Scheduling Southern California Edison Services for Your Move

Quick answer

• Yes, you can schedule your Southern California Edison (SCE) service to start at your new home and stop at your old one before your move date.
• It’s best to request service changes at least 5-7 business days in advance, especially during peak moving seasons.
• You’ll need your new and old addresses, desired service start/stop dates, and your SCE account information.
• You can usually schedule these changes online through the SCE website or by calling their customer service.
• Be prepared for potential setup fees or deposits, depending on your account history.
• Confirm the exact timing for electricity shutoff at your old address and activation at your new one to avoid gaps.

Who this is for

• Individuals or families who are moving to a new residence within the Southern California Edison service area.
• Renters or homeowners who need to arrange for electricity service to be connected at their new home and disconnected at their previous one.
• Anyone looking to ensure a smooth transition of their electricity service without unexpected interruptions during their move.

What to check first (before you act)

Goal and timeline

Before contacting SCE, clearly define your moving dates. You need to know precisely when you want your electricity to be turned off at your old address and when you need it to be on at your new address. Aim to schedule this a week or more before your actual move-in date to have a buffer.

Current cash flow

Moving often involves many unexpected expenses. Ensure you have budgeted for any potential SCE service connection fees, deposits, or the final bill from your old address. Understanding your current financial situation will help you manage these costs without stress.

Emergency fund or safety buffer

It’s wise to have an emergency fund in place, especially when moving. This fund can cover unforeseen costs like a last-minute moving truck rental, unexpected repairs at your new place, or temporary utility needs if there’s a scheduling hiccup. A well-funded emergency fund provides peace of mind.

Debt and interest rates

If you have outstanding debts, consider their interest rates. While scheduling utilities, you don’t want to accrue high interest on other obligations. Prioritize paying down high-interest debt if your moving budget allows, or at least ensure you have a plan to manage it post-move.

Credit impact

While scheduling utility services typically doesn’t directly impact your credit score, late payments or unpaid bills on your SCE account can. Ensure you have a clear understanding of your final bill for the old address and set up timely payments for the new one to maintain a good standing.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Gather Information: Collect your SCE account number, Social Security number (or other identifying information), new address, old address, and your desired service start and stop dates.

• What “good” looks like: You have all the necessary details readily available, making the process quick and efficient.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not having your account number handy. Keep your latest SCE bill accessible.

2. Visit the SCE Website or Call: Go to the Southern California Edison website and navigate to their “Moving” or “Start/Stop Service” section, or call their customer service line.

• What “good” looks like: You are on the official SCE portal or speaking with a representative.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Using unofficial websites or third-party services that may charge extra fees or provide incorrect information. Always use the official SCE channels.

3. Initiate Service Transfer/New Service: Select the option for moving or transferring service. You will likely need to specify whether you are moving within the SCE service area.

• What “good” looks like: You’ve clearly indicated you need to stop service at one address and start it at another.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Accidentally requesting only to stop service or only to start service, leading to a gap or continuous billing.

4. Provide New and Old Addresses: Enter the full address where you want service to begin and the full address where you want service to end.

• What “good” looks like: Both addresses are entered accurately, including apartment numbers or unit designations if applicable.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Typos in addresses. Double-check for accuracy.

5. Select Service Dates: Choose the date you want your electricity to stop at your old home and the date you want it to start at your new home.

• What “good” looks like: You have selected dates that align with your move-out and move-in schedule, ideally with a small overlap or no gap.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Setting the stop and start dates too close together, risking a period without power. Schedule the new service to start at least a day before you move in.

6. Confirm Account Information: Verify your personal details and SCE account information to ensure it matches your records.

• What “good” looks like: All personal and account details are correct.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Inaccurate personal identifiers can lead to delays or incorrect account linking.

7. Review Service Fees and Deposits: SCE may inform you about any applicable service connection fees or security deposits. These can vary based on your account history and credit check.

• What “good” looks like: You understand any charges associated with starting new service.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Being surprised by unexpected fees. Be prepared for potential costs.

8. Submit Your Request: Complete the online form or confirm your request with the customer service representative.

• What “good” looks like: Your request is officially submitted and you receive a confirmation number or email.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not completing the final submission step, meaning your request wasn’t processed.

9. Receive Confirmation: You should receive a confirmation of your scheduled service changes, often via email or a confirmation number.

• What “good” looks like: You have a record of your request, including confirmation numbers or dates.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not saving confirmation details, making it difficult to follow up if needed.

10. Follow Up (If Necessary): If you don’t receive confirmation or if your move dates change, contact SCE again to adjust your request.

