Connect Utilities Guide

Moving to a new home is a big experience for most of us; occasionally terrifying, often exciting and almost always overwhelming. Most people find that making a checklist is the best way to ensure that you don’t forget anything important. Like, for example, organising to connect utilities – you don’t want spend the first night in your new home without lights, water or appliances.

Before moving day, you’ll need to organise to connect your electricity, gas and connect water in time for your arrival. In most cases, your new connections should only take two to three working days, but you should aim to make your arrangements at least a week before to be safe. Landline telephone, Internet and Pay TV customers might also like to arrange their new connections ahead of time, but it’s not as much of a necessity.

Most utilities providers will be able to transfer your existing account to your new address, assuming they operate in the area. That said, moving house can also be a good opportunity to review your current utilities accounts to determine whether you’re overpaying. With the exception of water services, most Australian customers are able to choose which providers they buy their electricity, gas, Internet, Pay TV and telephone in bundle from; with a little research, you might find a more competitive rate. GoSwitch is the leading website for gas and electricity comparison in Australia.

If you don’t plan to transfer your current utilities account with a particular provider, it is nonetheless very important that you notify them of your move – again, about a week before moving day. If you don’t organise to disconnect utilities, you will continue to be responsible for the monthly bills at your old address. Ensure you provide each supplier with your new address – or a forwarding address – so they can send your final bill.