Are you planning to move house and looking for a hassle-free way to set up your electricity and gas connections? Look no further! In this guide, we’ll help you compare Origin Energy plans, including electricity plans and gas plans, and arrange your new property’s electricity and gas connections smoothly.
Moving can be a thrilling experience, but it’s crucial to ensure that your energy bills and utilities are taken care of as well. It may seem like a lot of work, but it’s actually very simple if you know where to start.
The first step is to notify your old energy provider, such as Origin Energy, that you are moving house and will need to disconnect and reconnect your electricity and gas at your new address. Next, compare energy providers in your new area to find the best deal for your new electricity and gas connections. Then, book the moving date and you’re all set! It’s essential to do this before you move to ensure that your energy is connected and ready for moving day.
While the process should be straightforward, if you’re not careful, you may miss deadlines or overlook details that can result in delays, extra fees, and no lights in your new home. This page will walk you through everything you need to know to make your move a breeze with Origin Energy.
Key things to remember when moving home in Australia
Are you planning to move house in Australia and looking for tips to make the process smooth and hassle-free? Here are some key things to remember when moving home:
If you are not a fan of reading, this list is a summary of the most important takeaways from this page. If you only remember a few things, make sure it’s these! We will discuss all the items in more detail later on.
- To make sure the disconnection and reconnection go smoothly, give at least three business days’ notice for electricity and five business days for gas. Depending on your retailer, you may need to give a more extended notice period.
- If your former contract is fixed and cannot be transferred to your new address, you may be required to pay an early termination fee.
- You will need to give at least five business days’ notice if you change retailers (it can be done in less, but may lead to delays or extra fees).
- If you do not book your disconnection in time, you may be charged for energy used at your old address after you have moved.
- Even if you find that your new property is still connected when you move in, you still need to contact a retailer to set up your contract and account.
- Start comparing providers in your new area about four weeks before the move, so you have enough time to thoroughly compare and find the best deal, without missing the notice periods
It’s worth noting that almost half of the Australian population has moved house in the past five years, and one in every six people in the last year. So, if you’re planning a move, you’re not alone! By following these tips and using a reliable energy provider like Move in Connect, you can make the process of moving house smooth and stress-free.
Before you move TO A NEW HOME
If you’re planning to move house and need to set up your gas and electricity connections at your new property, it’s important to start the process as early as possible to avoid same-day or urgent connection fees. By doing so, you can notify your current and new supplier, such as Origin Energy, of the date you will be moving to your new home and arrange for the disconnection and reconnection of your utilities smoothly.
To avoid same-day or urgent connection fees, you should start looking into moving house gas and electricity connections as early as possible so that you can notify your current and new supplier of the date you will be moving to a new property.
Origin Energy or Move in Connect offers a range of services to help customers move house, including disconnecting and reconnecting electricity and gas at your new address, and transferring your account to your new home. You can visit their website or call their customer service team to learn more about their moving house services and to book your disconnection and reconnection dates.
By planning ahead and using a reliable energy provider like Origin Energy & Move in Connect, you can make the process of moving house and setting up your gas and electricity connections stress-free. Don’t forget to also notify your old provider that you are moving house and will need to disconnect and reconnect your utilities at your new address.
Notify your energy provider when moving house
When you are moving house, it’s essential to notify your energy provider, such as Origin Energy or Move in Connect, of your plans. Your provider will need at least three business days’ notice (remember to count weekends and public holidays), but it’s always a good idea to give them more time to ensure a smooth disconnection and reconnection of your utilities.
Your energy provider will likely ask if you want to set up with them at your new property. If you are happy with your current plan, this can be an easy option. Some providers may even waive early exit fees or offer special energy plans & deals as a reward for staying with them. However, it’s a good idea to review your energy usage, compare the competition, and make sure you are on the best deal before making a decision. Many retailers offer special offers for new electricity connections, so you might be missing out by staying with your current provider.
