Starting New Electric Service for Your Home

Quick answer

• Identify your utility provider based on your address.
• Gather necessary personal and property information.
• Schedule a service activation appointment.
• Be prepared for potential deposits or fees.
• Understand the process for moving out and transferring service.
• Keep your account information secure.

Who this is for

• New homeowners or renters setting up utilities for the first time.
• Individuals moving into a new residence within the same service area.
• Anyone who needs to reconnect or establish a new electric account.

What to check first (before you act)

Your New Address and Landlord/Seller Information

Before contacting any utility company, confirm the exact service address. If you are renting, obtain the landlord’s or property manager’s contact information. If you are buying, ask the seller or your real estate agent for details about the current provider and any existing account information that might need to be transferred or closed. This step prevents you from contacting the wrong company or providing incomplete information.

Your Move-In Date

The date you need electricity turned on is critical for scheduling. Utility companies typically require advance notice, sometimes several business days. Confirming your move-in date allows you to book an appointment that aligns with your arrival, avoiding a situation where you move into a dark home.

Your Personal Identification and Account Information

You will need to provide personal identification to open an account. This usually includes your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid government-issued ID. You may also need proof of residency, such as a lease agreement or a closing statement for a home purchase. Having this information readily available will expedite the account setup process.

Existing Utility Accounts

If you are moving from another location, you may need to close your previous electric service account. Understand the process for doing this to avoid being billed for service at your old address after you’ve moved out. Similarly, if you’re moving within the same service area, inquire about transferring your existing account to the new address, which can sometimes simplify the process and avoid new account fees.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Identify Your Electric Utility Provider

• What to do: Use your new address to find out which electric company services your area. You can often find this information on your lease, purchase agreement, or by asking your landlord, seller, or real estate agent. Online search engines using your address and “electric provider” can also be helpful.
• What “good” looks like: You have the name and contact information of the correct utility company.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Contacting the wrong utility company. Avoid this by verifying the provider for your specific address through multiple sources if necessary.

2. Gather Necessary Information

• What to do: Collect your Social Security number, date of birth, new service address, mailing address (if different), and a contact phone number. If you are renting, you might need your landlord’s name and phone number. If you are buying, have your closing date handy.
• What “good” looks like: You have all required personal and property details ready for the application.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not having all information readily available, leading to delays. Have documents like your lease or deed accessible.

3. Contact the Utility Company to Start Service

• What to do: Call the utility company’s customer service line or visit their website to initiate the setup process. You will likely need to complete an application for new service.
• What “good” looks like: You have successfully submitted an application for new electric service.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Waiting until the last minute. Start this process as soon as you have a confirmed move-in date.

4. Schedule the Service Activation Appointment

• What to do: During the application process, you will schedule a date and time for the electricity to be turned on. This might require you or an authorized representative to be present at the property, especially if the previous service was disconnected.
• What “good” looks like: You have a confirmed appointment for service activation on or before your move-in date.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not scheduling an appointment or scheduling it too late. Book this as early as possible, understanding that same-day or next-day service may not always be available.

5. Provide Proof of Identity and Residency (If Required)

• What to do: Some utility companies may require you to provide copies of your ID or proof of residency, especially if you are a new customer or have no established credit history with them. This could be a scanned driver’s license, lease agreement, or utility bill from a previous address.
• What “good” looks like: You have successfully submitted any requested documentation.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not being prepared to provide documentation. Have digital or physical copies of relevant documents ready.

6. Understand and Pay Any Required Deposits or Fees

• What to do: Many utility companies require a security deposit, especially for new customers or those with a limited credit history. There may also be an activation fee. Inquire about the amount and payment methods.
• What “good” looks like: You understand the deposit amount, how it’s paid, and when it might be refundable.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Being surprised by a deposit. Ask about deposits and fees upfront and clarify the conditions for their return.

7. Confirm Service Activation

• What to do: On your scheduled activation date, check if the electricity is working. If not, contact the utility company immediately.
• What “good” looks like: Lights and appliances work in your new home.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming service is on without checking. Verify power is active before you need it, especially if you have appliances to plug in.

