If you no longer need your electricity or gas supply whether you’re switching to all-electric living, removing unused infrastructure, or preparing for demolition, there are a few ways to manage the meter. Some options are temporary and reversible, while others involve permanently removing the supply. This page outlines each scenario and helps you decide what’s right for your property. Before you begin, make sure you have the meter number handy. You can find it directly on the meter, feel free to take a photo and send it to Red along with your form. Please note:
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For more information about the disconnection and abolishment services available from your distributor, visit the Australian Energy Regulator’s website. You can also check who your distributor is under Faults & emergencies on your electricity or gas bill (see point 6 on our bill explainer).
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If you are completing demolition works, please arrange your abolishment first.
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Before undertaking any excavation or digging, visit Before You Dig Australia.
We’re here to guide you through it, step by step.
Gas Services
I don’t use gas, what are my options?
If neither option is selected, or if you select Option 1 (locking or removing the meter), there is still an ongoing presence of gas from the distribution pipeline within the boundary of your premises. If you select Option 2 (abolishment), gas will no longer be present within the boundary of your premises.
A: Locking gas meter A gas meter lock will remove ongoing gas charges and improve safety. This will see the gas meter capped, or locked and gas will no longer be available on your property. If you, or future occupants want to use gas in the future, the process can be reversed, for an Additional Service Charges fee. OR B: Remove gas meter only (subject to the discretion of the gas distributor) If you no longer need to use gas, or don’t have any gas appliances operating at your property, you can have the meter removed entirely. To organise a gas meter lock or removal, please call us on 1800 957 330 and our team can help you.
Gas service abolishment will see the meter at the property removed and the gas line capped at the street. Depending on your gas distributor, the gas pipes may also be removed from your property. This is a more permanent solution which cannot be reversed. To arrange an abolishment:
Complete the Red Energy gas abolishment form .
Email the completed form to:
Once we receive the completed form we will call you within 2 business days, walk you through the process and make sure you’re aware of the associated distributor abolishment charges which can be found on our Additional Service Charges sheet. You can also find out who your distributor is on the Australian Energy Regulator's website or under Faults & emergencies on your gas bill (see point 6 on our Gas bill explainer).
The request will be raised with your distributor and you will receive a confirmation email from Red Energy.
To learn more about these options, please call us on 1800 957 330 to speak with our team.
To learn more about these options, please call us on 1800 957 330 to speak with our team.
Electricity Services
I want to remove my electricity meter (abolish)
If you are demolishing a building, going off-grid, you can arrange to have the meter abolished. Electricity service abolishment is when the meter and servicing assets (such as the electricity supply cable from the pole to your house or, if you have underground supply, this may be completed at the service pit or pillar) at the property are removed. This is a more permanent solution which cannot be reversed but will effectively address the issue of safety. Before you start, you’ll need to know…
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Who your distributor is. You can find out by visiting the Australian Energy Regulator’s website or on the top right of your electricity bill.
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The meter number.
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If the property does not have an active electricity connection, you must arrange the abolishment directly through your distributor.
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Which retailer is supplying electricity to the property. If you’re unsure, call your electricity distributor.
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Once we receive your application the process may take up to 5 weeks.
If you need any assistance from Red, please call our New Connections team on 1800 957 330 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday AEST/AEDT.
Victoria
All Victorian distributors, excluding Jemena, require you to submit an application for an abolishment directly through their online portal. If you need any help with the portal, please contact your distributor directly. Online Portals
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If your distributor is Jemena:
Complete the VESI Abolishment of Electricity Supply form.
Email the completed form to:
Once you send us your form, we’ll get in touch to chat about the process and let you know about the distributor abolishment charges. You can find all the details on those charges on Additional Service Charges.
New South Wales
Complete the following steps to arrange the abolishment of your electricity supply in NSW. Basic Meters
If your property is in NSW and you do NOT have a smart meter: Arrange to have a Level 2 Accredited Service Provider (ASP) remove the meter and the service line. To find a list of Service Providers visit Energy NSW. The Service Provider will send a Notification of Service Works (NOSW) to your distributor.
Smart Meters
To arrange the abolishment of a smart meter:
Arrange to have a Level 2 Accredited Service Provider (ASP) remove the service line. To find a list of Service Providers visit Energy NSW. The Service Provider will send a Notification of Service Works (NOSW) to your distributor.
Once the service line is removed, complete the Red Energy electricity abolishment form.
Email the completed form to
Once you send us your form, we’ll get in touch to chat about the process and let you know about the abolishment charges. You can find all the details on those charges on Additional Service Charges.
If you’re unsure of which meter type you have, you can find examples of basic and smart meters on our Smart meter page.
Queensland
Complete the following steps to arrange the abolishment of your electricity supply in QLD.
Complete the Red Energy electricity abolishment form.
Email the completed form to:
Once you send us your form, we’ll get in touch to chat about the process and let you know about the distributor abolishment charges. You can find all the details on those charges on Additional Service Charges.
South Australia
Complete the following steps to arrange the abolishment of your electricity supply in SA.
Complete the Red Energy electricity abolishment form.
Email the completed form to:
Once you send us your form, we’ll get in touch to chat about the process and let you know about the distributor abolishment charges. You can find all the details on those charges on Additional Service Charges.
Australian Capital Territory
Complete the following steps to arrange the abolishment of your electricity supply in ACT.
Basic Meters
If your property is in the ACT and you do NOT have a smart meter:
You must apply for the abolishment of your supply by submitting a request via the Evo Energy website.
Smart Meters
To arrange the abolishment of a smart meter:
Apply for the abolishment of your service line by submitting a request via the Evo Energy website.
Once the service line is removed, complete the Red Energy electricity abolishment form .
Email the completed form to:
Once you send us your form, we’ll get in touch to chat about the process and let you know about the abolishment charges. You can find all the details on those charges on Additional Service Charges.
If you’re unsure of which meter type you have, you can find examples of basic and smart meters on our Smart meter page.
Frequently asked questions
To complete the form, please have the following information ready:
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Meter location: The full address where the meter is located.
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Meter number: The unique number found on the meter itself.
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Vacancy date: The date the property was or will be vacant.
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Contact information: Your phone number and email address.
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Meter access: Details on how we can access the meter.
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Life support equipment: Notification if any life support equipment is present.
You can choose to either disconnect your service (meter lock/plug or gas meter removal) or abolish it completely:
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Disconnection: Stops active gas flow, but gas remains present in the pipeline within your property boundary. This can be reversed in the future for a fee.
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Abolishment: Permanently removes gas from within your property boundary. This cannot be reversed.
Please note distributor charges apply for both options, which you can find on our Additional Service Charges sheet. To discuss which would suit your needs best, please call us on 1800 957 330.
The timeframe to abolish a meter can vary depending on scenario and distributor. We strongly recommend allowing a significant amount of time for the end to end process as it can be impacted by weather, safe access and emergencies.
Yes, there are costs associated with abolishing a meter. You can find the fees in Additional Service Charges Depending on the scenario, you may have alternative, more cost effective options such as locking/plugging the meter.