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Home Metering Meter Abolishments

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, which you can find directly on the meter. Feel free to take a photo and send it to us 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 1300 115 866 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:

  • Complete the gas abolishment form.
  • Email the completed form to [email protected].
  • 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 in the VIC Fee Schedule or SA Fee Schedule. 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.
  • The request will be raised with your distributor and you will receive a confirmation email from Lumo Energy.

To learn more about these options, please call us on 1300 115 866 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 Lumo, please call our New Connections & Abolishments team on 1800 370 727 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday AEST/AEDT.

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

South Australia

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

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

If your distributor is Jemena:

Frequently Asked Questions

What information do I need in order to submit an abolishment request?

To complete the form, please have the following information ready:

  • Meter location: The full address where the meter is located.
  • Meter number: The unique number found on the meter itself.
  • Vacancy date: The date the property was or will be vacant.
  • Contact information: Your phone number and email address.
  • Meter access: Details on how we can access the meter.
  • Life support equipment: Notification if any life support equipment is present.
Do I need to abolish the meter if I no longer use gas appliances?

No, if you're no longer using gas appliances you can choose to have the meter locked/plugged (usually the most common) or the service line and meter completely removed (abolished). If you choose to lock/plug, the gas is still active in the service line up to the meter. You also need to be aware that there are charges involved, including for the removal of the plug in future.

How long does a meter abolishment take?

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.

Are there costs involved in abolishing an electricity or gas meter?

Yes, there are costs associated with abolishing a meter. Please check the VIC Fee Schedule or SA Fee Schedule.

Depending on the scenario, you may have alternative, more cost effective options such as locking/plugging the meter.