8. Set Up Your Online Account and Billing

• What to do: Once service is active, register for an online account on the utility’s website. This allows you to monitor usage, view bills, and manage payments.
• What “good” looks like: You can log in to your online account and understand your billing cycle.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not setting up online access, making bill payment and account management more difficult. Register for online access promptly.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Not identifying the correct utility provider	Paying for service you don’t receive, or having no power when you need it.	Double-check the service provider for your specific address using multiple sources before contacting anyone.
Failing to provide complete personal info	Application delays, rejection of service, or incorrect billing.	Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and full address ready before starting the application.
Waiting too long to schedule service activation	Moving into a dark home, significant inconvenience, and potential emergency costs.	Initiate the service request as soon as you have a confirmed move-in date, ideally 1-2 weeks in advance.
Not understanding deposit requirements	Unexpected financial burden, potential denial of service.	Ask about security deposits and fees upfront, and inquire about the criteria for their refund.
Forgetting to close service at your old address	Being billed for electricity at a property you no longer occupy.	Set a specific date and time to disconnect service at your old address, ideally the day after you move out.
Not having a representative present if needed	Delayed activation if a technician needs access to your property.	Confirm if someone needs to be present for activation and ensure an authorized adult is available.
Assuming service is active without checking	Discovering no power when you need it, especially after hours or on weekends.	Test power to essential appliances and lights immediately after the scheduled activation time.
Ignoring online account setup	Difficulty managing bills, tracking usage, or reporting issues.	Register for your online portal immediately after service is established to stay informed and in control of your account.
Not inquiring about energy assistance programs	Missing out on potential savings or financial aid if you qualify.	Ask the utility company about any available energy assistance programs or budget billing options.
Not understanding disconnection procedures	Unexpected service interruptions if you move or change providers without notice.	Always inform your utility provider of your move-out date and understand the process for final meter readings and bill settlements.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you are a renter, then contact your landlord or property manager first because they will know the electric provider and may have specific instructions.
• If you are a homeowner, then check your closing documents or ask your real estate agent for the name of the current electric utility because this streamlines the process.
• If your move-in date is less than five business days away, then prioritize calling the utility company immediately because you may need to pay expedited service fees or accept a later activation date.
• If you have a history of late payments with other utility companies, then expect to pay a security deposit because providers use this to mitigate risk.
• If you are establishing service for the first time in your name, then be prepared to provide a Social Security number because this is a standard identity verification step.
• If you are moving within the same service area, then ask the utility company about transferring your existing account because this can sometimes waive new account fees and simplify the process.
• If the power is not on by your scheduled activation time, then call the utility company’s customer service immediately because there may be an issue with the activation or a problem at your location.
• If you receive a bill that seems unexpectedly high, then review your usage history and compare it to previous bills, and contact the utility company if you suspect an error because billing discrepancies can occur.
• If you are concerned about managing your monthly electricity costs, then ask about budget billing or payment plans because these options can help stabilize your expenses.
• If you are moving out, then schedule your service disconnection for the day after you vacate the property because this ensures you are not billed for any usage after you leave.
• If you are unsure about any part of the process, then don’t hesitate to ask the utility company for clarification because they are there to guide you through setting up service.

FAQ

How far in advance should I schedule electric service?

It’s best to schedule electric service at least 3-5 business days before your desired activation date. However, scheduling even earlier, as soon as you have a confirmed move-in date, is ideal, especially during peak moving seasons.

What if I don’t have a Social Security number?

If you don’t have a Social Security number, you may need to provide alternative forms of identification and proof of residency. Contact the utility company directly to inquire about their specific requirements for customers without an SSN.

Can I start electric service without being present?

In many cases, yes, if the power is already connected to the home and no meter tampering or issues are present. However, if the service has been disconnected or requires a new meter installation, you or an authorized adult might need to be present. Always confirm with the utility company.

How do I know which electric company services my address?

You can usually find out by asking your landlord, seller, or real estate agent. Alternatively, a quick online search using your full address and terms like “electric company” or “utility provider” can often identify the correct company.

What happens if the power isn’t on when I move in?

If the power isn’t on by your scheduled activation time, contact the utility company immediately. There might have been a scheduling error, a technical issue, or a problem with accessing your property.

How do I get my security deposit back?

Security deposits are typically refunded after a period of consistent, on-time payments. The exact timeframe and refund method (check, credit on your bill) vary by utility provider. Check your provider’s policy for details.

What if I have a medical need for electricity?

If you or someone in your household has a medical condition that requires electricity, inform the utility company when you set up service. They may have specific procedures or notification systems in place for medical emergencies, though they cannot guarantee uninterrupted service.

Can I choose my electric supplier?

In some states and regions, you may have the option to choose your electricity supplier from a list of competitive providers. However, your local utility company will still be responsible for delivering the electricity and maintaining the infrastructure. Research your local options.

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

• Choosing an electricity supplier: If you live in a deregulated energy market, you may have options beyond your default utility. Research competitive energy providers in your area.
• Understanding energy efficiency and conservation: Learn how to reduce your electricity consumption and lower your bills through smart appliance choices and home insulation.
• Applying for energy assistance programs: If you are struggling to afford your electricity bills, explore government and utility-sponsored assistance programs for low-income households.
• Setting up other utilities: This guide focuses solely on electricity. You will need to separately arrange for water, gas, internet, and other services.
• Understanding complex billing structures: Some bills include various surcharges, taxes, and fees. If you need detailed explanations, consult the utility company’s billing department.