utility connection services explained

What is a utility connection service?

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In this Canstar Blue guide we explain what a utility connection service is, how much it costs to use and the potential benefits using one could bring to your next move.

Finding a new place to rent or buy is stressful. Then you have the added hassle of tying up your affairs at your old place, handling your actual move, and getting electricity, gas and internet connected so you can live in your new place.

This is the point at which you might be tempted by a utility connection service that lets you focus on moving couches, not calling internet or energy providers. But is using a utilities connection service a smart move? We’ve set out the pros and cons of using a utility connection service to help you decide whether you’d like help moving or switching your utilities connections or would rather go your own way when it comes to home utilities.

What is a utility connection service?

utility connection services

A utility connection service typically acts as a middleman between you and utilities companies such as internet, electricity, gas and pay-TV providers. Some will even hook you up with removal firms and buildings and contents insurers. Such services most commonly help you switch utilities providers as part of your move by allowing you to compare services available at your new address from multiple providers, choose the internet, energy and other plans you want, then allow the service to kickstart the switching process for you. 

Utilities connection services are offered by many types of businesses. Real estate agents and utilities providers themselves often offer such services, as do comparison sites (like Canstar Blue – we have a utilities connection service offering powered by SmartMe) and other businesses that have – pardon the pun – connections to the utilities sectors. 

These services are opt-in only, which means you can’t be compelled to use one. You can still move your existing utilities plans to your new address – assuming they’re available at that address – by contacting your current providers yourself directly and arranging to move your connections to your new address. And you can still switch plans by using a comparison service or by directly contacting providers. Switching energy providers, for example, is easier than you may think. 

Can I get a free utility connection service?

Yes, a utility connection service is generally free for consumers to use. The connection service is paid for by the utilities providers when the providers’ plans are chosen by service users (such as yourself). The user gets a new plan with little hassle, the provider gets a new customer and the connection service receives a payment – usually in the form of a commission – of the plan’s value. Where a connection service is owned by a utilities provider itself, the service may be used as a way to attract and retain customers. 

Commission rates aren’t usually disclosed but some utilities connection services may work with ‘preferred suppliers’. And some providers may choose not to appear among the providers displayed by some connection services. What each of these scenarios mean is that you may not see all plans available from all providers at your new address if you use a utilities connection service. 

What are the benefits of using a utility connection service?

Utility connection services are extremely convenient for households to use, particularly when they are moving from one property to another. Aside from convenience, some of the other benefits are that: 

  • It allows you to see plans for different kinds of utilities in one place
  • You can arrange to switch plans and providers without needing to call all companies individually
  • You don’t have to pay directly for the service.

Are there any downsides to using a utility connection service?

As is the case with most things, there are also some potential downsides to using a utility connection service for your next home move. Some things that may turn you off a utility connection service include:

  • Limited plan range from only a handful of utilities providers 
  • Limited disconnection services, meaning you may still have to contact your current providers to disconnect utilities
  • Plan prices may be higher in order for the service provider to receive a ‘cut’.

Looking for a new electricity plan? Check out some cheap power plans below

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.

Is a utility connection service worth using?

Utility connection services are a pretty convenient way to hook up the utilities you need to move into your new home. They’re usually a free service and often online, which means fewer phone calls. And you may be able to get your utilities connected within as little as 24 hours. However, you may not be shown the cheapest or best utilities plans available. Plus, you will probably still have to contact your existing utilities providers to disconnect your current services. 

Overall, a utility connection service is like buying a bag of chips from a petrol station because you’re hungry while driving. It may not be the cheapest option, you may not see the full range you’d find at the supermarket, but it’s a convenient way of meeting a need when you’ve got places to go and things to do. 

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Kelseigh Wrigley
Energy Specialist
Kelseigh Wrigley covers Australia's retail energy market, growing her industry specific expertise over the last 2 years. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism at the Queensland University of Technology and has contributed her skills to online publications Hunter & Bligh and local radio station 4ZZZ.

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