When moving home in Australia, you quickly encounter paperwork filled with legal acronyms, energy codes and technical terms. Energy retailers mention your NMI, real estate agents ask for condition reports, and your new apartment might be part of an embedded network.
This Australian moving house jargon buster explains commonly used terms in plain English, with practical guidance for reading energy bills, arranging utilities and working through common property questions.
Quick Navigation
Moving House & Energy Terms A–Z
Select a letter to jump directly to its definitions.
A
What are Adjustments in Property Settlement?
Adjustments are calculations made during settlement to divide costs such as council rates, water service charges and strata levies between the seller and buyer according to the settlement date.
What is AFRA (Australian Furniture Removers Association)?
AFRA is an Australian removals industry association. Its accredited removalist members must meet standards relating to areas such as equipment, staff training and business practices.
B
What is a Basic Meter (Accumulation Meter)?
A basic electricity meter, sometimes called an accumulation or dial meter, records total electricity usage over time. Unlike a communicating smart meter, it generally requires a physical reading.
What is Bond Lodgement?
Bond lodgement is the process of registering a rental bond with the appropriate state or territory authority, such as Rental Bonds Online (RBO) in NSW, the RTBA in Victoria or the RTA in Queensland. Bond rules and lodgement requirements vary by jurisdiction.
C
What is a Controlled Load?
A controlled load is a separate electricity tariff for designated appliances, often electric hot water systems or some heating equipment. The electricity supply and pricing arrangement depends on the meter, distributor and plan.
What is a Cooling-Off Period?
A cooling-off period is a limited period in certain property purchases when a buyer may be able to withdraw from a signed contract, usually subject to rules or costs. Eligibility and duration vary by state, contract and method of sale; auctions are generally treated differently.
D
What is a Daily Supply Charge?
The daily supply charge is a fixed amount, commonly shown in cents per day (c/day), charged for maintaining an electricity or gas connection. You may pay it even when you use little or no energy.
What is the Default Market Offer (DMO) or Victorian Default Offer (VDO)?
The DMO and VDO are regulated electricity standing-offer price arrangements or benchmarks used in the relevant markets. In applicable states, retailers also use a reference price to help customers compare electricity offers. The rules and terminology differ by state.
What is a Disconnection Fee?
A disconnection fee is a charge that may apply when an electricity or gas supply is closed or a final meter visit is arranged. Whether a fee applies, and how much, depends on the retailer, network and service requested.
E
What is an Embedded Network?
An embedded network is a privately operated electricity network within a site such as an apartment complex, shopping centre or retirement village. Electricity may be purchased for the site and separately measured for individual occupants.
Moving note: Your choice of retailer and the process of switching may differ in an embedded network. Ask the building manager or seller about the arrangement before moving in.
What is an Entry Condition Report?
An entry condition report records the condition of a rental property at the start of a tenancy. Review it carefully and add dated photos where appropriate. Submission deadlines vary by state and territory.
F
What is FTTP (Fibre to the Premises)?
FTTP is a broadband connection type where optical fibre runs directly to the premises. An NBN connection box or network termination device (NTD) is commonly installed at the property.
What is FTTN (Fibre to the Node)?
FTTN uses optical fibre to a neighbourhood node, with existing copper cabling completing the connection to the property. It typically requires a compatible modem.
G
What is a Greenfield Estate?
A greenfield estate is a newly developed residential area. Some new properties require additional broadband installation work and may incur an NBN new development charge or similar provider fee.
H
What is an HFC Connection (Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial)?
HFC broadband uses fibre in part of the network and existing coaxial cable for the final connection. The premises may have an NBN-supplied connection device.
I
What is an Ingoing Inspection?
An ingoing inspection is a check of a rental property at the start of a tenancy. It helps you compare its condition with the entry condition report before or soon after moving your belongings in.
M
What is a Main Switch?
The main switch is a switch on an electrical switchboard that controls the supply to circuits or part of the property.
Moving note: Follow your electricity retailer’s connection instructions. Only operate accessible switches if it is safe to do so. Never touch damaged switchboards or wiring.
What is a MIRN (Meter Installation Registration Number)?
A MIRN identifies a natural gas supply connection in several Australian states. In Western Australia, a related identifier is known as a DPI (Delivery Point Identifier). You can usually find these details on a gas bill or ask your retailer.
