Connecting Your New Home: A Complete Guide to Utilities in WA
Moving into a new home in Western Australia is an exciting milestone. Amidst the chaos of unpacking boxes, one of the most important tasks is getting your essential services connected. Knowing who to call and what to do can turn a stressful job into a straightforward checklist.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up your electricity, gas, water, and internet in WA, whether you're moving to Perth, Bunbury, or Broome.
Before You Move: The Golden Rule of Utilities
Don't leave it until moving day! The single most important tip is to arrange your utility connections in advance. Most providers need at least 3-5 business days' notice to ensure your services are active on the day you get your keys. A last-minute request might mean a weekend without power or hot water.
What You'll Need to Hand
To make the process smooth, have the following information ready when you contact providers:
- Your new address in full.
- Your move-in date.
- Proof of Identity: A driver's licence or passport is usually required.
- Contact details: Your mobile number and email address.
- Payment details: For any upfront connection fees or deposits.
- Concession Card details: If you are eligible for any rebates (e.g., Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card).
1. Connecting Your Electricity
In Western Australia, your electricity provider is largely determined by where you live.
For Perth and the South West (SWIS network):
Your electricity retailer is Synergy. The network itself is managed by Western Power, but you only need to deal with Synergy to set up your account and get connected.
How to Connect: You can open a new account easily on the Synergy website or by calling their customer service line. Provide your new address and move-in date, and they will arrange for the power to be connected.
For Renters: If you are renting, your property manager may initiate the process, but the account must be in your name. You are responsible for the bills.
For regional and remote WA:
If you're moving outside the main SWIS grid (e.g., to regional towns like Esperance, Karratha, or Kununurra), your provider will be Horizon Power. The process is similar: contact them online or by phone before your move-in date.
2. Setting Up Your Natural Gas
Unlike electricity, the natural gas market in WA is deregulated, which means you have a choice of providers. This is a great opportunity to shop around for the best deal.
The main residential gas retailers in WA include:
- Alinta Energy
- Kleenheat
- Origin Energy
- AGL
How to Connect:
- Check Availability: First, confirm that your new home is connected to the mains gas network. The property listing or your real estate agent should be able to tell you.
- Compare Plans: Use a comparison website like Canstar Blue or check the providers' websites directly to compare rates, supply charges, and any sign-up deals.
- Contact Your Chosen Provider: Once you've made a choice, contact the provider to open an account. They will handle the connection process with the network operator, ATCO Gas Australia.
If your new home uses LPG gas bottles, you'll need to set up an account with an LPG supplier like Kleenheat or Origin to arrange for bottle delivery.
3. Getting the Water Flowing
This is the easiest utility to connect in Western Australia. The state's water and wastewater services are managed by a single, state-owned utility.
Your provider is the Water Corporation.
How to Connect:
If You're Buying a Home: This is usually handled for you. During the settlement process, your settlement agent will notify the Water Corporation of the change in ownership. The account will be automatically transferred to your name. It's always a good idea to confirm this has been done.
If You're Renting a Home: Your landlord or property manager is responsible for the main Water Corporation account. They will register you as the tenants with the Water Corporation. You will then be billed for your water consumption (what you use), while the landlord pays the fixed service charges.
You generally don't need to contact the Water Corporation yourself unless you suspect there's an issue with the transfer.
4. Arranging Your Internet and NBN
In today's world, a reliable internet connection is non-negotiable. This can sometimes be the trickiest utility to get right, so start the process early.
How to Connect:
- Check Your Connection Type: The first step is to visit the NBN Co website and enter your new address. This will tell you what type of NBN technology is available (e.g., FTTP, FTTN, HFC) and the connection status.
- Choose an Internet Service Provider (ISP): You have a wide choice of ISPs in WA, including major players like Telstra, Optus, TPG, and iiNet, as well as highly-rated challengers like Aussie Broadband and Superloop.
- Contact Your Chosen ISP: Sign up for a plan and provide your move-in date. If the property has an existing NBN connection, activation can be quick. If it requires a technician to visit, you'll want to book this as far in advance as possible.
Pro Tip: If you're facing a delay in getting your NBN connected, consider using your mobile phone as a temporary hotspot or purchasing a 4G/5G mobile broadband device to tide you over.
Don't Forget: Council Rates
While not a "utility" in the same way, notifying your local council is a crucial step for homeowners.
Who Pays? Council rates are the responsibility of the property owner. Renters do not pay council rates.
How it Works: Similar to the water connection, your settlement agent will inform the relevant local council of the change of ownership. A few weeks after moving in, it's wise to call your new council just to confirm they have your correct details for sending out the annual rates notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to pay a connection fee?
A: Yes, most electricity and gas providers charge a one-off connection or account establishment fee, which will appear on your first bill. The NBN may also have an activation fee depending on the provider and connection type.
Q: I'm renting. Do I need to connect utilities myself?
A: Yes. As a tenant, you are responsible for setting up and paying for your own electricity, gas, and internet accounts. Your landlord is responsible for the Water Corporation account and council rates, but you will be billed for your water usage.
Q: What government assistance or concessions are available in WA?
A: The WA government offers several concessions. The most common is the Energy Concession Extension Scheme (ECES), which provides discounts on electricity and gas bills for eligible concession card holders. You can apply for this through your retailer (Synergy or Horizon Power). The Water Corporation also has concessions available.
Q: How do I disconnect the utilities at my old house?
A: When you contact your providers to set up your new connection, you should also schedule the disconnection at your old address. Arrange for this to happen the business day after you move out to avoid any overlap or being left in the dark during the final clean.
By following this checklist, you can ensure your new WA home is ready and waiting with all the modern comforts from the moment you walk through the door. Welcome to the West