However, don’t make a decision right away – moving house is the perfect time to review your energy usage, compare the competition and make sure you are on the best deal. A lot of retailers have special offers for new electricity connections, so you might be missing out by staying with your current power supplier.
The main benefits when you switch your electricity and gas provider are:
- Finding a plan with a flexible contract
- Taking advantage of solar electricity
- Enjoying high-quality service
- Consolidating bills and utility suppliers
- Finding a better price
You can find out more about giving notice to your supplier here: How long does it take to connect electricity to my new house.
Find out who provides the gas and electricity at the new property
A lot of retailers offer plans to customers in several states or nationally, however, you need to check which retailers have plans available in your new area.
You will only be able to choose your energy provider if you live in a deregulated state or region. In regulated states, all residents receive their power from a government-subsidised supplier. You can compare energy in Victoria, New South Wales, South-East Queensland, South Australia, ACT and Tasmania.
The following gas and electricity providers offer competitive pricing on energy plans. You can read all about them here.
- Energy Australia (moving house or save at your current home)
- AGL Energy (moving house or save at your current home)
- Origin Energy (moving house or save at your current home)
- ActewAGL (for residents in the Canberra region)
- Tango Energy
- Blue NRG
- Covau
- Energy Locals
- Alinta Energy
- Shell Energy
- Momentum Energy
- Next Business Energy
- Lumo Energy
- Red Energy
- Simply Energy
Compare energy providers and make the switch
Now that you know your options, you need to determine who has the cheapest energy plan for your new home’s needs.
Move-In Connect is one call away when you need to switch or find a new energy supplier. Our 100% free moving utilities service will recommend the best plan from our panel of preferred suppliers and make all the arrangements for your new connection, in just one easy phone call!
We will consider each provider’s unique offerings, such as Energy Australia moving house deals or Origin’s moving house services, to make sure you have the best move yet.
To get started, simply enter your new address online and one of our experts will be in touch to guide you through the process. Origin Energy offers a range of electricity and gas plans, including flexible, fixed, and green energy options. They also provide services to help customers move house, including disconnecting and reconnecting electricity and gas at your new address and transferring your account to your new home. Don’t forget to notify your old provider that you are moving house and will need to disconnect and reconnect your utilities at your new address.
The table below summarises some of the important points our team will consider to make sure you are matched with the perfect plan.
Things to consider when moving utilities services | |
| Rates and discounts | Each retailer has access to different wholesale electricity prices and can pass on the savings to their customers in the form of lower rates. Other retailers offer a fixed-term discount on rates, usually for 6 or 12 months. Even a small reduction in your rates can add up to a big saving over time so be sure to compare a range of market offers from different providers. |
| Fixed-term vs variable rates | Fixed-term per-unit (kWh) tariffs stay the same every month, while variable plans give more flexibility in the duration of your contract. Variable rates are usually cheaper than fixed term, however fixed-term offers you peace of mind in a volatile energy market. If you are in the middle of a contract, some retailers may let you take your contract with you to your new location to avoid fees. This is common in larger retailers such as AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin Energy moving house offers. |
| Incentives and special offers | Incentives include sign-up bonuses, rewards points and offers with partner companies such as Qantas, theme parks, movies and much more. Finding incentives that are relevant to you and your family can be a great way to offset the cost of your energy bills. Opting for a new provider can unlock discounts when moving house – Origin, AGL and a number of retailers have offers that are exclusive to new customers. |
| Customer satisfaction | One of the most important factors to consider is feedback from current customers. You want to find a supplier who is easy to contact, follows up with queries in a timely manner, and is reliable. Moving can be tough enough as it is, so you don’t want any added hassle from your new electricity provider. When moving house Origin, AGL and Energy Australia moving house services can provide peace of mind that your connection will go smoothly and support is only a phone call away. |
| Eco-friendliness | One of the newest and most impactful ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to switch to green energy. Look for plans that use renewable sources like wind, hydro and solar power. These plans are surprisingly affordable, even the 100% renewable electricity plans. Alternatively, most retailers now offer you the option of a carbon-neutral plan by investing in sustainable projects on your behalf to offset your energy usage. |
| Extra fees | Some contracts include cancellation fees, late fees, direct debit or credit card charges or paper billing surcharges. Make sure you read and understand the fine print of your new energy plan so you aren’t hit with any unpleasant surprises. |
You can read more about moving house electricity here: How can I find cheap utilities for my new home? Compare electricity plans the easy way
After the move
Once you arrive in your new home, there are a few extra things to do to make sure your new electricity connection is up and running and you are maximising your savings.