N
What is an NMI (National Metering Identifier)?
An NMI is a unique 10- or 11-character identifier for an electricity connection. It appears on your electricity bill and is not the same as the physical meter number.
Moving note: If you cannot find the NMI for your new home, your electricity retailer can help identify the connection point.
What is an NTD (Network Termination Device / NBN Box)?
An NTD is telecommunications equipment installed at a property to provide an NBN service, depending on the connection type.
Important: Leave an NBN-supplied connection box at the property when you move. It is intended to remain at that address.
O
What Does "Outgoing" Mean in Tenancy and Property?
An outgoing tenant is the renter leaving a property. An outgoing condition report records the condition at the end of the tenancy. "Property outgoings" refers to costs associated with a property, such as rates, water service charges or strata fees; who pays depends on the type of property and agreement.
What is an Off-Peak Tariff?
An off-peak tariff offers a lower electricity usage rate during specified periods. Exact hours vary by network, retailer and plan, so check your current tariff schedule.
What is Opticomm?
Opticomm operates a fibre broadband network in parts of Australia, including some new communities and apartment developments, separately from the NBN network.
P
What is PEXA (Property Exchange Australia)?
PEXA is a digital property settlement platform used by participating conveyancers, legal practitioners and financial institutions to process property transactions and associated funds electronically.
R
What is RBO (Rental Bonds Online)?
RBO is the NSW Government's online service for lodging and managing rental bonds. Other states have their own authorities, such as the RTBA in Victoria and the RTA in Queensland.
What is a Reference Price?
A reference price is an annual electricity cost benchmark used in applicable regions to help people compare offers. Retailer advertising may show whether a plan is above or below that benchmark for a representative household.
S
What is a Smart Meter (Interval Meter)?
A smart meter digitally measures electricity use at regular intervals. Where remote communications are available, readings can be sent without a manual meter visit. It may also support remote connection or disconnection in some circumstances.
What is a Solar Feed-In Tariff (FiT)?
A solar feed-in tariff is the rate your electricity retailer pays or credits you for eligible excess solar electricity exported to the grid. It is usually expressed in cents per kilowatt-hour (c/kWh).
What is Strata Title?
Strata title is a type of ownership commonly used for apartments and townhouses. Owners hold their individual lot and share responsibility for common property through an owners corporation or body corporate.
T
What is a Time-of-Use Tariff (ToU)?
A time-of-use tariff charges different electricity rates depending on when power is used. It may include peak, shoulder and off-peak periods. The times and rates differ by network and plan.
Typical structure: Peak = higher-priced period; shoulder = intermediate period; off-peak = lower-priced period. Always confirm the actual hours in your plan.
V
What is Vacant Possession?
Vacant possession is a term in property transactions indicating the buyer is to receive the property free of occupants and belongings, subject to the contract and any agreed inclusions.
W
What is Water Usage vs Water Service Charges?
Water usage charges relate to the volume of water consumed, usually measured in kilolitres (kL). Water service charges are fixed charges for access to water and related services. Responsibility for each charge in a rental depends on the relevant state or territory tenancy law and the property's metering arrangements.
Practical Guide
How to Read Your Australian Energy Bill
Electricity and gas bills can be difficult to navigate. These are the key sections to look for when checking costs, comparing plans or arranging your move.
1. Account Summary & Total Due
Look for the balance, due date, billing period, payments, credits and any outstanding amounts.
2. Property Identification
Locate your electricity NMI or gas MIRN, and check that the supply address matches the property.
3. Tariff & Usage Breakdown
Check the daily supply charge, electricity or gas usage rates, applicable time periods, discounts, feed-in credits and taxes.
4. Usage & Comparisons
Look for historical usage, previous-period comparisons or household benchmarks where provided. These can help identify changes in consumption.
Example Energy Bill Line Items
The following sample illustrates the kinds of charges and credits you might see. It is not a complete or reconciled bill.
Line Item
Example Calculation
Amount
Daily Supply Charge
92 days × 115.50c/day
$106.26
Peak Electricity Usage
650 kWh × 32.40c/kWh
$210.60
Off-Peak Electricity Usage
220 kWh × 18.20c/kWh
$40.04
Solar Feed-In Credit
310 kWh × 5.50c/kWh
−$17.05
Sample calculations reflect the example in the supplied draft. Your actual bill may show GST, concessions, rebates, adjustments or other items separately.
