Moving? How to Transfer Electricity Service: Complete Guide

Contact your utility company at least two weeks before your move date. This gives you buffer room in case anything goes wrong.

Most utilities accept move requests up to 60 days in advance, and earlier is better. Two weeks is the minimum if you want to avoid scheduling conflicts so you don't walk into a dark house on move-in day.

If you're moving within the same utility territory, you can often transfer your account directly. Moving to a different utility area? You'll need to stop service at one utility and start with another.

The main point: call early so you're not unpacking boxes in the dark.

Request a final meter reading and service disconnection for your old address. You can do this through your utility's website, by phone, or at their office if you prefer in-person.

Have your account number ready (it's on your bill or in your online account), your current service address, your stop date (usually move-out day or the day after), and a forwarding address for your final bill.

Your final bill will include charges through your stop date. If you paid a deposit when you started service, that gets credited to your balance. Any remaining amount owed gets subtracted from the deposit credit.

Keep your confirmation number somewhere safe. If you have a competitive supplier, don't worry about notifying them separately. The utility automatically lets them know when you stop service.

Contact the utility company serving your new address to establish service before you move in.

You'll need your complete new address, your desired start date (ideally the day before move-in), your driver's license or state ID, and possibly your Social Security Number. Some utilities run credit checks, though not all require this.

If the previous tenant already had active service, starting yours usually takes one to two business days. If service was disconnected, it might take longer and require someone to visit the property.

Here's a tip worth following: schedule power for the day before you move in. Trust me, there's nothing worse than walking into a dark apartment with a truck full of furniture and no way to see where anything goes.

Utilities may require security deposits from new customers based on credit evaluation. Not everyone pays one, but you should be prepared.

Typical deposits run $100 to $400 for residential accounts, usually one to two months of estimated usage depending on the utility.

There are ways to avoid or reduce deposits. Good credit often waives the deposit entirely. A letter of credit from your previous utility showing 12 months of on-time payments can work instead of a credit check. If you do need to pay a deposit, many utilities let you spread it over several monthly payments.

Getting your deposit back usually requires 12 to 24 consecutive on-time payments. In most states, your deposit also earns interest while the utility holds it.

Tight on cash during the move? Ask about payment plans or waiver programs. Most utilities have them, but they won't volunteer the information unless you ask.

Moving affects competitive electricity supplier contracts differently depending on where you're going.

If you're staying within the same utility territory, your contract usually transfers to your new address. Just contact your supplier to arrange it, and your same rate and terms continue at your new home.

Moving to a different utility area is a different story. Your contract typically ends because most suppliers don't serve all utilities. Before you assume you'll owe an early termination fee, check your contract's move provisions. Many contracts waive that fee for relocations. At your new address, you can either shop for a new supplier or just use the utility's default service.

Call your supplier before you start packing boxes. Find out whether your contract transfers or ends so you're not caught off guard.

Unplanned moves require faster action, but utilities can usually accommodate urgent requests if you handle things right.

For the fastest response, call directly and skip the online forms. Explain your situation and ask for the soonest possible start date. Have your address, ID, and payment method ready before you call so you don't waste time.

If the location already has active service, same-day start might be possible. If service was disconnected, emergency reconnection typically takes 24 to 48 hours. Some utilities charge extra for rush requests, so ask about fees upfront.

Document everything. Write down who you talked to and your confirmation number. If something goes wrong, you'll be glad you did.

Apartment moves involve additional coordination compared to single-family homes. Don't assume it works the same way.

Before you call the utility, figure out whether electricity will be in your name or included in rent. Contact the property manager to confirm which utility company serves the building. Some buildings require authorization from the landlord before utilities will start service in a tenant's name.

Buildings use two types of metering. Individual meters mean you establish your own account and pay your own usage. Master meters mean the landlord pays the electric bill and includes it in your rent.

When setting up service, have your unit number ready so the utility connects the right meter. Coordinate with your landlord about overlapping tenancy periods. High-rises sometimes have specific service start requirements that the utility needs to work around.

Here's a timeline for handling electricity when you move.

Two weeks before your move, contact your current utility to schedule service stop and contact the new utility to schedule service start. Write down confirmation numbers for both requests. If you have a competitive supplier contract, review it for move provisions.

One week before, confirm that both stop and start dates are scheduled correctly. Mistakes happen, and this is when you want to catch them.

Three days before, verify your new location will have active service. Check with the utility or test the lights if you have access to the property.

On move-out day, take photos of your old meter reading. This protects you if there's a billing dispute later.

On move-in day, verify power works throughout your new home and note the meter reading.

Within one week after the move, confirm your final bill from the old address reflects the correct dates and verify your first bill at the new address starts on your actual move-in date.