In this Canstar Blue guide we explain what a utility connection service is, how much it costs to use and the potential benefits using one could bring to your next move.
Finding a new place to rent or buy is stressful. Then you have the added hassle of tying up your affairs at your old place, handling your actual move, and getting electricity, gas and internet connected.
This is the point at which you might be tempted by a utility connection service that lets you focus on moving couches, not calling internet or energy providers. But is using a utilities connection service a smart move? We’ve set out the pros and cons of using a utility connection service to help you decide whether it would be right for you.
On this page:
What is a utility connection service?
A utility connection service typically acts as a middleman between you and utilities companies such as internet, electricity, gas and pay-TV providers. Some will even hook you up with removal firms and building and contents insurers. Such services most commonly help you switch utilities providers as part of your move by allowing you to compare services from multiple providers, choose the internet, energy and other plans you want, and allow the service to kickstart the switching process for you.
Utilities connection services are offered by many types of businesses. Real estate agents and utilities providers themselves often offer such services, as do comparison sites like Canstar Blue.
These services are opt-in only, which means it’s not compulsory. You can still move your existing utilities plans to your new address – assuming they’re available at that address – by contacting your current providers yourself. Plus, you can still switch plans using Canstar Blue’s free energy and internet comparison tools, or by directly contacting providers yourself. Switching energy providers is surprisingly easy, as is changing your NBN provider.
Compare cheap electricity plans below
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Can I get a free utility connection service?
Yes, a utility connection service is generally free for consumers to use. The connection service is paid for by utilities providers when the providers’ plans are chosen by consumers. The user gets a new plan with little hassle, the provider gets a new customer and the connection service receives a payment – usually in the form of a commission – of the plan’s value. Where a connection service is owned by a utilities provider itself, the service may be used as a way to attract and retain customers.
Commission rates aren’t usually disclosed but some utilities connection services may work with ‘preferred suppliers’. Some providers may also choose not to appear among the providers displayed by some connection services. What each of these scenarios mean is that you may not see all plans available from all providers at your new address if you use a utilities connection service.
What are the benefits of using a utility connection service?
Utility connection services are extremely convenient for households to use, particularly when they are moving from one property to another. Aside from convenience, some of the other benefits of a utility connection service are:
- It allows you to see plans for different kinds of utilities in one place
- You can arrange to switch plans and providers without needing to call all companies individually
- You don’t have to pay directly for the service.
Are there any downsides to using a utility connection service?
As is the case with most things, there are also some potential downsides to using a utility connection service for your next move. Some things that may turn you off a utility connection service include:
- Limited plan range from only a handful of utilities providers
- Limited disconnection services, meaning you may still have to contact your current providers to disconnect utilities
- Plan prices may be higher in order for the service provider to receive a ‘cut’.
Compare NBN plans below
The following table shows a selection of sponsored unlimited data Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50), and Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) plans on Canstar Blue’s database with links to referral partners.. 1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $63.90) Typical evening speed of 50Mbps 1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $65) Typical evening speed of 50Mbps 1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $69) Typical evening speed of 98Mbps The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost (excluding discounts), from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners. The table below shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 100 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited
Data/month
$63.90
Cost/month
Go to Site
Unlimited
Data/month
$65
Cost/month
Go to Site
Unlimited
Data/month
$69
Cost/month
Go to Site
Unlimited Home Standard (NBN 50) Plans
Unlimited Home Fast (NBN 100) Plans
Is a utility connection service worth using?
Utility connection services are a pretty convenient way to hook up the utilities you need to move into your new home. They’re usually a free service and often online, which means fewer phone calls. You may be able to get your utilities connected within as little as 24 hours. However, you may not be shown the cheapest or best utilities plans available. Plus, you will probably still have to contact your existing utilities providers to disconnect your current services.
Overall, a utility connection service is a convenient option that can help take the pressure off when you’re organising a move. However, if you’re prepared to do a little extra legwork, you may find you can lock down a better deal by comparing plans yourself.
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