Energy connection and disconnection fees explained

When you move house, you need to notify your existing energy provider so that they can terminate the gas or power at your old place and connect it to your new one.

Your provider will usually charge you money for this service, known as a connection or disconnection fee.

Most properties should already have a pre-existing gas or electricity connection. If not, scroll down to "Connecting a new property" further down the guide.

Connection and disconnection fees in Australia

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 as of March 2024, organised by state and distributor.

• Electricity
• Gas

Connecting your new property

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 3 days before moving in so they have time to get things connected.

The switch will be automatic and require no further action. You may need to be present for the connection if you live in Queensland or New South Wales. Your energy retailer will let you know beforehand.

If you're renting, contact your provider and have the energy account transferred to your name from the landlord or rental agency.

Disconnecting your old property

If you don't disconnect your old property, you'll have to keep paying the daily supply charge for electricity and gas, despite not living there anymore.

Make sure you 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 3 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.

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.

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