Everything You Need to Know When Changing Your Utilities

If you are moving, you should consider switching utility companies. Your current utility company does not have to be the same as the utility company in the area you are moving to, so staying aware of this and acting early enough can save you a lot of headaches when you need to transfer utilities. Utility companies need some time to set up the service as well, so plan ahead and ensure your new home has essential utilities before the move-in day. 

Many choose to move today. Texas seems to be a very popular destination for those who decide to move. Low living costs, low energy costs, and many other perks of living in Texas seem to be drawing many people to this state. The destination is perfect for retired, newlyweds, and young entrepreneurs. 

As a big plus, for those who are eco-conscious, solar power in Texas runs strong. Texas electricity rates are low thanks to a large percentage of renewable energy sources in the total energy portfolio in the state. Most of this energy comes from solar panels and wind turbine farms. 

Make a Utility Checklist

Even before moving, make sure to list every utility company you currently use. Utility service providers are numerous, so it may take time to find the best deal for your electric service, water, sewer service, and many others. Starting early enough ensures success, especially because you do not want to move into a house that is cold and has no running water. Here is a list of some utilities you may want to go through as you transfer utilities: 

• Electricity service, 
• Water and sewage, 
• Gas. 

Besides these, there are also other utilities you should schedule: 

• Landline phone, 
• Waste collection and recycling, 
• Cable TV, 
• Internet, and 
• Home security (as well as A/C security). 

Evaluate your Current Utility Services

Once you have a list of the utilities you use, evaluate this list. You should do this before you transfer utilities. This is your chance to reduce your utility bills and save money, so ensure you have enough time at your disposal. Your electricity bill can always get lower, and so can your landline, so ensure to check out all utility providers in the new area and grab the best deal. Some services, such as cable TV, can be canceled altogether, especially if you are already paying for an Internet connection and have a Netflix subscription. 

Transferring Utility Services or Changing Service Providers?

When moving, you should check out whether the same utility service providers work in both areas. If yes, you’re in luck, as you may be able to simply change the address to which the service is provided. This way, you save time and save money on deposit and connection fees. On the other hand, if you would like to switch utility providers altogether, you should be prepared to pay early termination fees, connection fees, and the deposit. Let’s read on and find out more about switching utility providers: 

In-state Moving

If you are moving in-state, you may be able to keep your same utility service providers. These providers may serve the area you are moving to as well, saving you time and money. If this is the case, you can also skip a few steps while transferring utilities. 

Interstate Moving

If you are moving interstate, you may find out that your utility providers do not work in the other state. If this is the case, you will have to find new utilities when moving. Every new service provider will have to sign a contract with you before delivering service to your new address. Check with your real estate agent or property manager beforehand. If they offer no assistance in switching utilities, ensure to contact your preferred utility providers at least three weeks before the planned move-in date. 

Transferring your Utility Services

The first thing to do when transferring utilities is to decide which utilities you may need. Once you know that, ask around for utility service provider details in the new area. If you are moving to Texas, you can use Electricrate to find new utilities when moving. Check out their energy plan offer for the area you are moving to and prepare for the next steps. 

Contact your Utility Companies

Once you’ve decided which utility service you’d like to sign a contract with, go ahead and contact the utility companies. Ask any questions you may have, and do not forget to write the answers down. Working with many companies at the same time can prove to be confusing, to say at least. You may want to ask your new utility company about: 

• Deposit payment, 
• Energy rates, water rates, gas rates, etc. 
• Any discounts or bill credit they may offer, and 
• Whether you need to be present during the service connection. 

When do you Notify Utility Companies?

Ensure to contact the utility companies in the area you are moving to at least three weeks before the move-in date. While some services may offer same-day service, some may need to do actual work to ensure the connection of your property and smooth service. Schedule service onset for the day BEFORE your move-in date. 

When do you Disconnect Utilities?

When moving, it is wise to disconnect utilities the day AFTER you move out. Of course, you can schedule to disconnect utility weeks before. If you schedule disconnection a day after you move out, you are giving yourself an extra day to move in case of any tardiness. Even a reliable moving company may occasionally be late. Pay your final bills and have the service provider do the reading of your meter. 

Conduct Final Meter Reading Before Moving Out

Before you move out, you should do the final meter reading. It is best if your current utility companies do the reading themselves, as this is the best way to ensure you won’t pay any electricity, gas, and water after you move out. You may also want to take pictures of the meter reading for your own convenience. When you move into the new property, you should take the initial readings of your meter as well. 

Changing your Utility Service Providers

Changing utilities when moving can be stressful, so staying organized is the key to a painless experience. Comparing your current service providers with future potential utility providers can be beneficial, but it is not all there is to be done. Read on to learn more about how to change your utility service providers. 

Find Utility Service Companies in your Destination

First things first, you should understand your water and energy needs in your current location. These are easy to find, as they are present on your utility bills. Head over to Electricrate, enter your ZIP code (future ZIP code) and check out the offer for the area you will be moving to. Water, electricity, and gas are basic utilities, so you should consider this service plans first. 

Communicate with your Potential Utility Companies

Once you have an idea of where to transfer your utilities, make a few phone calls to ensure the offer on the website matches the actual offer. Beware of any hidden charges and fees. While on the phone, you can gather information, learn about promos, and schedule the utility installation. It is best to do this once you know your actual move-out date. 

Set the Schedule (Connect New Utilities/Disconnect Current Utilities)

Once you know your move-out and move-in date, schedule utility connections in your new address. Ensure that you let the utility companies know about your arrival date at least three weeks beforehand to give them plenty of time to connect you to the grid. What you should also schedule at this time is the disconnection of old services and current utilities. 

Pay any outstanding balances

Contact your old utilities to see if there are any outstanding balances that should be paid. You should also request the final reading of the meter, and you should also provide them with your new address that they should send the final bill. Without this, you may not be able to pay the final bill for all the utilities, and overdue bills mean overdue fees. When moving, you should keep your monthly expenses as low as you can, especially since there will be many unexpected bills to pay. 

Get back any utility deposits

While on the phone with your utility company, you should also request your deposit back. A utility deposit is there to protect the utility company in case you do any damage to their equipment or cannot pay your due bills. If you’ve been paying the bills on time, you should get the utility deposit back. Save this money to make a new deposit once you make a service application with the new utilities. 

Conduct a Final Meter Reading Before Moving out

The final reading of your water, sewage, and electricity meters should be done as close to the move-out date as possible. Ensure that the utility workers do the reading and take a picture with the date and time stamp yourself. This will protect you in case you get a suspiciously high final bill. 

Provide your Current Utility Companies your New Address

Providing your current utility your future address will give them a chance to send you your final bill. This will also ensure that your credit score is not impacted by any overdue balances, as these can accumulate when not paid for a long time. Many providers will send their bills even internationally if you happen to move abroad. 

FAQs

Conclusion

Switching utilities when moving can be a bothersome task. However, your electricity service, television service, waste removal, and internet service can all be transferred in a matter of days. Always plan the shut-off date and the lights-on date in advance so that you can rest assured you will not walk into a dark and cold home. Prepare to pay a transfer fee in case your old utility works on your new billing address as well, and contact the previous owners to see if you can simply transfer their utilities onto your name. You may even save a few dollars and spare yourself by calling a few phone numbers. 

Updated on 05-25-22