Electricity Disconnection Vacant Property

This is QLD specific.

We took keys off the agent after settlement and a day later found an electricity disconnection notice on the door. In NSW, electricity is never disconnected like this so you can still have lights working for tenant inspections etc.

What are the options now? Get the connection in our name until it is tenanted?

 

They do the same here where its completely turned off (though some leave it on which is handy).

Quite often we get it turned on in the owners name. This allows for any handymen or cleaners to use their gear if needed, also allows us to have the lights on when doing home opens which is beneficial. The tenants can then put it in their name once they move in.

I imagine its the same over there?

 

Makes sense.

It never happened in NSW so I was completely surprised. Guess it's time to give the electrical company a call.

 

Can sorta happen in NSW. Went to sell an IP so gave the tenant 3-month notice to vacate (periodic lease) and they cancelled their electricity account and used up the grace period for 2 months before leaving. Ran the campaign only to have the electricity disconnected 2 days before the auction. Stacks of unpaid bills left in the mailbox.

 

It depends on the energy provider too in Sydney. Energy Australia generally leaves it connected whereas Origin (Prospect) disconnects at the pole if they can't access the board.

 

A little unlucky as a lot of the time they will leave it running for a few days after settlement. A temporary connection is what is needed. A small deposit and fee and then the tenant will connect in their names later - just ensure you advise them what date you want the disconnection once you've completed the minor work. I'm sure the electricity company will guide you through it. At least we had it on to test the oven, dishwasher and lights

- Andrew

 

We were told by one supplier that it is the luck of the draw. They won't send someone out just to disconnect, but if they are in working the area they would probably drop by and disconnect.
Marg

 

It's another reason to go off grid?

 

On IPs you're in the process of buying?

 

If everybody does it, it would be great. Like vaccinations, driverless cars....

 

I have an electricity question.
I am buying a house (western Sydney), it will settle in a week.
The house has no electricity at the moment and it’s been disconnected since 2021.
Electricity company says I need an electrician to provide a Certificate Compliance Electrical Work (CCEW) and then I can get the electricity connected.

Vendors are slow to give authorisation for entering the premises.

If worse comes to worst, I can wait till it settles, but wasting a few days for getting electricity connected is not ideal. Property comes “furnished” - deceased estate. I want to keep some things but not others and it would be great to know if the hot water, Garage Roller door, fridge, washing machine etc. works. Plus to be able to use regular electrical appliances in the property on the first day.

 

AFAIK, they're not obliged to provide you additional access.

 

Update: I was able to get the name of the previous electricity provider and they had no requirement for a CCEW to be done. So, all seems on track now with respect to electricity