Moving is stressful enough without having to worry about whether the lights will be on when you arrive at your new place. In deregulated energy markets like Texas, Ohio, and Maryland, setting up electricity is your responsibility, and it works differently than in areas with a single utility provider. Here is a step-by-step guide to getting your electricity set up before moving day.
Step 1: Know Your New Address and Move-In Date
This sounds obvious, but having your exact address and your confirmed move-in date ready is essential. Electricity providers need both to set up your account and schedule the service start date. Most providers allow you to schedule a connection at least two to three business days in advance, so do not wait until the last minute.
If you are moving into a home where electricity is currently active, the transition is usually seamless. If the home has been vacant and the power has been disconnected, you may need to schedule a reconnection through the local utility, which can take a bit longer.
Step 2: Find Your Local Utility
Even though you get to choose your electricity provider, your local utility company handles the physical delivery of power. In Texas, your utility is determined by your address. Common utilities include Oncor (Dallas-Fort Worth area), CenterPoint (Houston area), and AEP Texas (southern and western Texas). In Ohio, it might be Ohio Edison, AEP Ohio, or Duke Energy Ohio.
You do not need to contact the utility directly to set up service. When you choose an electricity provider and enroll in a plan, the provider coordinates with your local utility to activate your service.
Step 3: Compare Plans and Choose a Provider
This is where you have real power as a consumer. In a deregulated market, dozens of providers offer competing plans with different rates, contract lengths, and features. Take a few minutes to compare options based on your expected usage. A single person in an apartment will have very different needs than a family in a four-bedroom house.
Pay attention to the Electricity Facts Label (EFL), which shows the total cost per kilowatt-hour at different usage levels. Look for any hidden fees, early termination charges, or promotional rates that increase after a few months.
Step 4: Enroll and Confirm Your Start Date
Once you have selected a plan, enrollment is usually quick. You will need your name, new address, move-in date, and identification. Some plans require a credit check or a deposit, while others offer no-deposit and no-credit-check options.
After enrolling, you should receive a confirmation with your service start date and contract details. Keep this confirmation handy. If anything goes wrong on moving day, you will need your account number and confirmation to resolve it quickly.
Step 5: Cancel Service at Your Old Address
Do not forget to cancel electricity service at your current home. Contact your existing provider and give them a disconnect date that aligns with your move-out. If you leave service active, you will continue to be billed for any electricity used at that address. Most providers allow you to schedule a disconnect in advance, so build this into your moving checklist early.
Avoid Gaps and Surprises
The most common mistake people make is waiting too long to set up service. If you do not have a provider in place when you move in, your utility may assign you to a default provider at a rate that is almost always higher than what you would find by shopping around. Set up your electricity at least a week before your move-in date to avoid this. WattKarma makes it easy to compare plans by ZIP code, so you can find the right rate for your new home in minutes.