Few things signify the modern age quite like electricity. It’s an essential part of any home and something easy to take for granted until you suddenly don’t have it. In this article, we’re shedding some light on how to connect power to a new block in QLD.
Understanding Power Connection in QLD
Who are the key power players?
Let’s do a brief rundown of the major names when it comes to electricity connections. As we’re a Brisbane-based business, our information will be mostly Queensland-based, though we’ll include some information for other states.
Electricity distributor
Electricity distributors are the companies that control and maintain the electricity distribution network in certain areas. This means they own and maintain the power poles, power lines and pipelines that distribute electricity (they’re usually responsible for natural gas connections as well.
Each state has different electricity distributors, and even within a state, different areas will have their own distributors. Below is a rough guide to distributors by state. If you’re not sure about the right distributor for you, a quick Google search of your location and the word “electricity distributor” should give you the answer.
Electricity Distributors by State
Queensland: The two key distributors are Energex and Ergon Energy.
New South Wales: Depending on your location, your distributor will be Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy or Ausgrid.
Victoria: There are a whopping five distributors in Victoria which are: Citipower and Powercor, Jemena, AusNet Services, United Energy Distribution and, in rarer cases, Essential Energy.
ACT: The main distributor is EvoEnergy, however, some homes are serviced by Essential Energy.
Tasmania: Tasnetwork is the only distributor in Tassie.
South Australia: The main distributor is SA Power Networks, however, some remote locations have their own distributor.
Northern Territory: All energy-related enquiries should be directed to either the Utilities Commission of Northern Territory or The Ombudsman NT.
Western Australia: Energy customers in WA should refer to the following agencies: Energy Policy WA, Economic Regulation Authority of Western Australia or Energy Ombudsman Western Australia.
Biggest Energy Retailers in Australia
Energy retailers are who you’ll end up dealing with mostly when it comes to bills, contracts and connections.
Below is a list of the biggest energy retailers in Australia and the percentage of the market they provide for:
- ActewAGL: 2.6%
- AGL: 22.3%
- Alinta Energy: 5.5%
- Aurora Energy: 3.5%
- Dodo: 0.9%
- EnergyAustralia: 14.6%
- Energy Locals: 0.7%
- Ergon Energy: 9.5%
- Origin: 26.3%
- Powershop: 1.1%
- Red Energy: 5.7%
- Simply Energy: 2.1%
How to Connect Power to Your New Block in QLD Step by Step
Step One: Assessment and Planning
The first step is to assess what you’re starting with and begin your plan there. Some key questions to ask include
- How readily available is power at the moment? In the city, connection points will be easier to find than in some rural areas.
- Is there any existing infrastructure on your land?
- Will you require a new electricity connection?
- Will you need to install a power pole on your property?
- What is your best electricity supply?
- Which electrical retailer can offer the best plan for your needs?
Step Two: Are You Disconnecting or Abolishing Power
How do you decide between disconnection or abolishment? Well, the first step is to understand the difference between the two terms. Though it is an important decision to make, it’s quite a simple one if you know what you’re trying to achieve.
Definition of Power Disconnection
A disconnection of power is when the power is simply disconnected. This is usually requested when a property is vacant. The metre will remain on the property and can be reconnected when you sell the home or it is once again reinhabited.
The best means to achieve this is to contact your electricity provider. Once a disconnection request has been lodged, they should be able to take it from there.
Definition of Power Abolishment
A meter is the permanent removal of electricity connections, cables, the meter and any other associated parts. To achieve this, you’ll need to prove ownership of the property, your meter number, and other necessary details asked for by your provider.
Deciding Between Disconnection and Abolishment
Power Disconnection is the best option when:
- You’re leaving an existing home.
- Any situation where you need to temporarily turn off the power.
Power abolishment is best suited when:
- A house is being demolished
- Knockdown Rebuilds
- The power supply needs to be moved to a different location on the property.
- Guidance on evaluating your needs to decide whether to disconnect or abolish power for your project.
Step Three: Power Connection Application Process
Getting Started
Your first step is to talk to your builder or an energy contractor about organising the appropriate paperwork for your premises. This will provide the necessary technical information that will greatly assist in getting your power connected.
Submit a Connection Application
Before power can be connected, you need to lodge a connection application with Energex or your relevant power supplier. A new connection request can be made online or through an electrical contractor.
There are two types of applications:
- Basic application: This is a basic service line that can usually be fast-tracked. A basic offer will usually made within 10 days. Once you receive the offer, you’ll have 45 days to accept it.
- Negotiated application: If you have special circumstances and your application can’t be classified as basic, you’ll need to make a negotiated application. Due to this being more complicated, your energy supplier will contact you or your electrical contractor to discuss the terms
Accept a Connection Offer
Once the offer has been made from your electricity network, you’ll have a set amount of time to accept the offer. The sooner you accept the sooner you can move to the next step.
Choose an electricity retailer
Your electrical contractor will need to know who you would like to choose as an electrical retailer. They can help make the necessary submissions. The retailer will inform you who their nominated meter provider is and when your new meter will be installed (this will happen sometime after the following step).
Connection to your property
Your retailer will inform you when the distributor will activate your connection point. Sometime after you have electricity connections a meter will be installed.
Step Four: Overhead and Underground Connections Considerations
Overhead connections
Pros:
- Cost-Effective
- Easy maintenance and easier to fix
- More flexibility for modification
Cons:
- More visible and less aesthetically pleasing (especially if it gets in the way of the view).
- Susceptiple to weather
- A safety hazard to wildlife and people.
Underground Connections:
Pros:
- Out of sight and better for overall aesthetics
- Less chance of outages.
- Safer do being harder to reach.
Cons:
- Costs more to install
- More difficult to maintain
- Harder to modify.
Step Five: Financial and Budgeting Considerations
Estimating the Connection Costs
New electricity connections have a range of expenses you can expect
- The meter provider may charge fees to install a new meter
- Installing a temporary power source for builders
- The price for alternative energy sources such as
- The actual connection
- Overview of potential costs involved in connecting power, including service fees, installation, and any necessary civil works.
Financial Assistance and Rebates
The Queensland Governmet offers financial assistance for those struggling, as well as rebates for solar power. Check with the Queensland government websites for the latest rebates available.
Step Six: Setting Realistic Timelines and Expectations
Understanding the Timeline
When it comes to planning your build, scheduling and understanding various timelines is key to creating a smooth building process. Get in touch with your electrical contractor or distributor and ask them for a timeline as to how to long it will take to organise your power connection.
Buildi can help you ensure everything is organised during your home build! Get in touch to discuss how we can cut down the stress of your next build.
Preparing for Delays and Setbacks
Sometimes delays and setbacks happen are unavoidable, however there are ways to minimise the risk. Try have all applications in on time, provide the correct information and follow instructions.
Step Seven: Meeting Safety and Legal Considerations
Safety Precautions
Anything involving electricity connections, power lines or electrical work is a job that needs to be performed by a qualified contractor. Beyond the obvious safety concerns of having an unaccredited person installing your electricity connections, there is the risk of fines or even serious jail time.
Understanding Legal Requirements
Like any building project, there are legal requirements you need to meet. The first key step is to make sure you’re hiring accredited contractors. From there they should be able to ensure you follow all necessary legal requirements.
Electricity connections for your new build
Though not the most exciting part of building a home, organising your new electricity connection is a vital step with any new home build. Luckily, this is a very common procedure and one that shouldn’t present too many issues. Your builder or building broker can help you ensure that your tick all the boxes when it comes to your electricity connections to make sure your family move into a comfortable home.
0 Comments