Electricity Connection Victoria

Setting up a new electricity connection in Victoria might sound complicated, but it’s easier when you understand who’s responsible for what and what happens next. From selecting a retailer to getting the power switched on, here’s how the process works from start to finish:

1. Choose an energy retailer and electricity plan that fits your postcode, usage habits, and whether the connection is for a home or business.
2. Open an energy account with your chosen retailer and request a new electricity connection or reconnection.
3. Provide key details such as your new address, preferred connection date, and your NMI (National Meter Identifier), if available.
4. Organise meter installation or a meter reading, especially if your electricity meter is faulty, missing, or hasn’t been used in some time.
5. The electricity distributor activates the supply, usually within one business day for properties that already have a meter and don’t need additional electrical work.

Whether you’re moving into a new build or starting a business, the connection process changes depending on the property type and electricity supply setup. A new home or new property often needs a new meter, powerline connection, and electrical work signed off by a licensed electrical contractor, while businesses may face higher capacity needs, embedded networks, or negotiated energy connections.

Picking a new energy retailer matters because it affects pricing, service quality, and long-term costs. Before locking anything in, it helps to look at the details that shape your experience:

• Energy plan rates: Usage charges, supply fees, and discounts all influence ongoing energy bills.
• Contract terms: Some plans have exit fees, while others allow flexible disconnection without penalties.
• Billing options: Paperless billing, payment plans, and meter reading frequency can vary by retailer.
• Solar and gas connections: Bundling gas connections or a gas meter with electricity can simplify accounts.
• Customer support: Service levels differ, especially during outages or urgent electricity supply issues.

After weighing these factors, GoSwitch makes comparison easier by showing suitable Victorian energy plans side by side, saving time and reducing the risk of choosing a poor-value retailer.

Electricity distributors own and maintain the local network, including poles, wires, and meters, and your location determines which service provider applies:

• Jemena: Covers north and west Melbourne, managing electricity distribution and meter installation in these areas.
• Powercor: Services western Victoria and parts of regional areas, including many new home developments.
• AusNet Services: Supplies eastern Victoria and outer Melbourne suburbs with electricity distribution infrastructure.
• United Energy: Covers south-east Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula.
• CitiPower: Manages electricity distribution in Melbourne’s CBD and inner suburbs, including Docklands, Carlton, and Fitzroy.

Your distributor can’t be changed, but knowing who they are is useful when organising a new electricity connection, reporting outages, or understanding meter installation timeframes.

Not all electricity connections are the same, and the type required depends on your property and usage needs:

• Basic connection: Used for most existing homes with an electricity meter already installed.
• Complex connection: Required for larger loads, new meter installation, or upgrades to the powerline.
• Negotiated connection: Often applies to businesses or developments needing customised electricity supply arrangements.
• Embedded networks: Common in apartments, retirement villages, and some new estates where power is supplied internally.

Electricity connections in Victoria are regulated to ensure safety and fairness across the energy market:

• Victorian Service & Installation Rules: Sets technical standards for meter installation, electrical safety, and network connections.
• Electrical safety laws: Protect households, businesses, and traditional owners by requiring certified electrical work.
• Consumer protections: Cover billing accuracy, outages management, and disconnection rules, including support for elders and vulnerable customers.
• Energy market oversight: Ensures electricity distributors and retailers follow Victorian and national regulations.

Comparing electricity retailers doesn’t need to be frustrating or time-consuming. GoSwitch helps residential and business customers in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and the ACT compare electricity plans and set up new connections in just a few steps:

1. Enter your postcode to see which electricity retailers and energy plans are available in your area.
2. Tell us about your needs, whether you’re moving house, connecting a new property, or switching retailers.
3. Compare available plans side by side, including usage rates, supply charges, discounts, solar feed-in tariffs, and contract terms.
4. Choose the energy plan that fits best, based on your budget, usage patterns, and any extras like gas or green energy options.
5. Let GoSwitch handle the setup. We’ll help coordinate the connection with your chosen retailer and guide you through any next steps, like meter installation or activation.

GoSwitch saves you from making dozens of calls or second-guessing which plan to go with. It’s the fast, free way to get your electricity supply sorted with less stress and better results.