Moving your utilities like a pro

Whether you’re renting or buying, don’t leave it until moving day to get your utilities sorted. At the end of moving day, you’re going to want a shower with hot running waterwaiting for you.

When it comes to energy, Western Australia does things a little differently from the rest of the country. So to help you get started, we’ve broken down some of the basic things you should know.

Water

• Buying and moving into a new property? Your settlement agent will need to contact your local water utility provider and let them know a few details about the sale so they can organise a final water meter reading. This will ensure that you are only charged for the water that you use.
• If you’re organising your own settlement, you will need to arrange for your own final water meter reading by calling your water utility provider. There are a few steps that you’ll need to consider – to find out more visit watercorporation.com.au.
• If you’re moving in or out of a rental property, in most cases the homeowner or real estate agent will organise a meter reading and update any billing details. Make sure to check this with your agent prior to moving in or out.

Electricity

• Have you bought your first home? You’ll need to open an electricity account for your new place. To find out more about setting up an electricity account, visit synergy.net.au.
• If you’re moving in or out of an existing property, you’ll need to contact your electricity retailer to open, close or transfer your electricity account.
• It’s a little different if you’re renting. Some real estate agents or landlords may organise the electricity account on your behalf, including an electricity meter reading.

Gas

• Don’t leave your gas account to the last minute. If you’re moving house, make sure you close your gas account at your old property and open a gas account at your new property. This will help to ensure that you are only charged for the gas that you consume.
• Some gas retailers use estimated reads to calculate your gas usage, with Alinta Energy you are charged quarterly based on your actual gas consumption – something to consider if you’re shopping around for a great gas deal.

For more information about the WA energy market visit our blog, where you’ll find some of our best energy tips we’ve learnt over the past 25 years.