Getting electricity turned on at a new place
To get electricity turned on, you contact your local utility company directly — not a government agency — and request service at your address. The utility will ask for your name, the address where you need power, and a move-in date. Most utilities can set up service within a few business days, though some areas have longer waits during peak moving seasons. You may need to provide a deposit or pass a credit check, depending on your history with that utility and your state's rules.
The process differs slightly by region because different companies serve different areas. In most places, one utility has a monopoly on your address, so you do not have a choice of provider — you call whoever serves your neighborhood. A few states allow customers to choose between suppliers, but even then, the local utility still owns the poles and wires, so you still contact them first.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your local utility company by phone, online, or in person to request service; find the company name by searching your address on your state's public utilities commission website.
- Have your name, the service address, and your desired move-in date ready when you call, and ask how long set up typically takes in your area.
- The utility may require a deposit, a credit check, or proof of identity before turning power on, and these requirements vary by state and by company.
- If you cannot pay a deposit or have past-due balances with the utility, ask about hardship programs or payment plans before your service date.
- Once power is on, you will receive a bill monthly; contact the utility when ready if your bill seems wrong or if you stop receiving power.
Finding which utility serves your address
Your state's public utilities commission maintains a list of which company serves each area. Search your address on that commission's website — the name and contact information will appear. If you cannot find it online, call your city or county clerk's office and ask which utility operates in your neighborhood.
In rare cases, you may live in a municipal utility district, meaning your city runs the electric system rather than a private company. The process is the same: contact your city's utilities department directly. Ask for the customer service or new accounts line.
What information you need before calling
Have these details ready when you contact the utility: your full name, the street address where you need power, the apartment or unit number if applicable, and the date you want service to start. If you are moving from another address that the utility already serves, have that old address handy too — it speeds up the process.
The utility will also ask for a phone number and email address where they can reach you. Provide a number you check regularly, because they may need to contact you about your account or to schedule a meter reading.
Deposits, credit checks, and what they cost
Most utilities check your credit or your payment history with them before turning on power. If you have a good history with that utility or a strong credit score, you may not owe a deposit. If you do, the amount varies widely — it could be $100 to $500 or more, depending on your state, the utility, and your situation.
Some utilities waive deposits for customers over a certain age, customers receiving certain government benefits, or customers in hardship situations. Ask the utility representative directly whether you might may have access to for a waiver. If you cannot pay the deposit upfront, ask whether the company offers a payment plan or whether you can pay it in installments over your first few months of service.
A few states prohibit utilities from requiring deposits from residential customers at all, or allow deposits only under specific circumstances. Your state's public utilities commission can tell you what the rules are in your area.
What happens on your service start date
On the date you requested, the utility will energize the meter at your address. You do not need to be home for this to happen — the power straightforward becomes available. However, if the meter is locked or if the previous tenant left the main breaker off, you may need to unlock it or flip the breaker yourself. Check your lease or ask your landlord whether you are allowed to do this, or ask the utility whether they will do it for you.
After power is on, the utility will begin reading your meter and sending you bills. Your first bill may cover only a partial month if you started service partway through a billing cycle. Read the bill carefully to make sure the meter number matches your address and that the dates are correct.
If you cannot afford the deposit or have past debt
If you owe money to the utility from a previous account, tell them before your service date. Many utilities will not turn on power if you have an unpaid balance, but some will negotiate a payment plan or settlement. The sooner you contact them, the more options you usually have.
If you cannot afford the deposit, ask about hardship programs. Some utilities offer reduced deposits or payment plans for customers with low income or documented financial hardship. Your state's public utilities commission or your local legal aid office can tell you what programs exist in your area. Some nonprofits also help with utility deposits — search "[your city] utility information" to find local organizations.
After your power is on
Once service starts, you will receive a bill each month showing how much electricity you used and what you owe. The bill will include the utility's customer service number. If you have questions about your bill, notice an error, or want to set up automatic payments, call that number.
If your power goes out unexpectedly, call the utility's outage line when ready — the number is usually on your bill or on their website. Do not assume it is a neighborhood-wide outage; sometimes the problem is specific to your meter or your building's connection. The utility can tell you whether they are aware of an outage in your area and when they expect to restore power.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get power turned on?
Most utilities can set up service within two to five business days of your request. During peak moving seasons (May through September), some areas have longer waits. Ask the utility representative how long it typically takes in your area and whether they can expedite service for an extra fee.
Can I get power turned on if I do not have a credit card or bank account?
Yes. You can pay deposits and bills by check, money order, or cash at many utilities' payment centers. Call the utility and ask what payment methods they accept and where you can pay in person.
What if the previous tenant left the power on and I want to switch it to my name?
Contact the utility and ask to transfer the account to your name. You will still need to provide your information and may still owe a deposit. The utility will not remove the previous tenant's name until you complete the transfer.
Do I have to sign a contract with the utility?
No. Residential electricity service is month-to-month in most states. You can stop service by notifying the utility, though you remain responsible for any balance owed. Some utilities charge a final meter-reading fee when you close your account.
What if I think my bill is wrong?
Call the utility's customer service line and describe the problem. Ask them to review your meter reading and your usage. If you believe there is an error, you can request a meter test or a manual inspection. Most utilities will investigate for free if you ask within a certain time frame.