What to Check on Your Bill
NMI or MIRN:
These identify the supply point. Check them when switching retailers or querying a connection.
Daily Supply Charge:
A fixed charge for each day of the billing period, even if you use very little energy.
Usage Rates (kWh or MJ):
Electricity is usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), while gas usage is commonly billed in megajoules (MJ). Different tariff periods may have different rates.
Actual or Estimated Readings:
Check whether a reading was estimated and ask your retailer about a correction or self-read if something seems wrong.
Usage Comparisons:
Look for relevant historical or household comparisons, if included, to understand unusually high or low consumption.
What if I build a granny flat or extension? How do I power and connect it?
If you are building a secondary dwelling or extension, you may need to choose between sharing existing services and arranging separate connections. Speak with licensed tradespeople and the relevant network providers before making changes.
Electricity
A private sub-meter may help distinguish usage behind the main household account, or a separately approved connection and NMI may allow independent billing. Distributor approval, electrical work and costs may apply.
Gas
Options may include a separate gas connection or check-meter where permitted, or using electric appliances instead. A licensed gasfitter can advise on safe and compliant arrangements.
Water
A separate authority meter or private sub-meter may be possible, subject to council and water-provider requirements. Confirm what can legally be billed to an occupant.
Internet
Availability of a separate broadband service depends on address recognition, network infrastructure and provider rules. You may instead need to extend the main home's connection using suitable networking equipment.
What happens if I own a property and my tenant doesn't pay their energy bills?
In general, responsibility for an electricity or gas account follows the person named on the retailer contract. If the account is in the tenant's name, unpaid charges would ordinarily remain the tenant's responsibility. If the account is in the owner's name, the owner may remain liable to the retailer even if the tenant agreed to reimburse them. Embedded networks and unusual tenancy arrangements can be different.
Owner tip: Confirm how utilities will be set up before the tenancy starts, and seek tenancy or legal advice for disputes.
Can I roll over my bond from one rental to another in Australia?
A rental bond is usually managed through the relevant state or territory bond authority. For many moves, the outgoing bond is refunded separately while a new bond is lodged for the next property. Transfers or assistance schemes may be available in some circumstances, so check your state's rules.
Can temporary residents buy or own a house in Australia?
Rules differ by visa status, property type and exemptions. Under the Australian Government's current foreign investment policy, foreign persons, including many temporary residents, are generally prohibited from purchasing established dwellings between 1 April 2025 and 30 June 2029, subject to limited exceptions. Purchases of new dwellings or vacant residential land may be possible with the required approvals and conditions.
Who do I contact during a power outage or water interruption?
Electricity Outage
For a local network outage or fallen powerlines, contact your electricity distributor. The distributor's emergency number is usually on your bill. Stay clear of fallen or damaged lines.
Supply Not Connected or Billing Issue
Contact your electricity or gas retailer if you are checking a new connection, account status or bill.
Water Outage or Main Leak
Contact your local water authority for network issues. Internal plumbing problems should be reported to the relevant property manager or a licensed plumber.
Who is responsible for plumbing, electrical or gas faults?
The responsible party depends on where the fault occurs, who owns the affected equipment and your state's property rules:
Network Provider or Distributor:
Problems with infrastructure that it owns or operates, such as street mains or some supply lines.
Strata or Owners Corporation:
Shared building infrastructure and common property, depending on the strata scheme.
Landlord or Property Owner:
Many internal fixtures, fixed appliances and urgent repairs in a rental, subject to the applicable tenancy law.
Tenant:
Damage or faults caused by a tenant's own appliances or misuse, where legally the tenant is responsible.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my electricity isn't connected on moving day?
Check your retailer's connection confirmation and the scheduled date. Follow the retailer's instructions for the main switch if it is safe to do so. If power is still unavailable, contact your retailer to check the connection request and discuss the next steps. Do not touch damaged electrical equipment or wiring.
Who pays for water in an Australian rental?
Water charges depend on state or territory tenancy laws and the property's metering and efficiency requirements. Owners generally remain responsible for service or fixed access charges, while tenants may be charged for eligible water consumption when the relevant legal conditions are met. Check your rental agreement and the rules in your state.
Can I choose my own electricity retailer in an embedded network?
Sometimes, but the process may be different from a standard electricity connection. Speak to the building manager or embedded network operator about available retailers, meter arrangements and switching requirements.
