Energy Tips, Residential Energy

Moving Home? Here’s How to Set Up Your Electricity Connection

Plan ahead, stay connected, and move in with peace of mind.

Last updated August 22, 2025 by Benjamin Tom

What Answers You’ll Get On This Page

Important Points

Book your electricity or gas connection at least a week before moving to avoid delays and ensure your electricity is turned on when you walk through the door.
Compare energy plans at your new address. Electricity plans are not all the same and can vary widely depending on your location and usage.
If your new home has solar panels, review the solar feed-in tariff rates to maximise your savings.

Let’s be honest, there are a million things to think about when you move, and electricity usually gets pushed to the bottom of the list. But trust us, showing up to a house with no power is not the welcome you want. Here’s how to stay one step ahead.

For the Organised Mover (Likes to prep in advance)	For the Busy Mover (Urgent and little time to spare)
Compare plans early: Shop around 1-2 weeks before the move to lock in the best deal based on your new address.	Choose a plan fast: Use our comparison tool below to choose a plan in your area. Or, call us on 1300 232 848.
Schedule disconnection with current provider: Notify them at least a week before your move to avoid extra charges.	Don’t stress about your old account: If switching, ask your new retailer if they can handle the cancellation for you. Otherwise, notify your current provider quickly.
Book your new connection: Schedule for the day before you move in so the lights are already on.	Request connection ASAP: Same-day or next-business-day connections may be possible (fees may apply).
Confirm if the power is on: Ensure the power will be on before you officially move in to your new property.	Make sure they can access the meter: Unlocked gates and secured pets = no delays.
Update concession details: Apply eligible rebates or discounts to your new account after connection.	Add your concessions later: You can apply rebates once your account is active; no need to do it all at once.

Step 1. Notify Your Electricity Provider Early

One of the most overlooked steps when moving is informing your electricity retailer ahead of time. Ideally, give them at least a week’s notice before your move-out date.

Your provider may need a few days to finalise your account and issue your last bill, so it’s best to contact them early to ask about their processing time.

If you’re living with roommates and the electricity account is in your name, you’ll need to designate a new account holder before you leave.

If you’re living with roommates and the electricity account is in your name, you’ll need to select a new account holder before you leave. The new account holder will need to speak directly with the retailer to confirm they agree to the terms and conditions. If you’re moving out and want a friend to take over, we can help arrange both the transfer and the setup for you.

Book an Energy ReviewBook a Call Back

Step 2. Compare Energy Plans at Your New Address

When you move, you’re not just changing your address, you’re starting with a clean slate. Your old electricity account will be closed, and a new one will be set up for your new home. This means you get to choose a plan that truly fits your new property and your usage profile, instead of being automatically put on whatever your retailer thinks is best.

Lots of people just pick the same retailer as their family or friends, but what works for them might not be the best for you. Comparing plans based on your new postcode and your expected energy use is an effective way to make sure you’re not paying more than you need to. This is especially important if you’re moving interstate or from the city to a regional area, where prices and providers can vary.

What to Check

When you’re in the market, try and focus on specific cost components to get a plan that best fits your usage profile and budget. These can include:

Daily supply charges: These fixed fees apply whether you use electricity or not
Usage rates: The cents-per‑kWh charges for energy usage
Solar feed-in tariffs: If your new home has solar panels, check how much credit you’ll earn for excess energy
Special offers: Many providers offer sign-up bonuses or other rotating discounts that can lower your payment.

Keep in mind that these can be great for initial savings, but it’s important to remember that if you’re getting a big sign-up bonus, you may not be on the most competitive rate. A good habit is to set a reminder to review your plan in about six months, once the sign-up credits have expired, so you can make sure you’re still getting a good deal.

Also, check the fine print on how the credit is applied. Is it taken off your first bill, or spread out over multiple bills? A credit spread over 12 months, for example, can lead to confusion when your first bill arrives and the expected savings aren’t immediately visible.

Step 3. Arrange a Connection for Your New Home

Once you’ve chosen a plan, call your retailer at least a week before your move to arrange the electricity connection. Look to have the power switched on at least one day before moving in – that way, if there’s a delay, the issue can usually be fixed the next day.

If you schedule the connection for the same day you move, there’s no fallback option, and you could end up arriving at a home with no power. Booking early and building in that buffer means you’ll walk into your new home with everything ready to go.

