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There's a lot to deal with when moving to a new property, but one of the most important things is ensuring you'll have power when you get there. We'll walk you through the connection and disconnection process, and what you can expect to pay for it.
What are connection and disconnection fees?
When you move house, you need to notify your energy provider so that they can terminate the gas or power at your old place and connect it at your new one. Your provider will usually charge you money for this service, known as a connection or disconnection fee.
Most properties will have a pre-existing gas or electricity connection. If it doesn't, see "Connecting a new property" at the bottom of this guide.
Connecting
If you don't let your provider know you're moving in, you'll arrive at a cold, unpowered home.
Notify your provider at least three days before moving in so they have time to get things connected.
The switch will be automatic and require no further action, unless you're in Queensland. Queenslanders have to be at the property for the connection process.
If you're renting, contact your provider and have the energy account transferred to your name from the landlord or rental agency.
Disconnecting
If you don't disconnect your old property, you'll have to keep paying the daily supply charge for your utilities being hooked up, despite not living there anymore. You'll need to contact your provider for that property ahead of time so they can disconnect it on the right day.
How much notice do I need to give my provider when moving?
Generally, your provider will need three days of notice at a minimum to get everything done. However, it's a good idea to let them know up to a month or so ahead to make sure the transition goes smoothly.
If you've left it too late, your provider may allow for an urgent connection. This usually means you'll have to pay an extra fee for the short notice.
Who's in charge of connection and disconnection fees?
Connection and disconnection fees are dictated by your energy distributor and are based on location, not your retailer. This means the fees will be the same no matter who your retailer is, although they may be waived on some plans.
Here are the connection and disconnection fees for electricity and gas in Australia at the time of writing, organised by state and distributor.
New South Wales
| Distributor | Connection/disconnection fee |
|---|---|
| Ausgrid | $12.24 |
| Endeavour | $41.58 |
| Essential | $19.29 |
Victoria
| Distributor | Connection fee | Disconnection fee |
|---|---|---|
| Citipower | $41.79 | $42.42 |
| Powercor | $61.66 | $65.55 |
| Ausnet Services | $22.04 | $22.04 |
| Jemena | $42.39 | $65.41 |
| United Energy | $54.52 | $54.52 |
South Australia
| Distributor | Connection/disconnection fee |
|---|---|
| SA Power Networks | $50.25 |
Queensland
| Distributor | Connection/disconnection fee |
|---|---|
| Energex | $12.55 |
Australian Capital Territory
| Distributor | Connection fee | Disconnection fee |
|---|---|---|
| EvoEnergy | $88.47 | $38.2 |
Western Australia
| Distributor | Connection fee | Disconnection fee |
|---|---|---|
| Western Power | $31.10 | $31.10 |
| Distributor | Connection/disconnection fee |
|---|---|
| Jemena | $16.28 |
| Australian Gas Networks Albury | $13.86 |
| Australian Gas Networks Murray Valley | $13.86 |
| Australian Gas Networks | $55.67 |
| Central Ranges Tamworth | $51.66 |
Victoria
| Distributor | Connection/disconnection fee |
|---|---|
| Multinet | $7.351 |
| Australian Gas Networks (metro) | $10.12 |
| Australian Gas Networks (non-metro) | $13.86 |
| Australian Gas Networks Mildura/td> | $11.88 |
| Ausnet Services | $10.16 |
South Australia
| Distributor | Connection/disconnection fee |
|---|---|
| Australian Gas Networks | $11.88 |
Queensland
| Distributor | Connection/disconnection fee |
|---|---|
| Australian Gas Networks | $12.10 |
| APT Allgas | $23.88 |
Australian Capital Territory
| Distributor | Connection/disconnection fee |
|---|---|
| EvoEnergy | $19.47 |
Western Australia
| Distributor | Connection fee | Disconnection fee |
|---|---|---|
| Atco Gas Australia | $29.71 | $54.64 |
What other fees do major energy providers charge?
In addition to connection and disconnection fees, providers may charge you the following:
- Solar meter installation.For new solar installations, you may get charged this fee to upgrade your meter to one that can accurately monitor your solar power production and use.
- Meter administration/upgrades.A one-time cost to upgrade or change your current electricity meter for a particular purpose.
- Special meter read. This fee covers the cost of sending a technician to your property to take a read. This is done to make sure you're only being charged for what you use going forward, instead of what the last resident used.
- Payment fees. These include charges for using credit cards, payment processing fees on late payments, and fees for having a paper bill delivered.
We've listed the three major energy providers below with links to their fees and charges, along with how best to contact them.
Connecting a new property
Electrical connections to new properties need to be organised before construction begins, so that the builders have access to power. These days, a connection will usually be made by underground cables.
Your local distributor will oversee the construction of any new power connections. Some will do it for free, covering the cost through network fees on power bills. Others may give you a quote for doing the work.
Live in New South Wales? You'll need an accredited service provider to install or change your electricity connection.
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