Mon-Fri 9AM to 8PM (AEST)Connecting utilities such as electricity, gas, and internet services is crucial when moving into a new home. Moving home is significantly stressful if utility connections are delayed or overlooked.
Understanding utility connection processes is crucial. This will ensure your new home connections happen seamlessly, with minimal stress.
Points covered:
- Factors influencing utility connection times.
- Average utility connection timeframes
- How to speed up the connection process
- Finding the providers for:
-
- Energy connections;
- Gas Connections; &
- NBN connections.
Factors Influencing Connection Time:
Various factors influence new home connection timeframes: Various factors influence new home connection timeframes:
- Location:
-
- If you live in rural or remote areas, you may experience longer wait times. This is due to infrastructure limitations and accessibility issues.
- Urban residents may have faster connection time-frames due to well-established infrastructure and ease of accessibility.
- Provider procedures:
-
- Energy providers have different connection procedures, which can significantly impact connection timeframes.
- Providers with streamlined processes and responsive customer service typically have faster turnaround on utility connections.
- Seasonal demands:
-
- Like many countries, Australia has peak moving periods.
- During peak moving periods, providers experience higher service requests, which can result in utility connection delays.
Average Utility Connection Timeframes:
In Australia, it typically takes an average of 1-5 business days to connect electricity. Gas connection timeframes average 1-10 days.
These timeframe estimates take into consideration application processing, installation and service activation. These are estimates, and actual connection times may vary. Various factors influence connection timeframes, many of which are beyond provider control.
Tips to Speed up the Process:
While utility connection times may seem daunting, some strategies can help expedite the process:
- Early Planning: Plan and lodge your application as soon as possible. This allows ample time for energy providers to process and schedule your energy connection. Researching and selecting your provider in advance enables you to choose the best retailer. This may even speed up connection times.
- Choose Efficient Providers: Seek utility providers known for quick turnaround times and reliable service. Ratings and reviews provide insight into company performance and customer satisfaction. This can prevent disappointment and delays in your new home connection.
- Your Availability and flexibility: Speed up installation processes by ensuring someone is readily available for installation appointments. Organise times with your provider and maintain flexibility to minimise connection delays.
- Consider Connection Services: Home connection services can streamline the process. They handle paperwork, applications, and coordination of installation, expediting utility connections and minimising efforts required by you.
Understanding Associated Fees:
Before you finalise your plan, check for fees. Most Australian energy providers have free connection services. However, internet and NBN connection may have equipment/modem costs or installation fees.
Short-term moves:
If you’re doing a short-term move, temporary utility connections are available. They provide essential services without long-term contracts.
Notifications:
Notify utility providers of previous residents or existing connections at your property. This will speed up the transfer of new utility connections into your name and the activation process. Information accuracy in site connections can help prevent unnecessary delays or complications.
Monitoring Progress:
Stay up to date on the status of your utility connections. Monitor application progress through provider portals. These are online, and some providers even have apps you can download.
Relocation Assistance:
See if you qualify for relocation assistance services some providers and government agencies offer. These services provide guidance and support during the moving process. They can help make the connection process seamless and may save you money.
Ongoing Support:
Communicate with your provider even after your new connections are finalised. This will ensure prompt assistance regarding billing inquiries, issues, or account updates. Reviewing your utility bills and energy usage will help identify service issues. For example, cheaper energy plans that suit your energy usage may be available.
Finding the best providers:
So, now you know the timeframes and how to speed up your energy connections, but how do you find the best provider?
Research and Compare Providers
Step one is researching and comparing energy providers in your area. Check different companies; the services offered their pricing, and customer reviews. This will give you an understanding of which provider best suits you.
Consider Bundling Services
Many utility providers bundle services for internet/NBN, phone services, energy, and gas. Bundling can save you money and simplify the set-up and maintenance of utilities. An added benefit is having all your services in one location.
Check for Special Deals and Promotions
Check for special deals and promotions. Discounted rates may be available for new customers or offers, including free installation and rewards. These can save you money in the long term.
Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate
Once you know what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to negotiate with the provider. Many companies may be willing to offer you additional services or better pricing; you only need to ask.
Recap and recommendations:
These tips help you find the best provider for your new utility connection. However, research can be time-consuming, and we understand that when moving home, having processes simplified is crucial.
Take the hassle out of comparison:
We recommend using a free utility comparison service to save time. These can help you find the best NBN plans, energy plans and gas plans available. These providers work with a panel of preferred providers to find the best deals in your area. They take the hassle out of home connections.
Utility comparison companies such as CheapBills can help you find the best utility rates available and reduce your utility bills.
Cheap Bills can simplify the process of setting up new utility connections. We specialise in finding you the best energy and NBN plans. We cater to both residential and business customers and can help you save on your electricity bills, gas bills and NBN bills.
Cheap Bills specialises in matching you with the perfect energy company for your needs. We cater to residential customers and businesses, helping you save on energy bills.
Our qualified team will assess your needs, simplify the comparison process, and match you with a great energy retailer or NBN retailer.
Contact us for more information, help sorting out your new home move, or help analysing your power bill or NBN bill.
Input your details into our website and use our FREE comparison tool: https://www.cheapbills.com.au/;
Call: 1300 786 045; OR
Email: info@cheapbills.com.au
Our preferred utility providers are:
About the Author:
Raised in far North Queensland, Elsie moved to Melbourne, Victoria, ten years ago and hasn’t looked back. She has a degree in business and communications. Elsie is passionate about transparent communication, loves research, and enjoys helping people understand the utility comparison industry.
