Contact the utility company and provide a death certificate
Call the electric company that serves the address and tell them the account holder has died. You will need to provide the account number (on any bill) and a copy of the death certificate. Most utilities have a dedicated line for this — ask for the department that handles account closures or estates.
The utility will ask who you are and your relationship to the deceased. You do not need to be a family member to request closure, but you may need to show you have authority over the account — either as executor of the estate, next of kin, or someone authorized to act on behalf of the estate. Some utilities will close the account based on a death certificate alone; others require legal documentation like letters testamentary or a court order.
Ask the utility for the final meter reading date and whether there is a balance owed or a credit. If there is a credit, ask how it will be refunded and to whom. If there is a balance, ask whether it can be paid from the estate or whether it must be paid immediately.
Key Takeaways
- Call the electric company with the account number and provide a copy of the death certificate to start the closure process.
- The utility may require proof that you have legal authority to close the account, such as letters testamentary or a court order naming you executor.
- Ask for the final meter reading date and confirm whether there is a balance owed or a credit due to the estate.
- Set a closure date that gives you time to remove personal property from the home and arrange for any final inspections or repairs.
- If the home will remain occupied by a surviving spouse or dependent, you may need to transfer the account rather than close it.
Timing and final meter reading
The utility will assign a closure date, usually five to fourteen days after you call. This gives you time to remove belongings, arrange for a final walkthrough, or coordinate with other people who may need access to the home. Ask the utility to confirm the exact date in writing.
On the closure date, a meter reader will visit the property and record the final reading. The bill will be calculated from the last payment date to the final reading date. If the account is in arrears (money owed), the utility may not close until the balance is paid or a payment plan is arranged with the estate.
What happens if someone else lives in the home
If a surviving spouse, adult child, or tenant still lives at the address, the account should be transferred to that person's name rather than closed. The person living there will need to contact the utility directly or authorize you to transfer it on their behalf. They may need to provide proof of residency and pass a credit check, depending on the utility's policy.
If you close the account while someone is living in the home, the electricity will be shut off and they will have no service. This can create legal liability if that person did not consent to the closure. Check with the executor or estate attorney before closing an account at an occupied property.
Handling unpaid bills and deposits
If the account has an unpaid balance, the utility will send a final bill to the address on file or to whoever you designate. The balance becomes a debt of the estate and should be paid from estate funds if they are available. If there is no money in the estate, the utility may write off the debt or pursue collection, though this is less common for small residential balances.
If the account had a deposit on file (money the customer paid upfront to open the account), the utility will refund it. Ask whether the refund will go to the estate, to you personally, or to a surviving spouse. Some utilities issue refunds by check; others credit them to a final bill. Confirm the refund method and timeline in writing.
Coordinating with the estate and other utilities
If you are the executor, notify the probate court and other creditors that you are closing the account. Some states require notice to creditors before you pay bills from the estate. The electric bill is typically a priority claim and should be paid before other debts.
At the same time you close the electric account, you may need to close gas, water, internet, and other utilities. Some utilities will close all accounts at once if you provide the death certificate; others require separate calls for each service. Ask each utility whether they can coordinate the closure date so all services end on the same day.
If the property is being sold or transferred
If the home is being sold, close the account in the deceased person's name before the sale closes. The new owner will open a new account in their name. Coordinate the closure date with the real estate closing date so there is no gap in service or overlap in billing.
If the home is being transferred to a family member or heir, that person will need to open a new account or transfer the existing one into their name. They should contact the utility after the deed is recorded to update the account holder information. Do not close the account until the new account holder is ready to take over service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be the executor to close the account?
No, but you will need to show some legal authority. Most utilities accept a death certificate from any household member or authorized representative. If the utility requires more documentation, ask for letters testamentary or a court order from the executor.
What if I cannot find the account number?
Call the utility with the address and the deceased person's name. They can look up the account using those details. Have a recent bill if you can find one, as it will speed up the search.
Will the utility shut off power immediately after I call?
No. The utility will schedule a closure date, usually five to fourteen days later. This gives you time to access the home and arrange for any final needs. Power will not be cut until the scheduled date.
What if there is money owed on the account?
The utility will include the balance on the final bill. The debt should be paid from the estate if funds are available. If the estate has no money, contact the utility to discuss options; they may negotiate a payment plan or write off the debt.
Can I close the account if someone is still living there?
No. If anyone lives in the home, the account must be transferred to their name instead. Closing an account at an occupied property can create legal problems. Check with the executor or estate attorney before proceeding.