Home >  Residential

Before You Build

The new process  for new homes

From July 2006, there’s a new process in place for new home builders.

When you have decided to sign your contract to build, contact us to set up your electricity account. The easiest way to do this is to phone us on 13 13 53.  Once this is done, we’ll give you a reference number over the phone and provide you with a reference number.  Residential customers may also use our online New Building Connection application form, or, if you are building multiple units, then please print out and forward to us the Multi-Unit Application Form.  You may also fax your application form to us on 6212 1045.

By getting involved in the electricity connection process early on, you’ll gain a better understanding of your energy needs and options, plus you can be confident that you’re signed up for the most appropriate electricity product. If you are only in the design stage of your new home, you may want to consider ways to build energy efficiency into your home.

 Our "How to Design an Energy Efficient Home" tool will help you to understand what is involved.

First things first

Before you can get connected, you need to decide what type of meter you’ll need – single phase or three-phase.

In making this decision, it’s important to consider your current energy needs and also think about what your future energy needs may be. After all, it costs less to install a three-phase meter when building a new home than to replace one in an existing home.

Which meter is right for you?

It all depends on the appliances you’ll be running.

Single-phase meters are generally not designed to support large numbers of high-use appliances. So if you’re likely to be running several high-use items at the same time – such as a reverse cycle air conditioner and a pool pump – you might need a three-phase meter.

Also, some appliances only run through a three-phase meter.

Check with your builder or electrician to see if a three-phase meter is right for you and supported in your area.

How much will it cost?

When you open a new residential account, an account establishment fee of $29.80 (as at 01/07/07) is charged. This fee will appear on the first account we send you. Holders of certain concession cards may be eligible for a rebate. Contact us for more details and complete the Rebate Application form if you qualify.

Additionally, a charge of $240.40* (as at 01/07/06) will apply to any installation requiring a three-phase connection.

Other options

SmartPower

If you really want the potential to reduce your electricity bills and you’re able to run certain appliances during off-peak times, our SmartPower option may be right for you.

Green Energy

By signing up for one of our Green Energy options you can help the environment, either by buying Natural Power, energy that is 100% sourced from renewable energy, or Earth Friendly, where your energy use is offset by the equivalent investment in certified greenhouse gas reduction projects.

If you’d like to know more about these options, just ask your Synergy consultant when you arrange your new connection.

Now what?

To arrange your connection, just call us on 13 13 53 between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday and we’ll organise it on the spot. Alternatively, you can print out the Connect brochure, complete and return the residential application form included in the brochure (there is a business one also) or use the online residential application.