Same-day electricity connection
Expert tips for connecting your electricity
Moving house can be a stressful time with a hundred little tasks to remember, even with a moving checklist. That’s why Compare the Market’s energy expert, Meredith O’Brien, has some tips to help simplify your energy connection.
Meredith O'Brien
Head of Energy
Compare gas and electricity separately
If you’re moving into a property that has both electricity and natural gas, there may be value in comparing them separately. While there can be convenience in a bundled package, you may find better deals by comparing them individually.
Consider switching to a smart meter
If you’re moving into an older home, it may still only have a basic electricity meter. By installing a smart meter, you may be able to take advantage of time of use tariffs that offer cheaper electricity rates during off-peak periods, but make sure you understand your electricity usage and demand charge may have you paying more than you need to. In some cases, your retailer may install a smart meter for free; but in some cases, fees may apply.
Plan ahead when moving in
Plan ahead by arranging your energy connection ahead of moving day – you can arrange this up to 90 days ahead of time. If you are moving in at the weekend, you will need to make an arrangements directly with an energy retailer and the charges can be high. Many people contact their existing energy retailer for the new connection; however, by shopping around you might find a better deal for your needs. Keep in mind that when moving interstate different rates will apply and the information you need to supply to your retailer may differ.
Understanding same-day connections
How long does electricity take to connect?
When you move into a new home, you’ll need to get your utilities connected. Typically, you should plan ahead by comparing retailers and organising your new connection several business days in advance of when you need your lights on, but if all the moving-day tasks caused you to get side-tracked, you may still be able to get a same-day connection. This is when you request an urgent electricity connection to be completed on the same day. Be aware that there are usually cut-off times to be eligible, which means your connection may roll over to the next available business day.
How do same-day electricity connections work?
If you’re moving into your new house today and haven’t organised a connection yet, you can contact a retailer for an urgent power connection. To get a same-day electricity connection, you must contact your retailer before a certain time, usually before midday on a weekday. If you miss the cut-off, your electricity supply may be connected the next business day instead.
Same-day connections aren’t always available if your request is past the cut-off time, or if it’s a weekend or public holiday. Out of hours connection may be available in certain circumstances and higher connection charges usually apply and can be $’00’s and vary depending on your location.
If you have a smart meter, your retailer may be able to connect you to the electricity grid without having to physically check your meter, this is known as a remote connection. In some areas, such as Victoria, this may not incur a connection fee, depending on your retailer. If you have a basic meter, however, you’ll need to make sure the meter reader can safely access your property.
Does Compare the Market offer same-day electricity connections?
When you compare electricity plans with Compare the Market, you may have the option to request a same-day electricity connection with your new electricity retailer.
Compare the Market can take the hassle out of organising a new connection and allow you to compare retailers at the same time. We may offer same-day electricity connections for households located in:
- New South Wales (NSW)
- South East Queensland (QLD)
- Victoria (VIC)
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- South Australia (SA).
Your exact location and which retailers are available to you may affect your eligibility for a same-day connection. Compare the Market does not offer comparisons for Tasmania (TAS), the Northern Territory (NT) or regional Queensland. If you live in Western Australia (WA), you may be able to compare gas plans.
More information
Can I get a same-day gas connection?
If you’re moving into a house with a natural gas connection, you’ll need to plan ahead by comparing retailers. Tell your new gas retailer several business days in advance when you plan to move in so they can organise a meter reading on your move-in day.
A same-day connection won’t be available for gas, as a meter reader will need to physically visit your property. Gas typically takes three business days to be connected, if the meter has been plugged.
How long does it take to switch electricity providers?
If you’re simply switching electricity retailers and not moving home, it may take as little as two days. However, you won’t need an urgent same-day connection, because switching won’t cause any disruption to your electricity supply.
Will I be charged any fees for connecting when I move home?
You may have to pay a connection fee when moving into your new home. Additional fees may also apply if you’ve requested an urgent same-day connection, though the cost may depend on factors such as your location, your chosen retailer and whether your retailer needs access to the property or can connect directly to your smart meter. These fees will typically be included in your first bill at the new property.
Depending on your retailer, exit fees may also apply when you end a fixed rate electricity plan for your old address. Check your plan terms and conditions for further information.
How to disconnect my existing electricity and gas
Before moving out, you’ll need to disconnect the existing energy connections at your old address before moving to your new home. You’ll need to contact your energy retailer directly and request a disconnection. If you have separate retailers for electricity and gas, you’ll need to contact each one individually.
By disconnecting your energy, you’ll avoid accidently paying for power you’re not using after you move out; even if the house is empty and no one’s using any power, your retailer will typically still include a supply charge to your energy bill for each day you’re still connected.
Meet our Head of Energy, Meredith O’Brien
As the Head of Energy at Compare the Market, Meredith O’Brien believes in educating Australian customers about the everchanging gas and electricity market so they can adjust their energy usage habits and get the most out of their energy plans.
Meredith has six years within the energy industry, following 15 years of experience in financial services and is currently studying a Master of Business Administration. Meredith is a dedicated customer advocate who is passionate about empowering Australians to find the right products to suit their needs by removing the confusion from comparing.