One of the first things you should do is set up electricity online with “Move-In Connect”. This service offered by Origin Energy allows customers to request a connection to the electricity network when moving to a new area serviced by the company. To use “Move-In Connect,” simply provide your personal and contact information, as well as your new address and the date you would like your electricity service to start.
Meter readings
Take a meter reading as soon as you can on the day you move into a new home. It’s easy to forget about this when all the excitement of moving day is happening, but it’s incredibly important.
Write down your meter readings and take a high-quality photo to submit to the supplier. This will avoid any discrepancies on your first bill.
- Be sure to take a reading as soon as you possibly can, so that your first bill is accurate.
- Contact the supplier for your new property about the meters, and be sure to be honest about your move-in date.
- Know that you are responsible for any usage from when you take over the property, not just from when you move in.
If your new home has a smart meter, you will be able to take a reading from your app, and your retailer will have access to the same information.
You can read more about how to take meter readings here: How to take a meter reading when moving house electricity and gas
If you’re moving into a new build property containing multiple apartments, it’s important to check the serial numbers on the meters before submitting your reading. Sometimes meters are mixed up with other apartments in the same building which can create confusion and lead to billing problems. If you identify a mix-up before your first bill, it’ll be much easier to sort out and avoid a billing mix-up.
If you need further advice, contact your retailer at the earliest possible time. Most retailers, including AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin Energy moving house support team will be happy to help.
Monitoring and Managing Your Energy Consumption
When moving into a new home, it’s important to track your energy usage to ensure that everything is as expected and to avoid any unexpected charges on your bill. To do this, you can use the app or online dashboard provided by your energy retailer, such as Origin Energy or Move in Connect.
By carefully reviewing the details of your contract and usage on these platforms, you can make sure everything is in order. When your first bill arrives, take the opportunity to double-check the details and ensure that the usage amount matches your meter readings or app.
If you notice any discrepancies or have any questions about your energy usage, don’t hesitate to reach out to your retailer for assistance. They will be happy to help and answer any questions you may have.
Save energy
Just because you have found the cheapest electricity and gas plan, doesn’t mean you can’t save even more by being energy efficient. Follow these tips to reduce the amount of energy usage in your home:
- Set the air conditioner and heating to the optimal temperature
- Use off-peak energy when possible
- Turn off the lights
- Use a master powerboard to power down all appliances when not in use
- Install high-quality insulation
- Consider going solar (you can access rebates and grants to help with the upfront costs)
You can also compare electricity plans and providers online to find the best deals and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
Conclusion
Congratulations on your new move. As you have just read, moving is more than just planning and packing. There is a lot of work involved in moving house gas and electricity connections.
But it can be easy if you use an online comparison tool like Move-In Connect to compare energy plans and switch providers.
Make your next move the best one yet – give us a call at 1300 786 045 or enter your details online.
FAQS
As a tenant, how do I switch my energy plan?
Tenants have rights when it comes to energy costs. If you are the one paying utility bills, then you have the right to choose your retailer, if you live in a deregulated state, to find the best deal.
If your landlord is paying the bills, you can only be charged for the electricity and gas you use from the designated retailer. The good news: tenant-paid utilities are capped, so they shouldn’t cover pool heating or general building repairs.
You can read more about finding the cheapest energy plan for your rental home here: How do I connect electricity and gas in my new rental?
What is an incumbent retailer and do I have to use them?
