What ComEd Transfer Service Does
ComEd transfer service is how you move your electricity account from one address to another when you relocate within ComEd's service area in Illinois. Instead of closing one account and opening a new one, you request a transfer, and ComEd moves your service to your new home. The transfer keeps your account history intact and can affect your deposit requirements and reconnection timing.
You can request a transfer online, by phone, or through the mail. ComEd will schedule a date to disconnect power at your old address and reconnect it at your new one. If you coordinate the timing correctly, you may avoid being without power between moves. The process typically takes 5 to 10 business days from the date you request it, though the actual disconnect and reconnect happen on dates you choose.
Key Takeaways
- ComEd transfer service moves your account to a new address rather than closing and reopening it, which preserves your account history and payment record.
- You can request a transfer online at ComEd.com, by calling 1-800-334-7661, or by visiting a ComEd payment center in person.
- The disconnect date at your old address and the reconnect date at your new address can be different, so you can arrange to have power at both locations briefly if needed.
- If you have an outstanding balance or unpaid bill, ComEd may require payment before processing the transfer, or may transfer the debt to your new account.
- A transfer does not require a new deposit if you have maintained good payment history, but ComEd may conduct a credit check at your new address.
How to Request a Transfer Online or by Phone
The fastest way to request a transfer is through ComEd's website. Log into your account at ComEd.com, go to the "Manage My Account" section, and select "Move Service." You will enter your new address, choose your disconnect date at the old address, and choose your reconnect date at the new address. ComEd will show you any estimated charges and confirm the dates before you submit.
If you do not have an online account or prefer to speak with someone, call ComEd's customer service line at 1-800-334-7661. A representative will walk you through the same information: your new address, the dates you want service to stop and start, and any questions about your account. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.
You can also visit a ComEd payment center in person to request a transfer. Bring your account number (on your bill) and a photo ID. Payment centers are located in Chicago and some suburbs; ComEd's website lists the addresses and hours.
Choosing Your Disconnect and Reconnect Dates
ComEd allows you to choose when power stops at your old address and when it starts at your new one. These dates do not have to be the same day. Many people schedule the disconnect for the day they move out and the reconnect for the day they move in, which means power is off at the old place and on at the new place with minimal overlap.
If you need power at both addresses for a few days—for example, if you are moving gradually or need to clean the old place after moving out—you can request a disconnect date a few days after your reconnect date. ComEd will turn power on at the new address first, then turn it off at the old address later. You will be billed for power at both addresses during the overlap period.
The earliest you can schedule a disconnect or reconnect is typically the next business day, though ComEd may offer same-day service in some cases for an additional fee. The latest you can schedule is usually 30 days out. If you are unsure what dates work, you can request the transfer now and call ComEd later to change the dates, as long as you do so before the scheduled disconnect.
What Happens to Your Account Balance and Deposit
If you have a credit balance on your current account—money you have overpaid—ComEd will transfer that credit to your new account. If you have an outstanding balance or unpaid bill, ComEd may require you to pay it before processing the transfer. In some cases, ComEd will transfer the debt to your new account, but this depends on the amount owed and your payment history.
A security deposit is required only if you do not have established payment history with ComEd or if you have had service disconnected for non-payment in the past. If you are transferring service and have paid your bills on time, you typically will not need to pay a new deposit. However, ComEd may run a credit check at your new address, and if the check reveals a problem, ComEd may ask for a deposit.
If you do need to pay a deposit, the amount depends on your estimated annual usage at the new address. ComEd calculates this based on the size of the home and the number of people living there. You can ask ComEd for an estimate of the deposit amount before you complete the transfer request.
What to Do Before Your Transfer Date
A few days before your disconnect date, take a final meter reading at your old address and photograph it. This reading becomes the basis for your final bill at that location. When you arrive at your new address, take a meter reading there as well and photograph it. This reading becomes the starting point for your new account. Having these photos protects you if there is a dispute about usage or billing between the two addresses.
Notify ComEd of any changes to your contact information—phone number, email, or mailing address—before the transfer date. If ComEd cannot reach you, they may not be able to confirm the reconnect appointment or alert you to any problems. You can update your contact information online or by calling customer service.
If you have budget billing, automatic payments, or paperless billing set up on your current account, those settings will carry over to your new account. If you want to change any of these, do so before the transfer or contact ComEd after the transfer to adjust them.
What Happens If Your Transfer Is Delayed or Cancelled
If ComEd cannot complete the transfer on the scheduled date—for example, if the new address has no active service line or if there is a problem at the property—ComEd will contact you to reschedule. This is why it is important to keep your phone number and email current with ComEd. If you do not hear from ComEd by the day before your scheduled disconnect, call them to confirm the appointment is still on.
If you need to cancel or postpone the transfer, contact ComEd as soon as possible. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. Cancelling early usually has no fee, but if you cancel after the disconnect has already happened, you may be charged a reconnection fee at your old address.
If power is not restored at your new address on the scheduled reconnect date, call ComEd when ready. Provide your account number and the address. ComEd will investigate and either reconnect you that day or schedule an appointment within 24 hours. If the delay is ComEd's fault, you may be may have access to to a credit on your bill.
Transfer Service vs. Closing and Opening New Accounts
A transfer keeps your account number and history with ComEd. This matters because your payment history affects whether ComEd requires a deposit and what rates you may be offered. If you close your old account and open a new one instead, ComEd treats you as a new customer, which can trigger a deposit requirement even if you have always paid on time.
A transfer also simplifies billing. You receive one final bill for your old address covering the period up to the disconnect date, and one new bill for your new address starting from the reconnect date. If you close and reopen, you may receive bills from two separate accounts for a short time, which can be confusing.
The only reason to close and reopen instead of transfer is if you are moving outside ComEd's service area. ComEd serves northern Illinois, including Chicago and suburbs. If you are moving to a different utility company's area, you will need to close your ComEd account and open an account with the new utility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my account if I owe ComEd money?
ComEd may allow the transfer to proceed with the debt carried over to your new account, or they may require payment before processing the transfer. It depends on the amount owed and your payment history. Call ComEd at 1-800-334-7661 to ask about your specific situation before requesting the transfer.
What if the new address has never had ComEd service before?
ComEd will need to inspect the property and set up the service line before reconnecting power. This may take longer than a standard transfer—sometimes 2 to 3 weeks instead of 5 to 10 days. Contact ComEd as soon as you know your new address so they can begin the process early.
Do I have to be home when ComEd disconnects or reconnects?
You do not have to be present for the disconnect or reconnect, but ComEd may need access to the meter. If the meter is outside or in a common area, ComEd can reach it without entering the home. If the meter is inside, contact ComEd to arrange access or ask whether they can work around your schedule.
Will I lose my loyalty discounts or rewards when I transfer?
Your account number stays the same, so any discounts or rewards tied to your account will continue. However, some discounts are based on your address or service history at that address, so confirm with ComEd that your discounts carry over after the transfer is complete.
How much does a transfer cost?
ComEd does not charge a fee to transfer service between addresses within their service area. You will pay for any reconnection work if the new address requires it, but a standard transfer of an active account is free. Same-day service, if available, may have an additional charge.