Moving your utilities like a pro

Moving house can be one of the most stressful times in your life, no matter how well organised you are.  

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 water waiting 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 alintaenergy.com.au/blog, where you’ll find some of our best energy tips we’ve learnt over the past 25 years.