A step-by-step guide to getting the power on at your new place in Australia, when to organise it, and how to avoid moving onto an expensive default plan.
Connecting electricity at a new home is straightforward, but timing matters. Aim to organise it at least three to five business days before you move in. Same-day or next-day connections are sometimes possible but can attract higher fees, and leaving it to the last minute risks moving into a dark, powerless house.
You do not need a technician to visit in most cases. If the property already has a meter and the power has simply been disconnected between occupants, your retailer can usually arrange a remote or standard reconnection. You choose a retailer and plan, tell them your move-in date and the new address, and they coordinate the rest with the local network.
What you will need to set it up
New address and move-in date
The retailer needs the exact supply address and the date you want power connected.
NMI (National Meter Identifier)
A unique number identifying the connection point. It is on any recent bill for the property; the retailer can look it up if you do not have it.
Identification
Proof of identity to open the account in your name.
Meter access
Ensure the meter is accessible on connection day (gates unlocked, dogs secured) so any required visit is not wasted.
Final read at your old place
Arrange to close your old account with a final meter read on move-out day so you are not billed for the next occupant.
Setting up your connection, step by step
Choose your retailer and plan before you move. Do not just default to whoever supplied the previous occupant.
Contact them at least 3–5 business days ahead with your new address, move-in date and (if you have it) the NMI.
Close your old account with a final meter read for your move-out date so the final bill is accurate.
Confirm the connection date and any connection fee, and make sure the meter will be accessible.
On move-in day, check the power is on; if not, call your retailer promptly with your account and address details.
Do not just accept the default plan
Moving is the easiest time to end up on an expensive plan. Many people simply connect with whatever retailer is convenient, or stay with their current retailer at the new address, without checking whether the plan is competitive for the new home, which may have a different network area, different tariffs and different usage.
Because you are opening a new account anyway, there is no switching effort to save and no exit fee to worry about. It is the perfect moment to compare. Upload a recent bill to EnergySorted and it will cost plans across every AER-listed retailer against your usage, so you start in your new home on a plan that actually suits it, rather than a default that quietly overcharges you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to connect electricity when moving?
With a few business days’ notice it is usually straightforward, and if the property already has a meter the power can often be connected on your chosen date. Same-day connections are sometimes possible but may cost more, so organise it 3–5 business days ahead where you can.
Do I need to be home for the electricity connection?
Often not, especially where the meter is a smart meter or is accessible and simply needs reconnecting. If a technician does need access, make sure the meter is reachable (gates unlocked, pets secured). Your retailer will tell you if a visit is required.
Can I keep my current retailer when I move?
Usually yes, but do not assume it is the best value. The new home may be in a different network area with different rates. Moving is a free, effortless moment to compare, so check whether your current plan is still competitive before you carry it over.
What information do I need to connect power at a new home?
Your new supply address, the move-in date, identification, and ideally the NMI (National Meter Identifier) from a recent bill for the property. If you do not have the NMI, the retailer can look it up from the address.
Is there a fee to connect electricity?
Often there is a connection or new-account fee, which varies by network and how quickly you need it. Urgent same-day connections cost more. It is usually modest, but it is worth confirming the amount when you set up the account.
Should I compare plans when I move rather than just reconnect?
Yes. Moving is a free, effort-free moment to land on a competitive plan, so it is the ideal time to check the market rather than inherit a default. Our guide to finding the best electricity retailer shows what to look for.
Do I need to tell my old retailer I am moving?
Yes. Contact them to close your account with a final meter read on your move-out date, so you are not billed for the next occupant. Since most plans have no exit fee, closing the account is simply a final settlement.
Do I need to connect gas separately when I move?
If the property has gas, yes: it is a separate connection and often a separate retailer. You can set both up at once, and our guide on how to switch gas provider covers getting a competitive gas plan too.
What if I am renting the new place?
As a tenant you usually still choose your own electricity retailer and pay the account directly, so the same comparison applies. Our renters energy savings guide covers the extra things worth checking in a rental.
Is moving a good time to switch to a cheaper plan generally?
It is one of the best times, because there is no changeover effort beyond opening the account. If you would rather switch at your existing home instead, how to switch electricity retailers explains that just as easily.
General information only, current at the time of writing. Not financial advice. Rebate schemes and rules
change; always confirm details with your retailer or state government energy site.
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