Journalist. See full bio

Mariam's expertise
Mariam has written 603 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Energy
  • Mobile
  • Broadband
  • Consumer tech
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