What an empty house costs in supply charges
| State | Per day | A month | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South WalesAusgrid | $1.66 | $51 | $607 |
| VictoriaAusNet Services | $1.28 | $39 | $468 |
| QueenslandEnergex | $1.92 | $58 | $701 |
| South AustraliaSA Power Networks | $1.80 | $55 | $657 |
| Western AustraliaSynergy | $1.19 | $36 | $435 |
| TasmaniaAurora Energy, Tariff 32 | $1.82 | $55 | $664 |
| Australian Capital TerritoryEvoenergy network, ActewAGL standard plan | $1.34 | $41 | $490 |
| Northern TerritoryJacana Energy, Standard Residential | $0.62 | $19 | $228 |
What it costs to leave things running
| Left running | A year |
|---|---|
| Fridge, 400 to 499 litres | $164 |
| Wi-fi router | $29 |
| Four security cameras with a recorder | $116 |
An electric hot water system left on keeps reheating its tank to replace heat it loses, even when nobody uses a drop. Ask a licensed electrician or plumber how to switch it off safely and how to bring it back to a safe temperature when you return.
Your options for an empty property
Away for weeks
- Switch appliances off at the wall
- Empty and switch off a second fridge
- Leave security and the router on if needed
- Supply charge continues
Best for: Holidays and short trips.
Empty for months
- Close the account or arrange a disconnection to stop supply charges
- Connection or reconnection fees later
- No power for alarms, pumps or inspections
Best for: Vacant properties waiting for sale or tenants.
Holiday home
- A plan with a low supply charge
- Smart plugs or timers for heaters and pumps
- Supply charge every day of the year
Best for: Homes used a few weeks a year.
Check insurance and safety needs
Some insurers have conditions for vacant homes, and sump pumps, alarms and smoke detectors on mains power may need supply kept on. Check before you disconnect.
Our supply charges guide explains the fixed part of the bill, and moving house covers closing an account.
Questions about empty house electricity
Yes. The daily supply charge applies every day the property is connected and the account is open, plus any usage from appliances left running.
Switch appliances off at the wall and empty any second fridge. Leave the main fridge, alarms, security cameras and the router on if you need them. Turning off the main switch can stop safety devices working.
Close the account or ask your retailer about disconnection. You will pay a connection or reconnection fee when power is needed again, so weigh that against the months of supply charges.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.