Moving Home Utilities
Moving to a new home? Compare utilities and connect now with Econnex to find a plan that fits your needs right away!
Electricity and gas currently available in NSW, ACT, SA, VIC, parts of QLD, TAS & WA (only Gas). Not available in Ergon Area (QLD), NT and embedded networks or non-quotable meters.
Moving? Your Essential Utilities Guide!
After a lot of ifs and buts, have you finally decided to move to a new house?
Well, we can only imagine the rollercoaster of emotions that you must be experiencing. While you must be excited about the thought of living in a new space, meeting new people, and in a way, embarking on new beginnings. However, on the other hand, the thought of getting everything together must be stressing you out.
We know there is a lot to be checked off your moving to-do list but let us help you start with the most essential one, i.e., moving home utilities. After all, you can’t do without having the power on, the taps running, and the Wi-Fi functioning flawlessly. So, let us help demystify and break down the process of moving home utilities for you with our comprehensive guide.
Should You Switch Providers When Moving?
At times, switching providers when moving home utilities is a necessity (since in many cases, the old provider may not be serviceable in the new area). But the other times, it is simply a matter of choice. And that’s where we see a lot of movers scratching their heads, finding it difficult to make the final call.
Hence, to help make the decision not only easier but also ideal for you, we’ve assembled a list of pros and cons of switching internet and power connection:
Merits of Switching Providers
- If you’ve been sticking with the same plan for a while, shopping around is likely to lead you to a plan with bigger savings and better features such as no lock-in contract or exit fee.
- To extend a warm welcome, a lot of providers offer tempting introductory deals and discounts to new customers.
- You might also have the option to bundle your new plans (such as energy and internet) to enjoy some significant savings.
Demerits of Switching Providers
- You’ll have to contact your existing provider to get your old account closed.
- Prematurely ending your contract while switching to move home utilities might compel you to pay an uninvited exit fee as a penalty (don’t forget to read your contract to stay informed).
- All that glitters is not gold. At times, new providers simply try to tempt you with lucrative introductory offers that hide higher prices behind as soon as the discount benefit period has expired.
What utilities do you need while moving?
We cannot go a day without using utilities in our daily lives, be it for a quick scroll through social media or cooking breakfast on the sizzle. Hence, when it’s time to finally move into a new space, it’s easily the most vital thing to factor in the utilities that we need to reconnect (and disconnect) before anything else. So, without any further ado, let’s get you acquainted with the main types of utilities connection that you simply can’t forget to set up when moving.
Electricity
Powering up your new home might be the first thing that you’ll wish to check off your list as soon as you decide to move out. However, in case you’re moving interstate, the electricity connection might get more challenging than usual. That’s because the distribution of electricity in the Australian market is subject to regulations in certain states like Regional QLD, TAS, WA, NT, and TAS. On the other hand, in NSW, ACT, VIC, SA, and Southeast QLD, you can enjoy the freedom to choose your electricity provider.
Gas
Setting up an account for your gas connection cannot be left as an afterthought (until and unless you’re using an electric stove/oven/induction cooktop). It is a common practice to combine electricity and gas plans in Australia to save some precious bucks on energy bills (since they’re often provided by the same company). For your reference, here are some of the top providers for gas and electricity connection plans in Australia: Origin Energy, AGL, Energy Australia, Alinta Energy, Dodo, Engie, Red Energy, Ovo Energy, Tango Energy, 1st Energy and Powershop.
Internet
No matter where you live, it’s important to stay connected to the world. However, in case you’re planning to switch your internet connection, it’s just as crucial to refrain from making any impulsive decisions. Feel free to take as much time as you need to decide on a plan (and provider) that best matches your needs. The key to doing that is to make sure to evaluate your data and speed needs and the type of contract that you prefer beforehand.
A Cheat Sheet to Moving Home Utilities: Everything to keep in mind beforehand
No matter how overwhelmed you are about moving home utilities, everything eventually falls into place as long as you have a plan in hand (that is soon to be in motion). And to assist you with mapping a plan, we’re here to help you with a number of questions that you must ask yourself before moving any further in the process.
First and foremost, where are you moving?
When are you moving?
Are you making the switch?
What is your current usage?
Must-Do Checklist for a Smooth Moving Utilties Experience
The key to a smooth transition of home utilities is organization. And we’re here to assist you in staying organized. Let us help you with a list of things that not only need to be on your to-do-list but must be checked off first thing when moving (so that you find no trouble settling in the new home):
Surf for a provider
Give notice: The sooner, the better
Don’t let connection & disconnection dates be an afterthought
Understanding your contract in and out
When are you moving again?
Bundling could mean big savings
Ask These Questions About Your New Property
What energy connections are already there?
Before you go shopping around for plans for your new home, make sure you know the connections that already exist there.
Ask the property manager or sales agent about the hot water system, the type of cooktop (gas or electric), and whether there’s a connection for natural gas heating. Understanding these aspects will help you decide whether you require only an electricity connection or you could look into natural gas plans or LPG options.
Are there solar panels in the property?
Before moving house electricity, make sure to ask the property owner if there are solar panels installed. If the answer is yes, it's also important to inquire about what the solar system powers and whether you qualify for any solar feed-in tariffs. This information will help you understand your future energy costs and potential savings.
What are the heating and cooling systems like?
Heating and cooling appliances influence your energy bills to an extent that can’t be neglected. So, before you connect electricity online, if there is an air conditioner, heater, or ceiling fan already installed in the new home or even blinds, insulation, tinted windows which could potentially regulate the temperature of the room, make sure to keep that information in your knowledge no later than now.
Is there a smart meter?
A smart meter is an energy meter that measures how much gas or electricity you're using in real time. If there is already one installed in the new home, nothing like it. However, if there isn’t, make sure to get it installed at the earliest before moving house gas and electricity.
Switching Made Simpler with Econnex
Are you scouting for a new plan and provider for your new home? Econnex is here to help you cut through the complexities of switching on the move. Hop on!
View
Fill in some basic details like your current address, postcode, type of property, connection type (for broadband plans), moving date, etc., to view plans and providers.
Compare
You’ll be directed to a plan listing page which displays a wide range of plans (with their details) in a concise and unbiased manner, helping you compare & choose the most suitable option from our panel.
Switch
Once you’ve chosen the right plan, hit the switch button to enter your personal and connection details. Review and submit the form—your new retailer will be alerted of your connection request in no time.
Why choose Econnex for switching while moving home utilities?
No Cost Comparison
Choosing the right home utility shouldn’t cost you a buck.
At Econnex, you're free to compare a wide range of plans and providers all you want at no extra cost, empowering you to make the most apt choice for your needs.
An End-to-End Journey
With Econnex, switching providers is made a mere matter of a few clicks for all the movers out there. We streamline the process in such a way that you can compare, choose, and apply for your desired plan seamlessly through our platform, eliminating the complexities of navigating through multiple sites.
Transparency
We believe in the power of your choice. That’s why we offer a platform for unbiased comparison with no ads, promoted products, or third-party links.
Comprehensive Choice
We leave you spoiled for choice by offering a wide selection of utilities plans across various verticals- Energy, Solar, Broadband, and Mobile.