There is a lot to deal with when moving to a new property, but the most important is to ensure the power connection and disconnection process, and what you can expect to pay for it.
Whenever you build a new house or move to another place, you may need to pay for some electricity or gas connection and disconnection or meter reading fees. These charges are based on the area where you live, and the energy plan you choose. However, if you are moving with a pre-existing energy connection, you may need to organize the disconnection from your old property and reconnect to your new property.
When you notify your service provider about your move, it will charge you money for connection and disconnection. However, it is essential to understand how these connections and disconnections will cost you before you plan to move from one place to another.
Table of content
- Connecting a new connection
- Disconnecting your existing energy connection
- Who will be in charge of your connection and disconnection?
- Fees and charges explained
- Reconnection fee
- Disconnection fee
- Connection or disconnection remote charges
- Special meter reading fee
- Final meter reading fee
-
Connecting a new connection
If you do not inform your service provider that you are moving into a new place, you will arrive at a cold, unpowered home. To avoid this inconvenience, notify your provider at least three days before moving in so they have time to get things connected. The switch will be automatic and require no further action. Nevertheless, if you rent, you should contact your energy provider and ask your landlord to transfer the energy account to your name.
-
Disconnecting your existing energy connection
In the event that you do not disconnect your old property, you will have to pay the daily supply charge even though you are no longer living there. In order to disconnect the service on the right day, you will need to contact your provider for that property in advance.
-
Who will be in charge of your connection and disconnection?
Disconnection and connection fees are determined by your energy distributor and are based on the location, not your retailer. No matter which retailer you use, the fees will remain the same, although some plans may waive them. Generally, you will need to provide the notice of approximately three days at a minimum to get everything done on time. However, if you had planned your move, you can place your request a month ahead to make sure your transition goes smoothly.
-
Fees and charges explained
When you move from one place to another, either with your existing service provider providing you the service or you get a new service, you may get charged. Here are some common fees and charges that you must understand before you step out to your destination.
-
Reconnection fee
As the name suggests, the reconnection fee is set when the property you are moving to has been disconnected. Your distributor is responsible for reconnecting the power supply before you move into your new place. For this, you have to figure out your service provider and compare electricity plans they are offering.
-
Disconnection fee
A disconnection fee is usually set when you need to disconnect the power at your old address. By doing so, you ensure you are not paying any ongoing energy supply costs for your old property. Your service provider will ensure this disconnection of your service. You can also confirm this by simply asking them.
-
Connection or disconnection remote charges
Remote charges apply when the distributor can safely connect or disconnect a property without having to physically visit the home or building. Remote connection or disconnection can be enabled by smart meter technology and is currently available by most service providers in Australia.
-
Special meter reading fee
When you requested your service provider to come to your property and manually read your meter, this service will cost you a special meter reading fee. Most home or property owners do so because access to the meter is difficult. This might be because of a locked gate. This fee also applies if you want to get the basic meters that are being transferred to another account.
-
Final meter reading fee
In order to calculate your final bill, a final meter reading is a must before you move out. The final meter reading will help you keep a record of your disconnection from the service.
Conclusion
It might be necessary to pay additional fees for connections that have additional requirements, depending on the state. The existing infrastructure may reinforce some additional power lines for certain connections. Compare energy plans to get the right connection. Check with your local distributor before planning a new connection because prices and policies vary considerably between distributors.