Each region has an incumbent energy retailer – they are the retailers that took over the government’s contracts when the energy market was deregulated. You do not have to buy your power through your incumbent retailer, but rather it is the incumbent’s responsibility to supply power to everyone in the region, even in times of rising energy costs, when smaller retailers are no longer profitable.
If you’re moving house Origin, AGL or Energy Australia’s moving house services are the incumbents, depending on the region you live in.
Who are the ‘big three’?
EnergyAustralia, AGL and Origin are the big three energy retailers, named because they have the biggest market share. This can make them an attractive choice when moving house gas and electricity plans, as they offer stability in a volatile market. Choosing EnergyAustralia, AGL or Origin to move house can give you peace of mind to avoid the problems facing smaller retailers.
Should I use EnergyAustralia, AGL or Origin Energy for moving house?
The right choice of retailer for you will depend on your unique circumstances. Choosing EnergyAustralia, AGL or Origin move house can offer you peace of mind in the current, volatile energy market. However, it might mean you miss out on some more suitable plans, particularly if you are looking for a solar or green option.
When moving house, Origin, AGL and EnergyAustralia can be the safest option, but not always the cheapest – talk to one of our experts to compare electricity plans and find the best option for you.
Is the new house connected to the mains?
You’ve found the perfect house and are ready to move in, but before you do, you need to make sure that the home has power. To avoid any unpleasant surprises do some research beforehand. You can ask your real estate agent or talk to Move-In Connect to find out the status of your new home’s power supply.
Alternatively, your retailer can help make sure your connection is ready – AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin moving house support will be happy to help.
Who can help me moving house gas and electricity?
Don’t worry, there is plenty of support out there to help! Simply call one of our experts on 1300 786 045 and we can help you every step of the way. Alternatively, if you have chosen a retailer, they will be able to support the process – AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin’s moving house services will make it a breeze!
Are all electricity and natural gas contracts the same?
Not all electricity and gas contracts are the same. Each electricity and natural gas retailer offers a range of contracts that can differ in their terms and conditions, payment options, length, price, other fees and charges, non-cash rewards and renewable/green power options. Some have offers specifically for movers, for example, choosing AGL, EnergyAustralia or Origin move house deals can unlock some great deals.
In fact, finding the best contract to match your needs can save you hundreds of dollars each year, so it’s worth shopping around. When moving house, Origin, EnergyAustralia and AGL are the ‘big three’ retailers and so often have attractive offers, but it’s worth checking a wide range of providers to make sure you get the best deal.
What is a prepayment meter?
You’re considering a new property, but it might deter you if you find out that the new electricity connection is through a prepayment meter. This type of meter is common in older apartment complexes and caravan parks. It means you must pay for your gas and electricity up-front with a key, token or smart card. There are some benefits to this, but it usually comes out more expensive due to higher rates and fewer plans to choose from.
What happens if my power isn’t on when I move?
Even with all the planning in the world, sometimes things go wrong. Call Move-In Connect or your retailer immediately to arrange a same-day connection. This may incur a fee, or if the retailer is at fault it should be done free of charge. EnergyAustralia, AGL and Origin moving house services guarantee your connection will be completed on time, so as long as you have given the right notice, you shouldn’t have any problems. Some smaller retailers also offer this promise.
If you have used AGL, EnergyAustralia or Origin to move house and you encounter an issue, they will send someone out to fix it on the same day or may be able to get you up and running remotely.
Useful links
- How long does it take to connect electricity to my new house
- How can I find cheap utilities for my new home? Compare electricity plans the easy way
- How to take a meter reading when moving house electricity and gas
- How do I connect electricity and gas in my new rental?
- Energy retailers in Australia
NOTE: This blog serves as a user guide to assist with Move-In Connect services. However, we do not offer origin services through our panel. The information provided here is for informational purposes. If you wish to move your electricity, gas, or internet services to Origin, kindly visit www.originenergy.com.au or contact 13 24 61 to explore your options.