• What “good” looks like: You are proactive in confirming your service is set up correctly.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming everything is fine without confirmation, which could lead to service issues.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Scheduling too late	Risk of no power on move-in day, inconvenience, potential for temporary power	Schedule at least 5-7 business days in advance, or more during peak times.
Not confirming service dates	Power could be off longer than expected, or still on at the old address	Get a confirmation number and review it carefully. Follow up if it’s unclear.
Incorrect addresses	Service may be scheduled for the wrong location, causing significant delays	Double-check all address details, including unit numbers, for accuracy.
Forgetting to stop service at old home	You’ll continue to be billed for electricity at the vacated property	Ensure you explicitly request to stop service at your old address on your move-out date.
Not accounting for fees or deposits	Financial strain, potential for service delays if payment isn’t made	Inquire about potential costs upfront and budget accordingly.
Assuming service will transfer	You might have a gap in service if you don’t explicitly request a transfer	Clearly state you are moving and need to transfer/restart service at the new address.
Not checking for potential outages	You might arrive to a new home without power, especially on weekends	Inquire about any known planned outages in your new area for your move-in date.
Not informing SCE of a move	Your account remains active at the old address, leading to billing errors	Proactively contact SCE to inform them of your relocation and initiate the service change.
Providing incomplete personal info	Delays in processing your request or inability to verify your account	Ensure all required personal identifiers (account number, SSN, etc.) are accurate and complete.
Not having a plan for weekend moves	SCE might not offer same-day service starts/stops on weekends	Schedule service to start on a Friday or the business day before your weekend move.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your move date is within 5 business days, then prioritize calling SCE customer service directly because online systems may have longer processing times.
• If you have a history of late payments with SCE, then expect a potential security deposit requirement because they assess risk for new service activations.
• If you are moving during a peak season (summer, holidays), then schedule your service changes 10-14 days in advance because demand is higher and processing can take longer.
• If you are unsure about your SCE account number, then check your most recent bill or log in to your online SCE account because you’ll need it to make changes.
• If your new home is vacant and requires a new meter installation, then understand this may take longer than a simple activation because it’s a more involved process.
• If you need electricity on the same day you move in, then schedule the service to start on the morning of your move-in date or the day before because SCE often has specific time windows for activations.
• If you are moving out of the SCE service territory, then you only need to schedule a service stop at your old address because your new provider will handle service initiation elsewhere.
• If you receive a confirmation that your service stop and start dates are the same, then double-check this with SCE because it could lead to a gap in service or an overlap.
• If you are renting, then check your lease agreement for any specific utility requirements or responsibilities because sometimes landlords have specific instructions.
• If you find that your requested start date is unavailable, then be flexible and select the next available date because SCE’s schedule can fill up quickly.
• If you have a smart meter, then the activation process is often quicker and can sometimes be done remotely, but confirm this with SCE.

FAQ

Can I schedule my SCE service to start and stop on the same day?

Yes, you can request for your electricity to be turned off at your old address and turned on at your new address on the same day. However, it’s highly recommended to schedule the new service to start at least a day before your move-in date to avoid any potential gaps in power.

What information do I need to provide to SCE when moving?

You will typically need your SCE account number, Social Security number, the new service address, the old service address, and your desired service start and stop dates.

Is there a fee to start or stop SCE service?

SCE may charge a service connection fee for starting new service. They also bill for electricity usage up to the date service is stopped at your old address. Check the SCE website or contact them for current fee information.

How far in advance should I schedule my move with SCE?

It’s best to schedule your move at least 5-7 business days before your desired service dates. During busy moving periods, providing even more notice (10-14 days) is advisable to ensure your request is processed smoothly.

What happens if I don’t schedule my SCE service transfer correctly?

If not scheduled properly, you could experience a period without electricity at your new home, or you might continue to be billed for electricity at your old, vacant property.

Can I schedule my SCE move online?

Yes, Southern California Edison typically allows customers to schedule service transfers, start new service, and stop existing service through their official website.

What if my new home requires a new meter installation?

If your new residence doesn’t have an active electricity meter or requires a new installation, this process can take longer than a standard service activation. You should contact SCE as soon as possible to understand the timeline and requirements.

Will SCE charge a deposit for a new service?

Whether a deposit is required depends on your account history with SCE and a credit assessment. Customers with a good payment history may not need to pay a deposit, while others might.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific SCE Pricing: This page provides general guidance; exact connection fees, deposit amounts, and rate plans vary. Check the official SCE website or contact customer service for current pricing.
• Moving Outside SCE Territory: This guide focuses on moves within Southern California Edison’s service area. If you’re moving to a different utility provider’s region, you’ll need to contact that new provider.
• Detailed Energy Efficiency Tips: While important for managing your bills, this article does not delve into ways to reduce your electricity consumption. Explore resources on energy conservation for your new home.
• Understanding Your SCE Bill: This guide covers scheduling service, not the specifics of reading and interpreting your monthly electricity bill. Refer to SCE’s billing explanations for details.
• Dispute Resolution: This article does not cover how to handle disputes with SCE regarding billing or service issues. For such matters, you’ll need to follow SCE’s official complaint and resolution procedures.