Featured

The Utility Moving Checklist: How to Connect Electricity, Gas & Internet in Australia

November 10, 2026
•
5
Minutes
Hand turning on light in a new home

Arriving at your new home to unpack boxes in the dark with no hot water and no internet is every mover’s worst nightmare.

Setting up utilities across Australia isn’t just about calling a provider; it can involve coordinating regional network distributors, managing cut-off times, and following electrical safety requirements.

Use this practical utility moving checklist to organise disconnections, compare electricity and gas plans, and give your essential services the best chance of being ready when you move in.

At a glance

Moving House Utilities Timeline

Connecting utilities takes planning. Energy retailers arrange accounts and connection requests, while the local distributor may need to activate a meter or send a technician. Lead times and operating days vary by provider, network and connection type.

When What to Do
3–4 Weeks Out Check NBN technology and order broadband.
1–2 Weeks Out Compare energy plans and book connections.
48 Hours Out Confirm connection arrangements and locate the switchboard.
Moving Day AM Follow disconnection instructions at your old property and take meter photos.
Arrival PM Confirm power is connected, follow switchboard instructions and plug in your modem.
Step 1 · Electricity

1. Electricity Connection Checklist

Electricity is a top priority on moving day. The type of meter installed at your new property, whether smart or traditional, can affect how quickly power is connected.

Step-by-Step Electricity Tasks

Step 2 · Gas

2. Gas Connection Checklist (Natural Gas & LPG)

Natural gas is used for hot water, cooking and heating in many Australian homes. Check the fuel type at your new address and whether a gas connection needs to be arranged.

Step-by-Step Gas Tasks

Step 3 · Internet

3. Home Internet & Broadband Checklist (NBN & Opticomm)

While electricity can sometimes be arranged within days, broadband may need more lead time, especially if new hardware or an installation appointment is required.

Technology Type Connection Mechanism Typical Lead Time
FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) Remote activation via internal NBN Connection Box (NTD) 1–3 business days
FTTN / FTTC / HFC Existing copper/coaxial line; modem configuration may be required 3–7 business days
New Build / Greenfield Technician line installation; an NBN New Development Charge may apply 2–4 weeks
5G Home Broadband Plug-and-play wireless modem dispatched by courier 2–5 business days

Indicative timeframes from the supplied article. Actual availability, installation requirements, charges and timing depend on the address and provider.

Essential Internet Moving Steps

Step 4 · Other Household Services

4. Water, Council Rates & Hidden Connection Costs

Renters

Ask your property manager how water services and usage are handled at the new home. Responsibility for consumption charges depends on the applicable tenancy rules, metering and property conditions.

Homeowners

During settlement, your conveyancer or solicitor will generally help coordinate council and water authority records. Confirm what is included in your settlement arrangements.

Connection and Disconnection Fees

Retailers or distributors may charge for final meter readings, reconnections or special visits. Fees depend on the network, provider, meter and timing, so check any applicable charges before submitting your request.

A Quick Recap

Printable Utility Moving Checklist

Use this quick checklist to track your progress before, during and after the move.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get electricity connected on the same day in Australia?

Same-day electricity connection may be available at some addresses, particularly where an active smart meter can be connected remotely. Availability depends on your retailer, distributor, meter type and the time you submit the request. Cut-off times and additional fees may apply.

Why is my power not working even though I booked a connection?

Check your retailer’s confirmation to make sure the connection was arranged for the correct date. Follow the retailer’s main switch instructions if it is safe to do so. If you still have no power, contact your electricity retailer to check the status of the connection. Do not handle damaged electrical equipment or wiring.

Is BeMoved really a 100% free service?

BeMoved is free for customers to use. BeMoved may receive a referral fee when you select a plan through its website. Charges from your chosen retailer or distributor, including certain connection fees, may still apply.

FAQs

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.

Learn more about RateGuard →

‍

Where do I find my main switch?

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.

‍

What energy providers does BeMoved partner with?

We partner with Australia's top-tier providers, including EnergyAustralia, Origin and AGL.

‍

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.