Connect 4 Essential Services When Moving to Sydney

Setting Up Utilities in Sydney

Moving to Sydney requires setting up electricity, possibly gas, water (Sydney Water), and internet. NSW has a competitive energy market, and most of Sydney has NBN coverage, though connection types vary widely by suburb.

Electricity

NSW is part of the National Electricity Market. Sydney's electricity distributor is Ausgrid (inner, eastern, and northern suburbs) or Endeavour Energy (western and south-western suburbs). You choose your own retailer: major options include AGL, Origin Energy, EnergyAustralia, Alinta Energy, Red Energy, Powershop, and Amber Electric. Compare plans on Energy Made Easy (energymadeeasy.gov.au). Contact your chosen retailer 1-2 weeks before your move date.

Gas

Many Sydney homes have natural gas for heating and cooking, distributed by Jemena (most of Sydney) or Endeavour Energy. Gas retailers include AGL, Origin, and others. Compare on Energy Made Easy. Note: many newer apartments in inner Sydney are all-electric.

Water

Sydney Water is the monopoly water provider for metropolitan Sydney. Transfer the account to your name online at sydneywater.com.au. Accounts are billed quarterly. You do not choose a water retailer — it's a fixed utility.

Internet (NBN)

Sydney's NBN coverage is extensive but connection types vary dramatically. Older inner suburbs (Surry Hills, Newtown, Leichhardt) may have FTTN or even HFC; newer outer suburbs (Box Hill, Leppington, Austral) may have FTTP. Check your address at nbnco.com.au. Top providers for Sydney residents: Aussie Broadband, Superloop, Internode, TPG, iiNet, Telstra, and Optus. NBN 100 plans with unlimited data are most popular; pricing typically $60-90/month.

New Connection Tips

• Energy retailers: notify 1-2 weeks ahead
• NBN: new connections need 5-10 business days minimum; HFC and FTTN often connect faster than FTTP upgrades
• Sydney Water: transfer online within 2 weeks of moving in
• Apartments: check if water, gas, or electricity is included in body corporate fees

This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.