Connecting electricity, gas, water and internet when you move

Electricity is the most urgent utility to address when moving as it powers lighting, refrigeration and often heating or hot water systems. In most Australian states, including New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, the energy market is deregulated, meaning you have the freedom to choose your own retailer. You should contact your chosen provider at least five to seven business days before your move to ensure the power is switched on. If the property has been vacant for an extended period, a technician might need to visit the site to inspect the meter or main switch for safety reasons.

When you call to arrange the connection, have your new address and move-in date ready. If you are moving out of a property, you must also schedule a final meter reading for your old address to ensure you are not billed for electricity used by the next occupant. Most retailers allow you to manage both the disconnection of your old home and the connection of your new one in a single transaction. Be aware that connection fees generally range from $10 to $90 depending on your state and whether a physical site visit is required by the distributor.

The process for water connection differs significantly from other utilities because it is often tied to property ownership and council rates. When you purchase a property, the solicitor or conveyancer handling the settlement typically notifies the local water authority of the change in ownership. This ensures that the final meter reading is conducted and that future bills are issued to the correct person. In some jurisdictions, such as parts of Queensland and New South Wales, water usage is billed separately from fixed service charges, so check your local council requirements.

If you are a tenant, the responsibility for water accounts varies by state. In many cases, the landlord pays the fixed service charges while the tenant pays for metered water consumption, provided the property meets specific water-efficiency standards. Tenants generally do not need to open a new account with the water provider themselves; instead, the property manager or landlord records the meter reading at the start of the tenancy. Always confirm these arrangements in your residential tenancy agreement to avoid unexpected charges later in the year.

Securing a stable internet connection should be high on your priority list, as NBN or fibre activations can sometimes take longer than expected. You should contact your preferred internet service provider at least two weeks before your move-in date. If the property already has an NBN connection box installed, the activation might happen remotely within 24 to 48 hours. However, if the property is a new build or has never been connected, a technician may need to install hardware, which can involve a lead time of several weeks.

Check the technology type available at your new address via the NBN Co website before choosing a plan. Some older properties might rely on Fibre to the Node, while newer developments often have Fibre to the Premises. If you are moving into a new development, be prepared for a one-off New Development Charge, which is frequently around $300. This fee is set by the infrastructure provider but is usually collected by your internet retailer on your first bill. It is also a good time to consider whether your current router is compatible with the connection type at the new house.

While most people focus on the big four utilities, there are several secondary services that require updates to ensure a smooth transition. You should notify your insurance provider to transfer your contents insurance to the new address effective from the day you take possession. Similarly, your car insurance and registration details must be updated with the relevant state transport authority, such as VicRoads or Transport for NSW, to ensure your coverage remains valid and that renewal notices reach you at the correct location.

Do not forget to update your address with government agencies like Medicare and the Australian Taxation Office through the myGov portal. You should also notify your bank, employer, and any subscription services you use. A mail redirection service through Australia Post is a highly effective safety net for the first few months. This service carries a fee, typically starting around $35 for one month for an individual, but it prevents sensitive documents from falling into the hands of the new occupants at your old residence.

One of the most common mistakes is forgetting to ensure clear access to the utility meters on connection day. If your electricity or gas meter is behind a locked gate or if there are unrestrained dogs on the property, the technician may refuse to complete the reading or connection. This can result in a failed connection fee and a delay of several days while you reschedule. Always ensure that the main switch in your new home is in the off position on the day of connection, as many distributors will not energise a property if they detect a load on the circuit.

Another frequent error is failing to compare energy plans before moving. Many people simply transfer their existing plan without realising that the new property might be in a different distribution zone with different pricing structures. Using this transition period to shop around can save you hundreds of dollars annually. For those who have purchased a home through a platform like Home24, where owners list property directly, you may have more direct communication with the previous owner to ask about the location of meters and any specific quirks of the home's utility systems.

The cost of moving utilities is often overlooked in the broader moving budget. Beyond the standard connection fees, you may encounter exit fees from your previous providers if you are breaking a fixed-term contract. These fees can range from $20 to over $200 depending on the terms. If you are moving into a property that requires a new gas connection or a meter upgrade to support solar panels, these costs can escalate into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Always request a clear fee schedule from your providers in writing.

To ensure nothing is missed, follow a chronological checklist. Three weeks before moving, research providers and compare plans. Two weeks before, book your electricity, gas, and internet connections. One week before, confirm these bookings and organise mail redirection. On moving day, take photos of the meters at both your old and new properties. This provides photographic evidence of the readings in case there is a dispute with the provider over the final or initial bill. Keep these photos until you have received and verified the first full billing cycle at your new address.