Contact the utility company in your area before you move in
You need to call or visit the website of the electric company that serves your building — not choose one yourself. In most of the United States, you have one utility provider per address, and that company owns the lines and poles. Your job is to open an account in your name and arrange for the power to turn on.
Find the utility company by searching "[your city] electric utility" or by asking your landlord or property manager which company serves the building. Once you have the name, call their customer service line or go to their website to start a new account. Most utilities let you do this online, though some still require a phone call.
Call at least three to five business days before your move-in date. If you wait until moving day, you may not have power when you arrive, and reconnection can take several days. Some utilities offer faster service if you pay a rush fee, but standard service is usually free.
Key Takeaways
- You must open an account with the local utility company that already serves your building — you cannot choose a different provider.
- Contact the utility at least three to five business days before moving in to avoid delays in power set up.
- You will need your Social Security number, a photo ID, and proof of residency (usually your lease) to open an account.
- Most utilities require a deposit if you have no credit history or a poor credit score, though some waive deposits for renters with good credit.
- After you move out, contact the utility to close your account so you do not pay for electricity you are not using.
What documents and information you need to provide
When you contact the utility, have the following ready: your Social Security number, a valid photo ID, your lease or a move-in confirmation letter from your landlord, and the address where you are moving. Some utilities also ask for a phone number and email address. If you are moving from out of state or have no credit history in the area, the utility may ask for additional proof of identity.
The utility will use this information to run a credit check. If you have a good credit score or a history of paying utility bills on time, you may not owe a deposit. If you have no credit history or a poor score, the utility will ask you to pay a deposit — usually between $100 and $300, depending on the company and your area. This deposit is held as security and returned to you after you close the account, usually within 30 to 60 days of your final bill.
Understanding deposits and how they work
A security deposit for electricity is not the same as a rental security deposit. The utility holds it to protect themselves in case you do not pay your bills. You get it back when you close your account, as long as you have paid all your bills in full and on time.
Some states and cities have rules about deposits. A few places do not allow utilities to charge deposits to renters at all, or only allow them under certain conditions. Before you agree to pay a deposit, ask the utility whether your state or city has rules that might protect you. You can also contact your local tenant rights organization or housing authority to learn what the rules are in your area.
If the utility asks for a deposit and you believe it is not allowed in your area, ask them to explain the rule they are following. If you disagree, you can file a complaint with your state's Public Utilities Commission, which oversees utility companies.
Setting up automatic payments and choosing a billing method
Most utilities offer automatic payment from a bank account or credit card. This means your bill is paid on the due date without you having to remember to send a check or log in online. Automatic payment can lower your bill slightly — some utilities offer a small discount, usually $1 to $3 per month, if you enroll.
If you do not want automatic payment, you can pay by phone, online, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The utility will send you a bill each month showing your usage and what you owe. The bill is usually due 15 to 30 days after you receive it. If you do not pay by the due date, the utility will charge a late fee and may eventually shut off your power.
Ask the utility what payment methods they offer and whether any have fees. Some utilities charge a fee for paying by credit card or phone, but paying by bank account transfer or automatic withdrawal is usually free.
What happens on your move-in day
On the day you move in, the power should already be on if you called ahead and the utility activated your account. If it is not on, call the utility when ready — there may have been a delay or an error. If the power was on before you arrived, the previous tenant's account should have been closed, and the utility should have switched it to your name.
When you arrive, locate your electrical panel or breaker box. It is usually in a basement, garage, utility closet, or outside the building. Check that the main breaker is in the "on" position. If you see any breakers in the "off" position, flip them to "on" — this restores power to those circuits. If you are unsure how to do this, ask your landlord or a neighbor.
Take a photo of your electric meter on move-in day and note the reading. This is your starting point for billing. When you move out, take another photo and provide the final reading to the utility so they can calculate your last bill accurately.
Closing your account when you move out
Contact the utility at least two weeks before you move out to close your account. Provide your final move-out date and ask them to schedule a final meter reading. Some utilities do this automatically; others require you to request it. If you do not close your account, you will continue to be billed for electricity even after you leave.
When you close your account, the utility will calculate your final bill based on your last meter reading. If you paid a deposit, they will explore it to any balance you owe and mail you the remainder. If you owe money, they will bill you for it. This final bill can take 30 to 60 days to arrive, so make sure the utility has your forwarding address.
If you are moving to another apartment in the same service area, you can sometimes transfer your account instead of closing it and opening a new one. Ask the utility whether this option is available — it can save you time and may waive a new deposit.
Troubleshooting common problems
If your power goes out after you move in, first check your breaker box. A tripped breaker is the most common cause. Look for any breaker that is in the middle position or clearly different from the others, flip it back to "on," and see if power is restored. If all breakers are in the "on" position and you still have no power, call the utility to report an outage.
If the utility says your account is not active or there is a problem with your setup, ask them to walk you through the issue. Common problems include a delay in processing your process, a mismatch between the address on your lease and the address in their system, or a technical error. Most of these can be fixed over the phone in a few minutes.
If you believe your bill is too high, ask the utility to explain how they calculated it. Check your meter reading against theirs — if there is a large difference, the meter may be faulty or misread. The utility can send someone to inspect the meter, usually for free if they find an error.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for electricity to turn on after I call the utility?
Standard set up usually takes three to five business days. Some utilities offer same-day or next-day service for an additional fee. If you call on a Friday, do not expect set up until the following week. Always call at least a week before your move-in date to be safe.
Can I negotiate the deposit amount or get it waived?
Deposits are usually set by the utility's policy and are not negotiable. However, if you have good credit or a history of paying utility bills on time, tell the utility representative — they may waive the deposit or reduce it. Some utilities also waive deposits for customers over a certain age or with low income; ask what programs they offer.
What if I cannot pay my electric bill?
Contact your utility when ready and ask about payment plans or hardship programs. Many utilities offer plans that let you spread your bill over several months. Some also have programs that reduce bills for low-income households. Do not ignore the bill — the utility can shut off your power if you do not pay, and reconnection fees can be expensive.
Do I need to be home when the utility turns on my power?
No. The utility can set up your account remotely in most cases. However, if your apartment has a locked electrical panel or if the utility needs to access your unit for any reason, they will contact you to schedule a time. Make sure the utility has a phone number where they can reach you.
What should I do if I think the previous tenant's balance is on my account?
When you open your account, the utility should start fresh with a zero balance. If you see charges from before your move-in date, contact the utility and ask them to remove them. Provide your move-in date and lease as proof. The utility should correct this within a few business days.