Connect Utilities Fast in Canberra: Your Moving Checklist

Setting Up Utilities in Canberra

When moving to Canberra, you'll need to arrange electricity, possibly gas, water, and internet (NBN). The ACT has a competitive electricity and gas market, and most of Canberra is covered by the National Broadband Network (NBN). Here's how to get set up quickly.

Electricity

Canberra is part of the National Electricity Market (NEM). The ACT has a competitive retail electricity market with multiple providers. Major options include ActewAGL (the major local retailer, part of the network that distributes electricity across the ACT), AGL, Origin Energy, EnergyAustralia, Powershop, and renewable-focused retailers like Amber Electric and Electricity in a Box. Use Energy Made Easy (energymadeeasy.gov.au) to compare plans. The ACT Government has strong renewable energy goals — most ACT electricity is backed by renewable certificates.

Gas

Not all Canberra homes have gas. Newer homes, particularly in Gungahlin and Molonglo, are often all-electric by design (the ACT is phasing out gas for new buildings). If your home has gas, ActewAGL is the primary retailer. Compare on Energy Made Easy. If converting from gas to electric is an option, consider it — ACT energy efficiency schemes may provide rebates.

Water

Water in Canberra is provided by Icon Water, which is the monopoly provider for the ACT. You do not choose your water provider. Contact Icon Water (iconwater.com.au) to transfer the account to your name when moving in. Rates are charged quarterly.

Internet (NBN)

Most of Canberra is covered by NBN fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) or fibre-to-the-node (FTTN). Use the NBN Co address checker (nbnco.com.au) to check your connection type. Popular providers in Canberra include Aussie Broadband (consistently rated Australia's best consumer ISP), Superloop, Internode, TPG, iiNet, Telstra, and Optus. For value and service, Aussie Broadband and Superloop are well-regarded by Canberra users. Most plans include unlimited data; NBN 50 and NBN 100 plans are the most popular tiers.

Checklist for Moving Day

• Contact your electricity retailer 1-2 weeks before moving
• Set up NBN with a provider — allow 5-10 business days for new connections
• Transfer your Icon Water account online
• If renting, check whether utilities are included or separate

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