Moving house: connecting electricity and gas without overpaying

When you move house in Australia, arrange electricity and gas before you move: compare plans for the new address on Energy Made Easy or Victorian Energy Compare, open an account with your chosen retailer, and give a move-in date so the meter can be read or reconnected. Then close the account at your old address with a final reading. If you move in without arranging anything and simply use the power, you are generally billed by the retailer already responsible for that connection on its standing offer (a "deemed" arrangement), which is usually dearer than a market offer. Connection or reconnection fees are set by the distributor and passed on by your retailer, and same-day or after-hours requests cost more. Re-register any concessions at the new address.

Timeline for a smooth move

When	Task
2–3 weeks before	Find the NMI and gas meter number for the new address (agent, landlord or previous bill); compare plans
1–2 weeks before	Open the new account with your chosen retailer, with move-in date
1 week before	Arrange final reading and close account at the old address
Move-in day	Photograph both meters with readings and date
First bill	Check rates, opening read, days and concessions
Final bill (old address)	Check closing read; ask for any credit refund

The comparison steps are in the step-by-step guide.

Connection and reconnection fees

If the power or gas is already on at the new address, the change is a "move-in" or transfer; there may be a small move-in fee or none. If the supply has been disconnected (for example a vacant property), a reconnection is needed, and the distributor charges a fee that your retailer passes on. A brand-new connection (new build) has separate connection costs.

Fees vary by distributor, meter type and timing. Distributors publish their approved fees (often called alternative control or ancillary service charges), and the pattern is broadly similar across networks:

Request	Relative cost
Remote reconnection of a smart meter, standard timeframe	Lowest
Field visit reconnection on a business day	Higher
Same-day request	Higher again
After-hours or weekend	Highest

Booking ahead and avoiding last-minute requests saves money. Your retailer should tell you the fee before booking, and some retailers add their own move-in fee on top; compare this as part of the plan's cost.

Smart meters and remote reconnection

Many smart meters can be read and reconnected remotely, making move-ins faster and sometimes cheaper. If the property has an older accumulation meter, a field visit may be needed. Ask whether a smart meter upgrade will happen; this may change which tariffs are available (see time-of-use and demand tariffs).

If you moved in without setting up an account

You will usually receive a letter or bill from the retailer currently responsible for the connection. You are not stuck with it:

Compare plans and choose one.
Contact the chosen retailer to start a market contract from your move-in date if possible.
Ask the current retailer to bill only from your actual move-in date, using your dated meter photo.

Renters and embedded networks

Renters usually choose their own retailer. Landlords cannot generally force you to use a particular retailer unless the property is on an embedded network.
Embedded networks (some apartment buildings, retirement villages, caravan parks and shopping centres) buy energy in bulk and on-sell it. Your choice of retailer may be limited, and different rules apply. Ask the building manager or embedded network operator about prices, concessions and complaint options.
Hot water in some apartment buildings is billed on a shared system, sometimes through the gas or water bill. Read the lease and ask.

Gas at the new address

Check whether the property has a gas connection and which appliances use it.
If the only gas appliance is a cooktop, weigh the yearly supply charge against the usage cost; see the gas versus all-electric bill example.
In Victoria, new homes needing a planning permit have not been able to connect to the gas network since 1 January 2024, so newer homes may be all-electric. From 1 January 2027, new homes with a building permit issued on or after that date must be all-electric.

Concessions and life support

Concessions are tied to your account, not your card; give details to the retailer at the new address. See concessions by state.
If anyone uses life support equipment, register with the new retailer before move-in so protections apply from day one.

Common moving mistakes

Leaving the old account open and paying supply charges for an empty property
Not providing a final reading, leading to an estimated final bill
Assuming your old plan follows you (it may not be available in the new distribution zone)
Forgetting the gas account
Booking a same-day reconnection when a standard one would do

These and other patterns are covered in common energy plan mistakes. If a move-in bill is wrong, see where to get help.

FAQ

Can I keep my retailer when I move?

Often yes, if the retailer operates in the new area. Your plan and prices may change because the new address may be on a different network.

Who pays for usage between tenants?

Usage is billed to the account holder from the move-in or transfer date. A dated meter photo is your best evidence.

Do I need to be home for a reconnection?

Sometimes. If access to the meter is needed or there is a safety check, the distributor may need someone present. Ask when booking.

How long does a reconnection take?

Many can be done on the next business day or remotely with a smart meter, but it depends on the distributor and the meter. Book early.

Sources

Energy Made Easy — moving house and comparing plans
Victorian Energy Compare — Victorian plans
Australian Energy Regulator — rules for move-ins and deemed arrangements; embedded networks
Essential Services Commission — Victorian move-in and embedded network rules