Same-day electricity connection

Back to top

What is a same-day electricity connection?

How long does it normally take to get my electricity connected?

Why would I want a same-day connection?

Does it cost more for a same-day connection?

How do I get a same-day connection?

Get move-in day ready by comparing energy plans with iSelect

Long story short

Same-day connections keep your move on track

If you’ve forgotten to book your connection ahead of time, some providers offer same-day connections if you meet cut-off times.

How long it takes to get connected depends on your meter

Smart meters are quicker to connect since it can be done remotely, while manually read meters may take until the end of the day.

Be ready to pay an extra fee for your electricity connection

Same-day connections usually come with a fee, but it won’t show up until your first bill, so no need to pay anything up-front.

What is a same-day electricity connection?

A same-day electricity connection is a service offered by providers across Australia to switch on new electricity connections quickly; it’s especially useful when moving house. For an added cost, this service allows most electricity providers to connect your home’s power within the same day (or in some cases, the next business day). This is as long as you meet the connection application cut-off time, which is usually around early afternoon on weekdays. For a home in Victoria, a same-day or next-day connection service could cost between around $50 and $100, depending on your postcode and your meter.

The good news is that you usually won’t need to be home for the connection (unless you live in Queensland or New South Wales). As long as there’s easy access to your electricity meter, your distributor’s electrician (the company that owns the powerlines and wires that move your electricity supply) can take care of everything while you focus on moving all of those boxes. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying takeaway at your makeshift table (a pile of boxes) with the fridge all hooked up and ready to save tonight’s leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.

How long does it normally take to get my electricity connected?

Standard electricity connections should take about 3 business days, whereas with a same-day connection, your electricity should be connected before the end of the day. If you’ve got a smart meter, a same-day connection to the electricity network could be as quick as a few hours since it’s all remote. For manually read meters, you should be connected before the day’s end (around 5:30 pm). At times the connection process can take a little longer, sometimes up until midnight. Ultimately, it really depends on where your home is, who your distributor is and the type of meter you have.

Once you’ve called up to organise your electricity connection (and the disconnection for your old home), your provider will contact the distributor to get things moving. Whether you’re an existing customer or you’ve just switched energy providers, the timeframe should be the same. However, new customers might need to complete a bit more of the electricity account admin before getting connected.

Just remember that weekends and public holidays are generally off limits when it comes to energy connections. So, you’ll have to hold out until Monday morning to get an urgent connection. And some electricity providers might only offer next-day connections, not same-day ones.

Helpful tip

While same-day connections happen on the same day, your home might not actually get connected until late in the afternoon or evening. That might happen even if you book in the day before your same-day connection date (after your energy retailer’s cutoff). If you know you’ll need your power ASAP, booking a few days ahead is the safest bet. If not, then you’ll just have to roll with the punches and focus on moving boxes and furniture through the door until the lights turn on.

Julia Paszka

General Manager – Utilities

Why would I want a same-day connection?

A same-day connection is crucial if you want power immediately when moving into your new home. Whether you’ve forgotten to organise your new connection or decided last-minute that you need power for your new home earlier than planned, a same-day connection is an ideal last-minute option. Same-day connections can come with higher fees, but they can save you from waiting around if you’ve missed the cut off window for a standard electricity connection.

Does it cost more for a same-day connection?

Yes, same-day connections cost more than standard electricity connections. For example, in Victoria, a same-day electricity connection fee is free if you have a smart meter, but if you have a manual meter, it could average around $95, depending on your meter and distributor.

The exact amount you’ll be charged depends on your area, your distributor, your electricity retailer and whether you have a smart meter or not. The good news is that your urgent connection fee will most likely pop up on your first bill, so you won’t have to pay anything up-front.

How do I get a same-day connection?

Most of the time, to get a same-day connection, you’ll need to call up your provider ASAP. Most have a cut-off period around early afternoon. If you call in time, then you might be able to get your connection completed before the day is over. Whether you’re a new or existing customer, you’ll probably need to provide a few details when organising a same-day connection. This will include your new address, contact info and possibly more to get things moving. Just make sure your electricity is switched off at the mains and there’s clear access to your meter (unless it’s a smart one). That way, the distributor can do its thing without needing you to hang around.

Get move-in day ready by comparing energy plans with iSelect

Same-day connections are a great backup plan, but getting in and booking a connection date early could be a smarter move that doesn’t leave you in the lurch. Booking in early could also give you some time to think about shopping around for a new energy plan. If you’re all focused on fresh starts in your new home, iSelect could help you see where your energy plan stacks up against the competition. Jump online to our comparison tool to compare from a range of policies and plans or call up 1800 664 532 to see if our energy comparison experts can help you.