Whether you’re moving or building a new home, it’s important you understand the electricity and gas connection costs that may be included. That’s why in this guide, we’ve listed the relevant connection and disconnection price estimates across the distribution networks in each state or territory.
We’ve also shared what these costs may look like from retailers, based on the big three providers – AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin Energy. Keep reading to see what charges may be awaiting you next time you move your home energy.
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What is a connection fee?
A connection fee is a charge that your energy retailer may charge you when you move from one property to another. Before you move into a new property, you’ll need to contact your energy company to transfer the electricity and/or gas account to your name. Most energy retailers will need up to three business days to organise a connection. However, if you need to connect sooner, you can call the retailer and organise an urgent connection. This may attract additional fees though.
It will usually be the case that while the property has a physical connection to the power grid, it has been ‘disconnected’ in the sense that the power has been switched off. Your retailer can then organise a reconnection through the local distributor. Generally, you do not need to be home during the connection process, however some states and territories may require an adult at the premise so be sure to confirm this with the retailer in case you miss your connection date.
Connection charges will differ significantly among distributors in each area so it is important read your energy fact sheet or contact your provider if you have any concerns.
What is a disconnection fee?
Similar to a connection fee, you may be required to pay a disconnection fee when you move homes. The process and fees for disconnections are very similar to connections. Simply contact your current energy provider at least three business days ahead of time and they will organise the disconnection of the property.
It is important to do this sooner rather than later though, as for each day you are connected to the energy grid, you may incur a fixed network service charge – usually around $1 a day. This applies regardless of whether or not you use any electricity. So if you move out and don’t disconnect your property immediately you may end up incurring these additional costs. (This is also something to keep in mind if you have a gas connection but don’t use any gas – you’ll still get charged for supply).
If the property is being demolished, then the customer must instead request a ‘supply abolishment’. This can cost upwards of $300.
How much does a connection or disconnection fee cost?
Connection or disconnection fees usually sit around a fairly reasonable $10 to $50, however some distributors may charge up to nearly $100. The distributor is the company responsible for managing the energy infrastructure in your area, while the retailer is only responsible for billing and customer-end services. Your retailer may collect the connection/disconnection fee on behalf of the distributor. This means you can’t really shop around for a cheaper connection charge.
Below we have outlined the connection fee estimates for the electricity and natural gas distribution networks across the country. These fees are based on the ‘final meter read’ or ‘remote connection/disconnection’ estimated costs from each distributor and should be used as a general guide only. Costs may be higher for customers who need manual disconnection or reconnection services. Additional support may also incur further costs. For more information it is best to contact your energy retailer or network distributor.
Electricity Connection & Disconnection Fees by Distributor
| State | Distribution Network | Connection/Disconnection Fee |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Ausgrid | $14.60 |
| Endeavour | $49.80 | |
| Essential Energy | $63.31 | |
| QLD | Energex | N/A |
| Ergon Energy | N/A | |
| ACT | EvoEnergy | $102.40 |
| SA | SA Power Networks | $19.35 |
| VIC | Citipower | N/A (remote access) |
| Powercor | N/A (remote access) | |
| Ausnet Services | N/A (remote access) | |
| Jemena | N/A (remote access) | |
| United Energy | N/A (remote access) | |
| WA | Horizon Power | $6.52 |
| TAS | TasNetworks | $100.97 |
| NT | Power and Water Corporation | $70.57 |
Correct as of September 2023
Natural Gas Connection & Disconnection Fees by Distributor
| State | Distribution Network | Connection/Disconnection Fee |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Jemena | $15.07 |
| Australian Gas Networks Albury | $63.81 | |
| Australian Gas Networks Murray Valley | $63.81 | |
| Australian Gas Networks | $63.81 | |
| Central Ranges Tamworth | $57.12 | |
| QLD | Australian Gas Networks | $24.83 |
| APT Allgas | $13.64 | |
| SA | Australian Gas Networks | $13.65 |
| ACT | EvoEnergy | $13.20 |
| VIC | Multinet | $8.22 |
| Australian Gas Networks (Metro) | $11.33 | |
| Australian Gas Networks (Non-Metro) | $15.62 | |
| Australian Gas Networks Mildura | $13.64 | |
| Ausnet Services | $7.64 | |
| WA | Atco Gas Australia | $60.79 |
| TAS | TasGas | $110 |
Correct as of September 2023
How much do retailers charge for connection and disconnection fees?
Energy retailers may charge customers a connection or disconnection on behalf of the energy distributor in the customer’s area. While this prices may differ slightly from retailer to retailer, it is important to note that these prices are set by the distributor and not retailers. To give you an idea of what you could pay for asking your retailer to disconnect or connect your home electricity or natural gas, we’ve shared basic pricing information from the big three providers – AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin Energy – below.
Origin Connection Fees
Customers can contact Origin Energy to organise an electricity or natural gas connection. Expect to pay anywhere from $14 to $102 for an electricity connection, and $7 to $63 for a gas connection, depending on where you live.
AGL Connection Fees
AGL will connect your home’s electricity for a fee of up to $70. It will also connect gas for a maximum fee of $15.
EnergyAustralia Connection Fees
EnergyAustralia can connect your home to the electricity grid for as little as $14, or as much as $102. Gas connections on the other hand will set you a back little more – between $13 and $168.
Compare cheap electricity plans
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
How do I connect a new property to the grid?
To connect a new property to the electricity grid, you’ll need to contact the local energy distributor for the area. There will usually be no upfront fee, as the distributor recuperates its costs through the network charge component on power bills. New South Wales customers, however, may need to organise an accredited service provider (not the distributor) to set up their connection and pay the costs upfront. This could cost several hundred dollars depending on the complexity of the work.
What is a special connection?
Special connections are those that require a little more hardware than a standard or basic connection. Some distributors may call these extension services, for they’ll need to extend the line of power poles to the property in order to build the connection out. Others may require additional powerlines to reinforce the existing infrastructure, which is known as an augmentation.
As you might expect, these services are likely to come at an additional cost but extension services will usually be provided on a quoted basis. Prices and connection policies vary considerably across different distributors, so be sure to check with your local distributor before planning a new connection.
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Do I have to connect to the energy grid?
After reading all of this you might wonder if it’s worth avoiding all the connection hassle and simply go ‘off-grid’. While this is possible thanks to solar panels and storage batteries, it is not yet a cost-effective solution.
If you’re just fed up with energy companies in general, it might be that you just haven’t found the right one – but that’s where we can help. See how fellow Aussies rate their electricity and gas providers in Canstar Blue’s customer satisfaction ratings. You can also compare prices using our comparison tool by following the link below.
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