Canberra

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Public Utilities

Information on essential services such as electricity, water, garbage collection, and internet providers.

Sections

1. Electricity in Canberra

Major Providers

  • EvoEnergy: EvoEnergy is the primary electricity distributor in Canberra, responsible for maintaining the electricity network. However, you will need to choose a retailer for your electricity supply.
  • Retailers: Some of the major electricity retailers in Canberra include:
    • ActewAGL (the most popular local provider)
    • Origin Energy
    • EnergyAustralia
    • AGL
    • Red Energy

Costs

  • Electricity costs in Canberra are generally competitive, but they vary depending on the retailer, your usage, and the type of plan you choose (e.g., fixed-rate or time-of-use tariffs).
  • As of 2023, the average electricity cost in Canberra is approximately 30-35 cents per kWh, but this can vary.

Setting Up or Transferring Services

  1. Choose a Retailer: Compare plans using websites like Energy Made Easy, a government comparison tool.
  2. Contact the Retailer: Once youโ€™ve chosen a provider, contact them to set up your account. Youโ€™ll need:
    • Proof of identity (e.g., passport, driverโ€™s license)
    • Address of the property
    • Move-in date
  3. Connection Time: Most connections are completed within 1-3 business days. If youโ€™re moving into a new property, ensure the electricity is connected before your move-in date.

Billing and Payment Options

  • Billing Frequency: Bills are typically issued quarterly, but some retailers offer monthly billing.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Direct debit
    • BPAY (online banking)
    • Credit/debit card
    • In-person at Australia Post
    • Pay by phone
  • Tips: Many retailers offer discounts for paying on time or opting for e-billing.

Local Considerations

  • Canberra has a strong focus on renewable energy, and many residents opt for GreenPower plans to support sustainable energy.
  • Solar power is popular in Canberra due to government incentives. If youโ€™re renting or buying a property, check if it has solar panels installed.

2. Water in Canberra

Major Provider

  • Icon Water: Icon Water is the sole provider of water and sewerage services in Canberra. They manage water supply, wastewater treatment, and infrastructure.

Costs

  • Water bills in Canberra consist of two components:
    1. Fixed Charge: A daily supply charge (around $0.90 per day).
    2. Usage Charge: Based on the amount of water used, with tiered pricing (e.g., $2.50-$5.00 per kilolitre, depending on usage levels).

Setting Up or Transferring Services

  • If youโ€™re renting, the landlord or property manager typically handles the water account, and tenants are billed for usage only.
  • If youโ€™re a homeowner, Icon Water will automatically transfer the account to your name when you purchase the property. Youโ€™ll need to provide:
    • Proof of ownership
    • Contact details

Billing and Payment Options

  • Billing Frequency: Quarterly.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Direct debit
    • BPAY
    • Credit/debit card
    • In-person at Australia Post
    • Cheque or money order
  • Tips: Monitor your water usage to avoid high bills, especially during summer when water consumption tends to increase.

Local Considerations

  • Canberra has a dry climate, so water conservation is important. Icon Water provides tips and rebates for water-efficient appliances.
  • Check for any water restrictions during drought periods.

3. Gas in Canberra

Major Providers

  • EvoEnergy: EvoEnergy also manages the gas distribution network in Canberra.
  • Retailers: Gas is sold by retailers, and the main ones include:
    • ActewAGL
    • Origin Energy
    • EnergyAustralia
    • AGL

Costs

  • Gas costs include a daily supply charge (around $0.70 per day) and a usage charge (approximately $0.03-$0.05 per MJ, depending on the plan and usage).

Setting Up or Transferring Services

  1. Choose a Retailer: Compare gas plans using Energy Made Easy.
  2. Contact the Retailer: Provide your address, move-in date, and proof of identity.
  3. Connection Time: Gas connections typically take 1-3 business days. Ensure the gas is connected before moving in.

Billing and Payment Options

  • Billing Frequency: Quarterly.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Direct debit
    • BPAY
    • Credit/debit card
    • In-person at Australia Post
    • Pay by phone
  • Tips: Bundling gas and electricity with the same retailer can often result in discounts.

Local Considerations

  • Gas is commonly used for heating in Canberra due to the cold winters. Ensure your property has an efficient heating system to manage costs.

4. Waste Management in Canberra

Major Provider

  • Waste collection and management in Canberra are handled by the ACT Government.

Services Provided

  1. General Waste (Red Bin): Collected weekly.
  2. Recycling (Yellow Bin): Collected fortnightly.
  3. Green Waste (Optional, Lime Green Bin): For garden waste, collected fortnightly. Residents must opt-in and pay an annual fee (around $50).

Costs

  • Waste management costs are included in your rates if you own a property. For renters, these costs are typically covered by the landlord.

Setting Up or Transferring Services

  • Waste collection services are automatically provided to all residential properties. If you need additional bins or green waste services, contact the ACT Government.

Local Considerations

  • Recycling: Canberra has a strong focus on recycling. Ensure you follow the guidelines for what can and cannot be recycled.
  • Hard Waste: The ACT Government offers free hard waste collection twice a year. Bookings are required.
  • Tips: Visit the Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre or Mitchell Resource Management Centre for waste disposal and recycling of items like electronics, batteries, and hazardous materials.

General Tips for Managing Utilities in Canberra

  1. Compare Plans: Use comparison websites to find the best deals for electricity and gas.
  2. Bundle Services: Many providers offer discounts if you bundle electricity and gas.
  3. Monitor Usage: Use smart meters or online portals provided by your retailer to track your energy and water usage.
  4. Emergency Contacts:
    • Electricity outages: Contact EvoEnergy at 13 10 93.
    • Gas emergencies: Contact EvoEnergy at 13 19 09.
    • Water emergencies: Contact Icon Water at 13 11 93.
  5. Sustainability: Take advantage of government rebates for energy-efficient appliances and solar installations.

By understanding these key aspects of public utilities in Canberra, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to set up and manage your services efficiently. Let me know if you need further assistance!