Contact the utility company serving your address before you move in

Electricity service does not start automatically when you arrive. You must contact the utility company that serves your building and request an account in your name. The utility company is determined by your location — each region has one or more providers, and you cannot choose which one serves your address.

Find your utility company by searching "[your city/county] electricity provider" or by calling your landlord or property manager, who will know when ready. You can also search online using your address at websites like PowerOutage.us or by checking a recent utility bill if the apartment had a previous tenant.

Call or visit the utility company's website to start service. Have ready: your name, the apartment address (including unit number), your phone number, and the date you want service to begin. Most companies let you request service online in minutes. Service typically begins within 2 to 5 business days, though some areas offer next-day set up for an additional fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must contact your local utility company directly — service does not start on its own when you move in.
  • Your utility company is determined by your address and cannot be changed; find it by asking your landlord or searching online.
  • Have your name, apartment address with unit number, phone number, and desired start date ready when you call or explore online.
  • Service usually begins within 2 to 5 business days; some utilities offer expedited service for a fee if you need it sooner.
  • You may need to pay a deposit or provide a credit check, depending on your credit history and the utility's policies.

What documents and information you will need

The utility company will ask for basic identifying information. Bring or have available: a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your address (a signed lease, a move-in inspection form, or a utility bill from another account in your name).

Some utilities also request employment information or a previous utility account number if you have one. If you have poor credit or a history of unpaid utility bills, the company may require a deposit before activating service — typically $100 to $300, though amounts vary by utility and region. Ask about the deposit amount and whether it is refundable when you call.

Understand deposits and credit checks

Most utility companies run a credit check when you open an account. If your credit score is below a certain threshold (usually around 600, though this varies), or if you have a record of unpaid utility bills, the company will likely require a deposit. This deposit is held in your account and returned after 12 months of on-time payments, or when you close the account.

If you are asked to pay a deposit and believe it is unfair, ask the utility company to explain their deposit policy in writing. Some states have rules limiting how much a utility can charge for a deposit or requiring them to waive it under certain conditions — contact your state's Public Utilities Commission to learn the rules in your area.

Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees

Once your account is open, the utility company will send you a bill each month. You can pay by mail, phone, online, or through automatic bank withdrawal. Automatic payment is the simplest option: you authorize the utility to withdraw the amount due from your bank account on a set date each month, usually around the due date.

To set up automatic payments, log into your online account or call the utility company. You will need your bank account number and routing number. Automatic payment eliminates the risk of late fees (typically $15 to $50 per late payment) and service disconnection if you forget to pay.

Know what happens if you cannot pay your bill

If you fall behind on payments, the utility company will send you a disconnection notice before shutting off service — usually 10 to 30 days after the bill is due, depending on your state. The notice will include the amount owed and a important date to pay or arrange a payment plan.

If you cannot pay in full, contact the utility company when ready and ask about a payment plan. Many utilities offer plans that spread your debt over several months. Some also have hardship programs for low-income households that reduce or forgive arrears. Ask specifically whether your utility has a low-income program or financial hardship option.

Understand your rights as a tenant

In most states, a landlord cannot shut off your electricity as a form of eviction or punishment — that is illegal. If your landlord controls the master meter and bills you through rent, the rules are different, and you should contact your local tenant rights organization to understand your protections.

You also have the right to request a meter reading to verify your bill is accurate. If you believe your bill is wrong, ask the utility company for an investigation. Some utilities offer budget billing, which spreads your annual costs evenly across 12 months so your bill does not spike in summer or winter.

Plan for the cost of your first bill

Your first bill may be higher than usual because it covers the period from when service started until the first meter reading — this could be 30 to 45 days instead of a standard 30-day cycle. Budget for this and for any deposit the utility requires upfront.

The actual monthly cost depends on your usage, the utility's rates, and the season. In summer, air conditioning drives costs up; in winter, heating does. Ask the utility company or your landlord what the typical monthly bill is for a unit like yours so you can budget accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up electricity before I have signed the lease?

Most utilities require proof of your right to occupy the apartment — usually a signed lease or a move-in inspection form. Some will accept a letter from your landlord confirming your move-in date. Call the utility company and ask what proof they accept; if you do not have a signed lease yet, ask whether a landlord letter will work.

What if the previous tenant's account is still active?

Contact the utility company and explain that you are the new occupant. The company will close the previous account and open a new one in your name. Do this as soon as possible to avoid being billed for usage after the previous tenant moved out.

Do I have to pay a deposit if I have good credit?

Not always. If your credit score is above the utility's threshold and you have no history of unpaid utility bills, most companies will waive the deposit. Ask the utility company whether a deposit is required before you open the account.

What if I move out before my lease ends?

Contact the utility company and provide your move-out date. The company will schedule a final meter reading and send you a final bill. If you paid a deposit, it will be refunded after the account is closed and any remaining balance is paid.

Can the utility company shut off my electricity in winter?

Rules vary by state. Many states prohibit disconnection during winter months (typically November through March) for households with children or elderly residents. Contact your state's Public Utilities Commission or a local tenant rights organization to learn the rules in your area.