Whether you?re moving across town or across the country, transitioning to a new home can be a big undertaking. The process can be both exciting and stressful along every step of the way, as there are a number of tasks you will need to take on and hurdles you will need to overcome in order to get through the entire moving process from start to finish.
In addition to packing and unpacking boxes, booking movers and settling into your space, you will need to make sure that you set up utilities in your new home. Working power should, of course, be one of the biggest and most important parts about making your new house a home, and the good thing is it can be easier than you think to get started.
Getting Started
It is always best to start your utility transfer process as early as possible. The time it takes to transfer utilities can vary from company to company, but as a general rule, you shouldn?t expect the process to just take a few days. It can take several weeks to get everything transferred.
If you are moving to a new apartment complex, make sure that you check with that complex to see what utilities, if any are included with your rental property. Some larger communities will include several utilities with their apartments and you should be fully aware of what these included services are before you make your transfer plans.
Making the Switch
Switching utilities can be as easy as 1-2-3, particularly when it comes to transferring your electric service from one address to the next. Follow this simple and straightforward guide to ensure your energy transfer is handled properly.
1. Notify your current electricity supplier.
Before you can switch energy providers, or any utility, you will need to call and notify your current supplier of your intentions to move. If you already have a contract with that supplier, and the contract is not expired, you may have to answer some additional questions.
Typically, if you are moving within that supplier?s service area and you want to keep that supplier, you will just need to have your account switched to your new address. Typically the process is simple and straightforward. If this describes your situation, then the supplier will be able to handle the entire process, and you have successfully completed the transfer process.
If you are moving outside of that company?s service area and your contract has not expired, most suppliers will simply cancel your service for no fee, or for a small cost. If this describes your situation, then you will need to move on to step three.
2. Choose your new electricity supplier, rate, and plan.
If you are in a deregulated energy market like Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, etc., then it is time to shop for a new supplier. Using our simple online search tool, you can just type in your zip code and start browsing through available plans and rates from area suppliers.
As you search through different energy plans, pay close attention not only to the rates but to the length of contract and type of plan that each company offers. There are all different types of energy plans available including fixed rate and variable rate plans, so you need to pay close attention to the details in order to lock down the right contract.
If you are not in a deregulated market, you will need to contact the local utility in the area you are moving to in order to set up your new service.
3. Sign up for your new service.
Once you?ve found a service that meets your needs, signing up for a plan is simple. Typically all you need to do is to call the company directly to set up your service, or get started by signing up online — the online process is easy and is completely automated.
If you have questions regarding a plan or its options on ElectricChoice.com, you can call us at 800-974-3020 and we’ll be able to assist you. If you’ve found an electricity supplier or plan outside of our site, then you can call that company directly and representatives should be able to assist you.
There are so many different complicated elements to moving, from changing your driver?s license to finding new schools for the kids, but fortunately, switching utilities doesn?t have to be one of those complications.
