We Help With New Connections
Most Australians set up their electricity connection without comparing plans first, which often means starting on a standing offer and paying more from day one.
BearChoice helps you compare retailers and organise your connection across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and the ACT before your move-in date, free of charge.
Ways We Can Help
1
Connecting Electricity when moving to a new home
For most established residential properties, electricity can typically be connected within one to three business days.
The process is often faster and more seamless when you organise your energy retailer before moving in.
Here’s how it works:
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Provide your new address and preferred connection date.
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Compare electricity/gas plans with BearChoice.
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Choose the recommended retailer and plan.
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BearChoice will work with your chosen retailer to action the connection request.
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The meter is activated and your power/gas is turned on.
If the property has a smart meter, electricity may be connected remotely on the same day.
2
Connecting Electricity When Moving to a Rental
If you’re moving into a rental property, you can usually choose your own electricity retailer as long as the account is registered in your name and the property is not connected to an embedded network.
Embedded networks are private electricity systems where power is supplied through a single provider managed by the building owner. In these cases, your choice of retailer may be restricted.
For most rentals with an existing connection, setting up electricity is simple. Compare plans through BearChoice, choose a retailer, and provide your new address and move-in date. If the property has a smart meter, power can often be activated remotely before you arrive.
It’s important not to leave your electricity setup until the last minute. You could automatically be placed on a default standing offer, which is often more expensive than competitive market plans. If you’re unsure how to compare providers, contact us so we can help you understand what to consider before signing up.
3
Connecting Electricity at a New Build
Connecting electricity to a new build is more complex than reconnecting an existing property, as it requires a brand-new connection. Planning early can help avoid delays to your move-in date.
New build electricity connections generally include the following steps:
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A licensed electrician completes the internal wiring and provides a Certificate of Compliance.
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If no power is available during construction, a temporary site connection may be installed.
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Subdivision projects may require additional infrastructure, such as poles, transformers, or powerlines.
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Your energy retailer submits the connection request to the local distributor once the electrical work is certified.
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The distributor installs the meter and activates the power supply.
Most new home electricity connections take several weeks to complete, depending on your location and how quickly compliance documents are submitted.