Adelaide

1. Electricity and Gas

Electricity and gas are essential utilities in Adelaide, and you’ll need to set them up when moving into a new property. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Providers

Adelaide operates in a deregulated energy market, meaning you can choose from several providers. Some of the major electricity and gas providers include:

• AGL
• Origin Energy
• Alinta Energy
• EnergyAustralia
• Simply Energy
• Powershop

Costs

• Electricity: The average cost for electricity in Adelaide is around $0.30–$0.40 per kWh, depending on your provider and plan. Monthly bills typically range from $100 to $200 for a small household.
• Gas: If your home uses gas for heating, cooking, or hot water, expect to pay around $0.03–$0.05 per MJ (megajoule). Monthly gas bills range from $50 to $150, depending on usage.

How to Set Up

1. Compare Plans: Use comparison websites like Energy Made Easy or Canstar Blue to find the best deal.
2. Contact the Provider: Once you’ve chosen a provider, contact them to set up an account. You’ll need:
   • Your address
   • Move-in date
   • Identification (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
3. Connection Time: Most providers can connect electricity and gas within 1–3 business days. Ensure you arrange this before moving in.

Tips

• Look for plans with discounts for direct debit or online billing.
• Some providers offer green energy options if you want to reduce your carbon footprint.
• If you’re renting, check with your landlord or property manager to confirm if the property uses gas or is electricity-only.

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2. Water and Sewerage

Water services in Adelaide are managed by SA Water, a government-owned corporation.

Costs

• Water Supply Charge: A fixed charge of approximately $75–$85 per quarter.
• Usage Charge: Around $2.50–$3.50 per kilolitre (1,000 litres), depending on your consumption.
• Sewerage Charge: This is typically included in your water bill and costs around $150–$200 per quarter.

For renters, water usage charges are often passed on to tenants, while landlords usually cover the supply and sewerage charges. Check your lease agreement for details.

How to Set Up

• If you’re renting, your landlord or property manager will usually have the water account already set up. You’ll only need to pay the usage charges.
• If you’re buying a property, SA Water will transfer the account to your name during the settlement process.

Tips

• Adelaide has a Mediterranean climate, so water conservation is important. Be mindful of your usage, especially during summer.
• Many homes in Adelaide have rainwater tanks to supplement water supply. Check if your property has one and how it’s used.

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3. Internet and Phone Services

Adelaide has a well-developed telecommunications network, with the National Broadband Network (NBN) providing high-speed internet across the city.

Key Providers

Some popular internet service providers (ISPs) include:

• Telstra
• Optus
• TPG
• Aussie Broadband
• iiNet
• Vodafone

Costs

• NBN Plans: Prices vary based on speed tiers:
  • Basic (12 Mbps): $50–$60 per month
  • Standard (25 Mbps): $60–$70 per month
  • Fast (50 Mbps): $70–$90 per month
  • Superfast (100 Mbps): $90–$120 per month
• Mobile Data Plans: If you prefer mobile broadband, expect to pay around $30–$50 per month for 20–50GB of data.

How to Set Up

1. Check NBN Availability: Use the NBN Co website to check what type of connection is available at your address (e.g., fibre, fixed wireless).
2. Choose a Provider: Compare plans on websites like WhistleOut or Canstar Blue.
3. Sign Up: Contact your chosen provider to set up an account. You’ll need:
   • Your address
   • Identification
   • Preferred plan
4. Connection Time: Installation can take 1–2 weeks, so plan ahead.

Tips

• If you’re renting, check if the property already has an NBN connection. If not, you may need to pay for installation.
• Some providers offer bundled plans with internet, mobile, and entertainment services (e.g., Netflix or Foxtel).

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4. Waste Management

Adelaide has an efficient waste management system, with local councils providing bins for:

• General Waste (red lid)
• Recycling (yellow lid)
• Green Waste (green lid, for garden clippings and organic waste)

Costs

• Waste management fees are included in council rates, which are typically paid by the property owner. Renters don’t usually pay these fees.

Tips

• Familiarize yourself with the bin collection schedule for your area. Most councils provide weekly or fortnightly collections.
• Adelaide has a strong focus on recycling, so ensure you separate your waste correctly.

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5. Other Considerations

Emergency Services

• For power outages, contact SA Power Networks at 13 13 66.
• For water emergencies, contact SA Water at 1300 729 283.

Cultural Considerations

• Australians are environmentally conscious, so there’s a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and water conservation.
• Many homes in Adelaide use solar panels to reduce electricity costs. If your property has solar, ask your landlord or provider how it affects your bills.

Practical Tips

• Keep a record of your utility account numbers and customer service contacts for easy reference.
• If you’re renting, always check with your landlord or property manager before making changes to utility accounts or installing new services.

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By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to set up and manage utilities and services in Adelaide, ensuring a smooth transition to your new home. Let me know if you need further assistance!