Abolish an electricity supply

Abolishing a power supply means permanently removing electrical assets from a property.

This is different from turning the power off temporarily. If you need the power to be disconnected for a short time, visit our Disconnect or isolate your electricity supply page.

Abolishments are usually requested when:

• A building is being demolished.
• The electricity supply needs to be moved.
• A property will be empty for an indefinite period.
• Unused electricity equipment needs to be removed to keep your property safe.

A standard abolishment may include:

• Removing overhead service lines.
• Removing the electricity meters.

Before you apply, make sure the property will be vacant before the abolishment is completed. If the property is still occupied, you can nominate a future vacate date as part of your application. We will attend the property after the nominated vacate date.

If there is an active electricity account at the property, the account holder will need to contact their retailer and either:

• Authorise the retailer to raise the required works order; or
• Close the electricity account.

If the electricity account has been closed, a works order is not required.

We can only proceed with the abolishment once the property is vacant and any retailer requirements have been completed

How to apply

You can submit your application through our online portal, eConnect.

Once registered and logged in:

1. Select Submit Connection Request.
2. Select Abolishments.
3. Complete and submit the form.

New to eConnect? Visit our How to use eConnect support article to learn how to access the portal and submit a request.

Costs and timeframes

Standard overhead abolishments can take up to four weeks from the date you advise the property is vacant.

We don’t usually charge for abolishments. However, charges may apply in some cases, for example if the work is more complex than expected or if site access is not available when our crews attend.

In some cases, you may need to apply to have electrical equipment removed from the site. This is most common when a building is being demolished. These assets may include:

• underground cables
• service poles
• pillars
• substations
• public lighting (councils only)
• high-voltage electricity supplies

Before removing an electricity supply or network assets, we recommend speaking with a Registered Electrical Contractor(REC) about your future electricity needs. If you need electricity connected again after the works are complete, it will be treated as a new connection and will need to meet the current Victorian Service and Installation Rules.

The existing connection arrangement may no longer meet current requirements. Your REC can advise whether upgrades may be needed and help you understand any potential costs before you submit your request.

How to apply

You can submit your application through our online portal, mySupply.

Once registered and logged in:

1. Select Move or Remove Our Equipment.
2. Select Remove our equipment.
3. Complete and submit the form.

You will need to tell us:

• the property address
• what you want to abolish
• the number and type of supplies (if known)

Once submitted, we will review your request and contact you to explain the next steps.

Costs and timeframes

There may be costs to design and carry out the work to remove network assets. The cost depends on what needs to be removed and where the work is located. To get a confirmed cost, you’ll need to submit an application through our mySupply portal. We’ll then review your request and work out what’s involved.

It is best to engage with us as early as possible in the process. Removing a network asset can take more time and planning.