Urgent Electricity Connection
Do you need an urgent electricity connection to your new home? Find out how to get the power connected quickly here with Savvy
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We understand that life doesn't always go to plan, and there may be a time where you find yourself in need of an urgent electricity connection. Whether it's an unexpected sudden relocation, a complicated purchase settlement that quickly comes good, or any other unforeseen circumstance, we're here to help you navigate the connection process swiftly and efficiently. This Savvy guide is designed to help you get an urgent electricity connection so you can carry on with your life without further delay. Let's dive into the steps required for a fast power connection and get you back on track in no time.
Is it possible to get an urgent electricity connection?
Naturally it's ideal to arrange your new power connection well in advance, but there may be situations where you require power to be connected urgently. The good news is that most electricity retailers can provide next-business-day power connections if requested. If you notify your retailer before 1pm on any one day, there’s a reasonable chance that you can be connected the following day (excluding public holidays).
If you do find yourself in need of urgent electricity, it's important to contact your chosen retailer as soon as possible. By explaining the urgency of your situation, they may be able to prioritise your connection request and work to ensure your power is activated promptly.
It's worth noting that while most retailers strive to provide quick connections, there may be factors that can impact the timeline, such as the availability of technicians or special infrastructure requirements.
What if I need an urgent same-day electricity connection?
If you find yourself in need of an urgent same-day electricity connection, there are a few steps you can take to expedite the process. Here's what you can do:
- Contact your existing electricity retailer asap: Get in touch with your existing electricity retailer as soon as possible and explain your situation. Inform them that you require a same-day new connection, and inquire about their procedures for urgent requests.
- Provide any necessary information: Be prepared to provide the essential details for your urgent new connection, such as your full name, address, contact number, and any other documentation they may require. This will help expedite the connection process.
- Check your retailer's policies: Inquire about the retailer's policies regarding same-day connections. Some retailers may offer this service as an option, while others may have specific cutoff times for same-day requests.
- Consider temporary solutions: If a same-day connection is not feasible or possible, consider temporary solutions to meet your immediate electricity needs. This could include using an alternative power source (such as a generator) or battery-powered devices until your permanent connection is established.
- Plan ahead where possible: To avoid the need for an urgent same-day connection in the future, plan ahead and schedule your electricity connection well in advance whenever possible. This allows for a smoother transition and ensures you have electricity available when you need it.
By following these steps, you can increase the chances of securing an urgent same-day electricity connection or find a temporary solution to meet your immediate energy needs.
Will I have to pay additional fees to get connected quickly?
Some retailers offer urgent electricity connections in specific circumstances, but they will charge a fee for this service. This can be anywhere from $50 to $150 or more to ensure you get priority service.
However, not all retailers offer an urgent service so it's important to speak to your retailer and find out if it is possible to get your power hooked up as a matter of priority.
Can I get an urgent connection during weekends or public holidays?
You may struggle to get connected to power at weekends and on public holidays. However, it’s always worth asking your chosen retailer just in case they do have connection technicians who work outside of normal business hours. If you speak to your retailer and explain the nature of your emergency, most customer service teams will do their best to assist you if possible.
How do I compare new electricity plans?
There are quite a few things to consider when you’re looking to find the best new energy plan for your household. Some of the comparison points you should look at include:
Types of plans:
There are two types of electricity plans to consider:
- Standard contract: This plan provides the electricity price set by law in your state. It offers no additional features but allows you to switch providers without paying exit fees.
- Market contract: These plans come with special conditions and often include price discounts for a specific contract period. If you decide to switch providers during the contract term, there may be exit fees involved.
Variable vs. fixed rates for market contracts:
When choosing a market electricity contract, you may have the option to select between a variable rate plan or a fixed rate plan:
- Variable rates: These rates can change over time based on national market price fluctuations, resulting in potential price spikes or drops.
- Fixed rates: With fixed rates, the price remains consistent for a specific duration, usually one to two years, providing more stability and predictability for your energy costs.
Overall cost of the plan:
Retailers offer plans based on the electricity reference price and average usage in your area. They often provide a percentage difference between their price and the national reference price, allowing for easy cost comparison.
Discount offers:
Electricity discounts are commonly advertised to help you save on energy bills. These discounts may come in the form of a percentage or fixed amount off your bill. However, it's important to carefully review the terms and conditions to understand any eligibility criteria and the duration of the discount.
Tariffs:
Different tariffs can be charged for electricity usage:
- Single rate tariff: This type has a consistent cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) regardless of the time electricity is used.
- Time of use tariff: These tariffs offer different rates based on peak, off-peak, and shoulder periods, aligning with electricity demand throughout the day.
- Controlled load tariff: Designed for high-demand appliances like hot water systems, underfloor heating, or pool heaters, these tariffs have a separate rate from standard electricity usage.
- Demand tariff: This tariff is based on the highest amount of electricity used during a specific period, irrespective of the time of day.
Feed-in tariff for a solar system
For those with solar panels, a feed-in tariff allows you to sell excess electricity generated by your solar system back to the power grid. The rate for this excess electricity, measured in cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), depends on factors such as the size and type of solar system you have, the rate set by your state government, and any additional feed-in rate offered by your provider.
Fees:
When comparing providers, it's important to consider various fees that are charged, including connection and disconnection fees, credit card and direct debit fees, late payment fees, early exit fees, and paper bill fees (if you choose to receive physical bills by mail instead of online). Comparing fees will help you identify the retailer with the lowest charges as part of their billing package.
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Disclaimer:
Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of energy plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys an energy plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.
Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an energy plan. For further information on the variety of energy plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.