Disconnecting, Locking or Abolishing a Meter

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…

• If you are completing demolition works, please arrange your abolishment first.
• 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?

• Option 1: Locking a gas meter (also known as plugging)

  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 a fee.

  To organise a gas meter lock, please call us on 131 806 and our team can help you.

• Option 2: Removing your gas meter and/or lines (abolishing)

  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. 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:

  1. Complete the Red Energy gas abolishment form.
  2. Email the completed form to [email protected].
  3. 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 here. You can find out who your gas distributor is on the Australian Energy Regulator’s website or on the top right of your gas bill.
  4. 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 131 806 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…

• 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.
• The meter number.
• If the property does not have an active electricity connection, you must arrange the abolishment directly through your distributor.
• Which retailer is supplying electricity to the property. If you’re unsure, call your electricity distributor.
• 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.

For instructions on how to request an abolishment, please choose the state where your property is located:

• I am a customer in New South Wales

  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:

  1. 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.
  2. Once the service line is removed, complete the Red Energy electricity abolishment form.
  3. Email the completed form to [email protected].
  4. 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 here.

  If you’re unsure of which meter type you have, you can find examples of basic and smart meters here.

• I am a customer in the Australian Capital Territory

  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:

  1. Apply for the abolishment of your service line by submitting a request via the Evo Energy website.
  2. Once the service line is removed, complete the Red Energy electricity abolishment form.
  3. Email the completed form to [email protected].
  4. 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 here.

  If you’re unsure of which meter type you have, you can find examples of basic and smart meters here.

• I am a customer in Queensland or South Australia

  Queensland and South Australia

  Complete the following steps to arrange the abolishment of your electricity supply in QLD and SA.

  1. Complete the Red Energy electricity abolishment form.
  2. Email the completed form to [email protected].
  3. 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 here.
• I am a customer in Victoria

  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

  • Citipower and Powercor
  • United Energy
  • AusNet Services

  
  

  If your distributor is Jemena:

  1. Complete the VESI Abolishment of Electricity Supply form.
  2. Email the completed form to [email protected].
  3. 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 here.

Frequently asked questions