Moving? How to Transfer Your Electricity Service

When to Contact Your Utility About Moving

Contact your utility company at least two weeks before your move date to ensure smooth service transitions. Timeline recommendations:

📅 60 days in advance — most utilities accept move requests this early
⏰ 2 weeks minimum — essential for avoiding scheduling conflicts
🏠 Earlier is better — reduces the chance of no power on move-in day

Move scenarios:

🔄 Same utility territory — you can often transfer your account directly
🗺️ Different utility area — requires stopping service at one utility and starting with another

💡 Key benefit: Prompt communication prevents billing complications and ensures electricity is flowing when you need it.

How to Stop Service at Your Old Address

Request a final meter reading and service disconnection for your old address through your utility's website, phone, or office. Information you'll need:

🔢 Account number — from your bill or online account
🏠 Service address — your current residence
📅 Stop date — typically move-out day or day after
📬 Forwarding address — for your final bill

Your final bill includes:

💰 Charges through your stop date
💵 Any deposits held (credited to your balance)
📊 Minus any amounts owed

📋 Important: Keep records including confirmation numbers. If you have a competitive supplier, they'll receive notification automatically through the utility.

Starting Electricity Service at Your New Home

Contact the utility company serving your new address to establish service before your move-in date. Information you'll need:

🏠 New service address — complete street address
📅 Desired start date — ideally day before move-in
🪪 Personal ID — driver's license or state ID
📋 Social Security Number — for credit checks (some utilities)

Processing times:

⚡ Existing connections — 1-2 business days
🔧 Disconnected service — may take longer and require site visit

💡 Pro tip: Request service to begin the day before move-in to ensure power is available when you arrive.

Understanding Deposit Requirements

Utilities may require security deposits from new customers based on credit evaluation. Typical deposit amounts:

💰 $100 to $400 for residential accounts
📊 1-2 months estimated usage — varies by utility

Ways to avoid or reduce deposits:

✅ Good credit history — often waives deposit entirely
📄 Letter of credit — from previous utility showing 12 months on-time payments
💳 Payment plans — spread deposit over several months

Getting your deposit back:

📈 12-24 consecutive on-time payments — typical requirement
💵 Deposits earn interest — in most states

💡 Budget tip: Ask about deposit waiver programs if the full amount presents a hardship.

What Happens to Your Electricity Supplier Contract

Moving affects competitive electricity supplier contracts differently depending on your situation. Moving within the same utility territory:

🔄 Contract usually transfers — contact supplier to arrange
📋 Same rate and terms continue at your new address

Moving to a different utility area:

🚫 Contract typically ends — suppliers may not serve all utilities
📄 Check move provisions — many contracts waive early termination fees for relocations
🛒 Shop for new supplier — or use utility default service at new home

⚠️ Important: Contact your supplier before moving to understand your options and avoid unexpected fees.

Handling Same-Day or Emergency Moves

Unplanned moves require faster action but utilities can usually accommodate urgent requests. For fastest response:

📞 Call directly — skip online forms for urgent requests
🗣️ Explain your situation — request soonest possible start date
📋 Have information ready — address, ID, and payment method

What to expect:

⚡ Active service location — same-day start may be possible
🔧 Disconnected service — emergency reconnection takes 24-48 hours
💰 Additional fees — may apply for rush requests

📝 Document everything: Keep representative names and confirmation numbers for same-day requests.

Special Considerations for Apartment Moves

Apartment moves involve additional coordination compared to single-family homes. Before you call the utility:

❓ Verify utility responsibility — is electricity in your name or included in rent?
🏢 Contact property manager — confirm correct utility company
📋 Ask about building requirements — some require authorization

Building meter types:

🏠 Individual meters — you establish your own account
🏢 Master meters — landlord pays and includes in rent

Coordination tips:

🔢 Have unit number ready — ensures correct meter connection
📅 Coordinate with landlord — about overlapping tenancy periods
🏗️ High-rise rules — may have specific service start requirements

Complete Moving Electricity Checklist

Follow this checklist for a smooth electricity transition: 📅 Two weeks before:

☎️ Contact current utility — schedule service stop
📞 Contact new utility — schedule service start
📝 Note confirmation numbers for both requests
📄 Review supplier contract for move provisions

📅 One week before:

✅ Confirm both stop and start dates are scheduled correctly

📅 Three days before:

⚡ Verify new location has active service (check with utility or test if you have access)

🚚 Move-out day:

📸 Take photos of your old meter reading

🏠 Move-in day:

💡 Verify power works throughout your new home
📝 Note the meter reading

📅 Within one week after:

📊 Confirm final bill from old address reflects correct dates
📄 Verify first bill at new address starts on move-in date

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my electricity supplier to my new address?

You can transfer your supplier contract if moving within the same utility service territory. Contact your supplier to request the transfer before your move date. If moving to a different utility area, most contracts end since suppliers don't serve all utilities. Check your contract for move provisions that may waive early termination fees.

What if I forget to transfer my electricity service before moving?

If you forget to arrange service before moving, contact the utility immediately upon realizing the oversight. Many utilities can start service retroactively to your move-in date if caught within a few days. You may need to pay usage charges from when you moved in. For stopping old service, you remain responsible for usage until the service transfers to another account or disconnects.

How long does it take to start electricity at a new address?

Service start typically takes one to two business days for addresses with existing active connections. Locations with disconnected service may require site visits taking 24 to 72 hours. Requesting service two weeks ahead of your move ensures plenty of time for processing and avoids move-in day power problems.

Will I need to pay a deposit at my new address?

Deposit requirements depend on your credit history and the new utility's policies. Good credit often waives deposits entirely. Previous utility payment history showing 12 months on-time payments may substitute for credit checks at some utilities. Deposits typically equal one to two months of estimated usage and return after establishing good payment history.

What if my new home has no power when I move in?

If you confirmed service start but have no power, check your breaker panel first, as main breakers sometimes trip during moves. If breakers are on, contact your utility's emergency line. There may be a meter connection issue requiring a service technician. Most utilities offer 24/7 emergency service for move-in power problems.

About the author

Brad Gregory

Consumer Advocate

Brad moved from California to Texas in 2009 and got confused by electricity shopping—something that didn't exist where he came from. That confusion led him to build ComparePower.com. At ElectricRates.org, he's applying the same approach to Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.

Energy plan comparisonCustomer experienceDeregulated electricity marketsEnergy shopping strategiesResidential rate comparison

Topics covered

moving electricity-transfer new-service address-change utility-setup service-start

Sources & References

AEP Ohio - Start/Stop Service (AEP Ohio): "AEP Ohio provides guidance on starting, stopping, and transferring electricity service"Accessed Jan 2025
PECO - Move Service (PECO): "PECO provides moving and service transfer guidance for Pennsylvania customers"Accessed Jan 2025

Last updated: December 10, 2025