Electricity and Internet for New Apartment

Hi,

I am moving into a new apartment in Melbourne CBD next week with a friend, and I need to arrange my electricity and internet providers (other utilities are sorted).

For the electricity, my tenant guide says this:

"2.4 ELECTRICITY CONNECTION
Power supply is distributed through the building via an embedded power network system which is managed and operated by Active Utilities. Active Utilities will provide electricity supply billing to each residence as part of the embedded network system. A resident may engage an alternative electricity power supply retailer for power supply billing to their property if desired. Note that where discussions are held with any other energy retailer it should be made clear to that particular retailer that [apartment building name] is part of an embedded network managed by Active Utilities. For more information on the embedded power network, and to establish an account for power to be turned on in your apartment contact Active Utilities."

My understanding is that OVO Energy would be a good option, since their referral program will give $10 off each month (and will stack with my own future possible referrals). Any other good suggestions that may work out better?

My room-mate has a health care card, I understand that electricity can be made cheaper somehow through that as well. Anyone know how that works?

As for internet, apparently my options are:
1. Active Utilities
2. Fuze Connect (now Uniti internet I believe?)

Wondering if anyone has any insight as to those options. I have used uniti before on a $67/month plan and got the first month free before. That cost would be split with my room-mate if we did that.

However, I am considering using Moose for their sim cards, one being 25gb 5G for $10.90 a month for the first 8 months. However, I do enjoy gaming (light/medium gaming), in addition to Netflix, and wondering if this would run out quickly. Maybe additional data could come from boost sims, but there hasn't been many cashback deals for that lately.

Any thoughts/comments regarding the above? Just trying to weigh up my options and what the best approach may be, considering current promos and such. Thanks!

Comments

  • +2

    Hi,
    Your roommate may be Eligible under:
    https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/annual-electricity-concessi…
    probably best for the Contract to be in their name as it says:

    Who can apply for the concession?

    An electricity account holder who has one of the following eligible cards:

    Pensioner Concession Card
    Health Care Card

    • Fantastic, thanks for this point. I will take note!

  • -2

    My room-mate has a health care card

    To save money in a flat, consider sharing an internet connection with a neighbour. A good router will give you two separate LANs.

  • +1

    You’re part of an embedded network.i not even sure you understand what that means when you suggests OVO for yourself. You go with the rest

    https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/consumers-and-businesses/pro…

    • I wasn't aware of what it meant, but thanks for the link. "May be difficult and costly" to change provider I see, perhaps nonetheless I will see what OVO can do and at what price.

      • As in, one single electricity retailer is responsible for entire apartment. everyone in the apartment goes with the same provider.

        If you want OVO, you will need OVO to take over the entire apartment first

        The concession will be applied for household.

        • Thanks for the insight. I'm just unsure why it's even presented as an option to go with another retailer then.

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