Which network your business deals with
CitiPower, the CBD and inner suburbs
Changes to an existing supply, such as single to three phase, a meter or meter panel upgrade, or moving an overhead supply underground at the same pole, can only be applied for by a Registered Electrical Contractor through eConnect, with a Certificate of Electrical Safety.
Jemena, the north-west
Alterations to supply and metering go through the Jemena Electricity Portal as an Electrical Works Request. Its 2026 connection policy counts a single to three phase upgrade of up to 100 amps as a basic alteration.
United Energy, the south-east
Every connection, alteration and abolishment application is lodged online through myEnergy, and United Energy recommends a licensed electrician or contractor lodges it for you.
AusNet, the north and east
AusNet's EnergyConnect portal handles all supply, major connection, solar and metered connection applications.
Powercor, the west
Supply changes go through eConnect, like CitiPower. Powercor says winter demand is rising as households switch to electric heating and transport, and it has been upgrading parts of the low voltage network where customers reported low voltage at peak times.
How to check a Melbourne electrical contractor
In Victoria, any business that carries on electrical contracting must be registered with Energy Safe Victoria as a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC). Its REC number has to appear on every ad, notice or statement offering the work. The fine for leaving it out can reach 300 penalty units for a company.
Look the business up on the REC register, which you can also search on DataVic by REC number, business name, suburb or postcode. The electricians it sends carry an Energy Safe Victoria identification card, and Energy Safe Victoria says to ask to see the licence.
Every REC must hold public liability insurance of at least $5 million, and offering electrical contracting without it is a criminal offence. Ask for the certificate of currency before work starts. If your builder or shopfitter runs the job, they don't need to be registered themselves as long as the electrical part is subcontracted to a REC, so ask who that is.
Inspections and switch-on: plan the shutdown around them
Some commercial work is prescribed, such as new consumer mains. A Licensed Electrical Inspector has to inspect it within 8 business days of completion, and it can't be turned on until that's done. Copies of the Certificate of Electrical Safety go to you, the network and Energy Safe Victoria.
Minor work, like lights and power points in a fit-out, isn't inspected the same way, but the certificate is still due within one month. Ask for it with the final invoice and keep it with the lease documents. If you lease the premises, give your landlord a copy too.
What a Melbourne commercial quote should spell out
- The REC number, and a copy of the certificate of currency for its insurance.
- Whether the supply, meter or consumer mains change, which network is involved, and who lodges the application.
- When the power will be off, and whether any of the work falls outside trading hours.
- Whether any part is prescribed work, and how the inspection fits the timeline.
- The Certificate of Electrical Safety you'll receive, and who else gets a copy.
Portable gear is a separate job
Leads, power boards and plug-in appliances fall under workplace safety duties rather than the building's wiring. WorkSafe Victoria says how often they're tested depends on the equipment, where it's used and how. Test and tag in Melbourne sets out its guidance.
What we'd do in your shoes
We'd confirm which network supplies the site before the layout is final, because a supply change needs the network's approval as well as the electrician's work. Check the REC on the register, get the insurance certificate, and put the shutdown times and any inspection in the quote. Then bring the electrician in while the plans are still drawings, when moving a circuit takes a pen stroke rather than a wall.
Want a specialist to sort it?
Tell us the job and your postcode. We match the licence-checked local electrician who does this kind of work, and they call you. No ring-around, and your number goes to them alone.