Before arranging a connection, find out if the electricity at your new property is already on. This matters because it can change both your connection fees and how quickly the service can be set up. If the power is on, your retailer may just need to connect the meter to your name, often at little or no cost. If it’s off, a technician will likely need to visit to reconnect it, which can take longer and cost more.

If you have a smart meter, keep in mind that remote activation can take up to 24 hours. If your power hasn’t come on by the next day, it’s a good idea to contact your provider to check if there’s an issue.

Make the process more streamlined by preparing the following:

Your new address (including unit number, postcode, etc.)
Preferred connection date, ideally the day before or the morning of your move
Contact info and ID proof, typically a driver’s licence, passport, or Medicare card
Concession card details, if you’re eligible (these can often be added afterwards)
Meter Number, this could be on the meter itself or your real estate agent may be able to get it for you.
NMI, a unique number linked to your electricity connection, found on your energy bill. If you don’t have a copy of the bill, your electricity distributor or real estate agent can help you locate it.

Additionally, your provider will rely on physical access to your meter if it’s not a smart meter that can be activated remotely, so make sure:

Gates are unlocked, or there’s clear access to the meter box
There are no hazards like pets or ongoing electrical work that could delay the visit

Some states have specific requirements. When signing up, you might be asked to select a time window, during which you need to be home for the technician’s visit. They often won’t specify an exact arrival time within that window, so it’s important to be available.

If You Need a New Connection (e.g., for a New Build)

If your new property doesn’t yet have electricity or gas connected, which is relatively common with new builds or major renovations, you’ll need to coordinate a new connection. This is a more involved process and can’t be completed by a retailer alone.

You may need to contact:

Your electricity retailer
An electrician, electrical contractor, or licensed gas fitter

If new infrastructure is required, your distributor will issue a connection offer, outlining:

The scope of work
Any fees involved
Terms and conditions for the connection

Please note: New connections can take weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the job and local approval requirements. You’ll likely need to submit state-based applications and technical details, which can typically be found through your distributor’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you help schedule my move?

Yes, we can. Our team of energy brokers can take the hassle out of moving by arranging your old property’s disconnection and your new property’s connection, all before you walk through the door. We’ll handle the paperwork, liaise with both your current and new electricity retailers, and ensure a final meter read is completed before you move out.

Our service is 100% free and gives you access to compare rates from our network of partnered retailers so you can lock in a sharper deal. Need a new gas or internet connection? We can also help with that. Call us at 1300 232 848 now.
Do I need to be home for the electricity connection at the new address?

In most states (e.g., VIC, WA, SA, TAS, ACT), you do not need to be present, especially with smart meters, which can be activated remotely. A technician may need on-site access if the meter area is locked or inaccessible.
Should I take meter readings on moving days?

Yes. Take photos or record meter readings on your move-out and move-in days. This time-stamped record could help resolve any potential billing disputes with your retailers.
What if I’m moving into a rental property?

Before you move in, check with your landlord or property manager to find out how the electricity is set up. Some rentals include utilities in the rent, meaning you won’t need to arrange your own account at all. In other cases, you may be responsible for setting up and paying for electricity directly with a retailer.

Even if the power is already on when you inspect or move in, that doesn’t mean it will stay on. The account may still be in the previous tenant’s name, and it could be disconnected shortly after they move out. To avoid an unexpected blackout, confirm who the account holder is and whether you need to transfer it into your name or start a new plan. Taking a few minutes to check early can save you from an inconvenient first night in your new place.
Are there fees associated with moving?

Yes, moving can involve fees set by your local energy distributor, which will appear on your electricity or gas bill.

Connection fees cover the cost of activating your electricity or gas supply at your new home. These fees vary depending on your location and meter type, and usually show up on your first bill at the new address.

When you move out, your provider may charge a disconnection fee, which is included in your final bill. Disconnection fees typically fall within a similar range to connection fees.

When you arrange your move or connection online, most retailers will specifically outline any applicable fees before you confirm. It’s a good idea to check the specific fees for your state or region on your retailer’s website or contact us at 1300 232 848 for more details.

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Author

Benjamin Tom

Benjamin is a utility specialist passionate about creating informative content about the energy, internet, and solar markets. With extensive experience in the telecommunications industry, Benjamin drives our unique blog posts, articles, and reviews. He is focused on breaking down the technical jargon so our readers can better understand the telco market and industry. Whether he is comparing the latest internet deals or creating unique guides, Benjamin takes great pride in creating helpful, easy-to-read content.