Moving can be daunting, but we can help you tick a few tasks off your list.
Check out our helpful list of Frequently Asked Questions, or get in touch via livechat if you need additional assistance.
How long does it take to organise my connection with BeMoved?
Using the BeMoved service, we can get your connection sorted in just a few minutes, without having to spend ages on the phone, sitting on hold or making multiple phone calls.
How much notice do I need to give to connect electricity and gas at my new address?
It depends on the provider you choose, but it's always recommended to give at least a few days notice where you can. It's worth remembering that electricity and gas can only be connected on weekdays (not weekends or public holidays).
How soon can gas be connected?
Natural gas connections can take 2-3 business days, so make sure to submit your order ASAP if you need gas services connected.
Do I need to be at the new address to get connected?
In most cases, no, no one will need to be at the home when the connection is turned on. You'll likely have to make sure the electricity supply is switched off on the main switchboard, though. The provider will give you instructions once your application is submitted.
What does it cost to connect my energy and gas?
There is no cost to use the BeMoved service to connect your electricity or gas. Costs for the plans you choose will vary depending on the provider and plan you choose, and these costs are shown on the plans page.
How is the BeMoved service free?
The providers pay a fee to BeMoved when you connect electricity or gas using the BeMoved service. This does not affect the price you pay, nor the plans or options available for you to choose.
I've been approved for a rental property. How do I connect electricity?
The process for a rental property is the same as other properties. Simply go through the connection flow, choosing the address, connection date, energy provider and plan, and provide a few personal details. From there, we'll get your connection sorted!
Can I complete my connection online?
Absolutely! That's the benefit of using the BeMoved service. In just a few minutes, and without any annoying phone calls or sitting on hold, we can get your connection sorted and tick that task off your list.
How do I track my order?
Once you've submitted your order, you'll receive an SMS and Email with details of how to keep track of your order.
How can I keep track of my utilities after I move?
Once you’re settled into your new home, RateGuard, our household bill monitoring service, can help you keep an eye on your energy, gas or internet plan over time. Securely connect your utilities data and RateGuard will monitor your usage and plan, and let you know when it may be worth reviewing your options.
Your main switch is located in your fuse or meter box. Depending on your property, your meter box could be:
on an outside wall
in your garage
in your hallway
in a kitchen cupboard In your meter box there'll be a number of switches.
Look for the one that has the "main switch" label. Some properties also have a hot water switch - if yours does, you'll need to look for that one too. Flick the main switch (and hot water switch if you have one) to the off position (this might be shown as an | for on and O for off) to allow your electricity connection to take place. Once your power company has confirmed your electricity is connected, switch the main switch and hot water switch back on.
What's a smart meter and how do I know if I have one?
A "Smart Meter", or digital meter, records your energy consumption every 30 minutes and sends usage data to your retailer. This means you get more timely and accurate bills, and can receive bills monthly.
Unlike smart meters, "Basic Meters" measure your usage from one point in time to another and are read by a meter reader every 3 months.
Smart meters generally have a digital face with numbers or digits that represent your current read data and electricity consumption. Basic or analogue meters generally have a dial that spins around, recording your consumption in kWh.
Can I just transfer my energy from my old address to my new address, and stay with the same provider?
In a word, yes, it's possible. Technically speaking, the energy companies still require it to be a disconnection (at the old address) and then a connection (at the new address). We can still facilitate this through the BeMoved service, if you choose to stay with one of our partner providers.
Can I use different providers for energy and gas?
Yes, absolutely. When you go through the flow and choose services to connect, you'll be able to choose the same, or different providers for energy and gas.
Can you disconnect my energy at my old address?
In most cases, we can arrange disconnection at your old address, as long as your old address used one of the partner providers for your energy. Most providers will charge a disconnection fee which is added to your final bill.
How much notice do I need to give to disconnect at my old address?
It's recommended to give a week's notice, where possible.
Why do I need to provide personal details?
Your personal information is required to pre-fill your utility connection application. We will ask for your full name, mobile phone number and email address. Once you have chosen your provider and plan, you'll also be asked for your ID details, date of birth and address. These are required by the energy companies to process your application.
We do not disclose or sell your personal information to anyone, and collecting these details is for the sole purpose of arranging and facilitating your utility connection (as per the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988). BeMoved Privacy Policy.
