How to Set Up Utilities in Australia — Electricity, Gas, Water & Internet

What You Need to Connect

When moving into a new home in Australia, you'll typically need to arrange four utilities:

1. Electricity — essential, every home needs it. You choose your provider.
2. Gas — not all homes have gas (some are all-electric). If your home has gas appliances (cooktop, hot water, heating), you'll need to connect it.
3. Water — usually already connected, especially in rentals. Your landlord typically handles the supply charges.
4. Internet — you choose your provider and plan. Most areas have NBN (National Broadband Network).

Setting Up Electricity

Electricity is the most important utility to connect. In most Australian states, you can choose from multiple electricity retailers — the market is deregulated, meaning providers compete for your business.

Major Electricity Providers

• AGL — one of the big three, available nationally
• Origin Energy — another major national provider
• EnergyAustralia — the third of the big three
• Alinta Energy — competitive rates, growing market share
• Red Energy / Lumo Energy — owned by Snowy Hydro, competitive pricing
• Smaller retailers — Momentum Energy, Powershop, Amber Electric, and others often have better deals

How to Connect

1. Choose a provider (see comparison tools below)
2. Contact them online or by phone with your move-in date and address
3. Provide your identification (passport, driver's licence) and contact details
4. They'll arrange the connection — usually within 1-3 business days
5. If the property has a smart meter, it can often be connected remotely on the day

Setting Up Gas

Not every Australian home uses gas. Many newer buildings are all-electric. Check whether your property has gas connections by looking for a gas cooktop, gas hot water system, or gas heating. If your home doesn't have gas, you don't need to worry about this section.

If your home does have gas, the setup process is similar to electricity — choose a provider, contact them with your move-in date, and they'll arrange connection. Many people bundle their gas and electricity with the same provider for convenience and sometimes a small discount.

Gas vs All-Electric

There's an ongoing shift in Australia toward all-electric homes, driven by the increasing efficiency of heat pump hot water systems and reverse-cycle air conditioning. Some states (like Victoria) are phasing out new gas connections entirely. If you have the choice, all-electric is generally cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

Water Supply

Water works differently from electricity and gas in Australia:

• If you're renting: The water supply is usually already connected. Your landlord pays the fixed supply charges. You'll typically pay for water usage (the amount you use), which is billed separately. Your landlord or property manager will tell you the arrangement.
• If you're buying: You'll need to transfer the water account into your name through your local water authority (e.g., Sydney Water, Yarra Valley Water, Urban Utilities).

You generally cannot choose your water provider — each area has a single water authority. Water costs are relatively low compared to electricity and gas.

Internet & NBN

Australia's internet runs primarily through the NBN (National Broadband Network) — a government-built network that covers most of the country. You choose from various retail providers who use the NBN infrastructure.

Common NBN Speed Tiers

Popular Internet Providers

• Telstra — largest provider, good coverage but usually most expensive
• Optus — second largest, competitive plans with entertainment bundles
• TPG — budget-friendly, reliable service
• Superloop — fast, no contract, great value
• Aussie Broadband — excellent customer service, enthusiast-favourite
• Belong — Telstra's budget brand, good simple plans

How to Compare Providers

Australia has several free comparison tools to help you find the best deal:

• Energy Made Easy — the Australian Government's official energy comparison site. Enter your address and estimated usage to compare all available plans.
• Victorian Energy Compare — for Victorian residents, this government tool compares electricity and gas.
• Canstar / iSelect / Compare the Market — commercial comparison sites that cover energy, insurance, and more. Useful but may not show all providers.
• WhistleOut — excellent for comparing internet and mobile plans.

Typical Utility Costs

Here's what a typical household can expect to pay for utilities:

Costs vary significantly by state, season (heating in winter, cooling in summer), and household habits. Victoria and South Australia tend to have higher electricity costs. Queensland and NSW are moderate. Western Australia has regulated pricing.

Tips to Save on Utility Bills

1. Compare providers annually. Don't stay with the same provider out of loyalty. Switch every 12 months to take advantage of new customer deals. Switching is free and takes 1-2 billing cycles.
2. Use off-peak electricity. If you have a smart meter and a time-of-use plan, run your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer during off-peak hours (usually 10pm-7am). This can save 20-30%.
3. Switch to LED lighting. LED bulbs use 75% less energy than old incandescent bulbs and last years longer.
4. Set your thermostat wisely. Every degree of heating above 20C or cooling below 24C adds approximately 10% to your energy bill. Use blankets and fans before cranking the heater or AC.
5. Seal draughts. Check for gaps around doors and windows. Door snakes and draught stoppers are cheap and effective.
6. Wash clothes in cold water. Modern detergents work perfectly in cold water, and heating water accounts for a large portion of energy use.
7. Take shorter showers. Hot water is one of the biggest energy costs. A 4-minute shower uses significantly less energy than an 8-minute one.
8. Turn off standby power. Appliances on standby (TVs, gaming consoles, chargers) use "vampire power." Use power strips with switches to turn them off completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do utilities cost per month in Australia?

For a typical 2-bedroom apartment, expect to pay $150-$250/month for electricity, $50-$100/month for gas (if connected), and $60-$90/month for internet. Water is usually included in rent for apartments. Total utility costs average $300-$500/month depending on usage, location, and season. Use our Cost of Living Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Can I choose my electricity provider in Australia?

Yes, in most states you can choose from multiple electricity and gas retailers. The deregulated market means providers compete on price. Use government comparison sites like Energy Made Easy to find the best deal for your usage. Western Australia has a more regulated market with fewer options.

How long does it take to connect electricity to a new home?

If the property already has a connection (which most do), electricity can usually be connected within 1-3 business days. Properties with smart meters can sometimes be connected remotely on the same day. Arrange your connection at least 1-2 weeks before your move-in date to avoid any delays.

Do I need to connect water separately in Australia?

If you're renting, water is usually already connected. Your landlord pays supply charges and you may pay for usage separately. If buying, transfer the water account through your local water authority. Water is not a choice market — each area has a single provider.

What is the best internet plan in Australia?

For most households, an NBN 50 plan ($60-$75/month) provides sufficient speed for streaming, video calls, and general use. Families with heavy usage may want NBN 100 ($80-$100/month). Aussie Broadband and Superloop consistently rate well for speed and service. Compare plans at WhistleOut. Read our full NBN guide for detailed internet setup instructions.

Disclaimer: Prices and availability of utility providers vary by location and change regularly. Always check current pricing on provider websites or official comparison tools. SettleAU is not affiliated with any utility provider. This is general information, not financial advice.