We've all been there: you've organised for electricity to be connected the day you move into your new home.

Only to find on moving day that there's no electricity at your home and that the hot shower and hot meal you're dying for ain't possible after all.

So, what went wrong?

We answer your questions on moving house and electricity connections:

When should I tell my electricity provider that I'm moving?

As soon as you know your new address and your moving dates.

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) advises that you should give your electricity provider at least three days' notice that you're moving.

But as someone who has moved dozens of times over the years, I'd say the more notice you can give your provider, the better.

Why?

1. Different providers and different states or territories will have different rules and regulations about electricity connections.

For example, some states are deregulated - meaning you can choose your preferred energy provider - while others aren't.

2. Electricity providers usually only organise disconnections and connections on weekdays, not weekends.

So, if you're moving on a weekend, these jobs will need to be done the day before or after your move.

3. You'll have a long list of other moving stresses while organising your electricity connections so you'll want extra time to do this job

How should I tell my electricity provider that I'm moving?

More often than not, you can organise your electricity move online.

You'll need your account details on hand as well as your moving dates, your new address and what date you will need your energy disconnected and connected.

What happens to my electricity account when I move house?

If you decide to stay with your current provider in your new home, your account will just be transferred to your new address.

You'll receive a final bill from your old address and the bills will begin at your new place.

Be aware that these bills could include extra fees and charges for your disconnections and connections.

Alternatively, moving house can be the perfect time to change electricity providers, especially if you've had dramas with them for awhile, or simply don't like your current plan or contract.

Think of the switch as much like refinancing your home loan.

It's true you probably won't have the time or patience to do this switch in the midst of moving, but it's certainly worth thinking about.

Indeed, you may be forced to if your current provider doesn't have electricity options in your new area. 

If you're not sure whether you want to switch providers or not, try asking your current provider about simply switching to a no lock-in contract deal for now.

I'm moving to a brand new house: how do I organise electricity connections?

This is when things can get a little tricky.

Brand new houses usually don't have any connections to either electricity or gas so installing new connections to the grid can sometimes take several months to complete, says the AER.

This can particularly be the case if your new house doesn't have meters installed as yet.

You should still start by contacting your current, or a new, provider to organise such connections but as well as the extra time (possibly) needed for the provider to do this, there may be extra fees and costs involved as well.

It can be a good idea to chat with your house builder or construction company before contacting a provider, as they may be able to organise these details for you - or should at least be able to advise you on connecting to the grid.

I'm a rental tenant: how do I organise electricity connections?

Renters' electricity changeovers are basically the same as that of a regular homeowner.

But if you're in a shared household and the electricity bill is in your name, you're personally responsible for the electricity account overall, including bills.

As such, you'll (usually) need to be the one to contact your provider about your move.

You'll also need to make doubly sure that all bills - and in this case, particularly the final one - for your current address are correct and paid on time.

This last point is even more important if you won't be living with the same people again in your new house.

How can I make my electricity move as easy as possible?

• Don't underestimate the stresses of moving house: take extra time to ensure electricity connections are as perfect as they can be well ahead of schedule. 
• Call your provider a day or two before you move to triple-check your electricity will be disconnected and connected on the right day
• Record your current and new meter readings on moving day, and take photos of the meters well. You'll then have accurate records of how much you should be charged for the final and first bills at both places and can quickly identify any inconsistencies.
• Ensure there is clear, safe access to the meters at both homes for your providers to do their disconnections and connections 
• Generally speaking, the main switchboard will need to be turned off before your power can be connected - that's if the power has already been disconnected.

If the power is still on, forget this rule.

Check with your real estate agency about this point, especially as you may need to ask the agent to turn off the switchboard for you before moving day.

• In the same way, before you start stressing that you don't have electricity at your new house, turn on the main switchboard - and know where it is well before you move in! 
• Have someone cool, calm and collected with you on moving day who can:
  - help you find the main switchboard
  - contact your provider if necessary
  - help you figure out the ins and outs of your new electricity system
  
• Plan for annoying electricity delays and emergencies by having candles or torches on hand on moving day and not expecting a hot shower or meal

Questions to ask your electricity provider

• When exactly will you disconnect and connect my electricity?
• Do I need to be at home when you connect my electricity?
• When will I receive my final bill for my current home and the first one for my new home?
• How can I contact you quickly if my electricity isn't connected on moving day (NB: aim for a direct phone number or email address but don't expect to receive one!)
• Will I need to pay fees for disconnecting and reconnecting electricity, or a contract early termination/exit fee?

We're here to help

Both disconnecting and reconnecting your electricity supply, or account can easily be forgotten in all the stresses of moving house.

But you'll thank yourself for doing both when you get to your new place!

And remember, if you're not happy with your energy provider, you can call on the Moving Loop team anytime.

We can advise you on which energy providers will suit you best and our comparison service is free - plus it only takes a couple of minutes.

Visit Moving Loop to compare, switch and start saving.