How to Set Up Electricity

How to Set Up Electricity in a New Home: Step-by-Step

Setting up electricity takes 7 steps: Find your utilities provider, determine if you can choose a supplier, compare plans, check for fees and deposits, choose a provider and gather your documents, submit your application, and confirm activation. Use the checklist below to stay on track, and print it out if you want a physical copy to reference during your move.

Step 1: Find Your Electric Utility Provider

Where you live determines how you get electricity. The United States has two types of electricity markets:

• Regulated markets. One utility company handles generation, transmission, and delivery. You don’t choose a provider. Instead, a provider gets assigned to you based on your address. Most southeastern, western, and midwestern states operate this way, including Florida, Georgia, Nevada, Colorado, and North Carolina.
• Deregulated markets. The regional utility still delivers electricity through its infrastructure, but you choose the company that supplies your power. This typically means multiple companies operate in the same area and compete for your business.

If you’re in a regulated market, visit your city or county website or search your address on your state’s public utility commission site to find your assigned provider. Call them or go online to set up an account.

If you’re transferring service with the same provider (for example, moving across town), you can usually request a service transfer instead of closing and reopening your account. This simplifies the process and may let you keep your existing deposit on file.

Step 2: Determine If You Can Choose a Supplier

If you live in a deregulated state, you have the option to shop for your electricity supplier. Start by entering your zip code on your state’s public utility commission website or an energy comparison marketplace. These tools show which suppliers serve your address, along with their available plans and rates.

States in a deregulated market with residential electricity choice include Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Delaware, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island. In some states, like California and Michigan, deregulation is partial or capped, so check whether your specific address qualifies.

Step 3: Compare Electricity Plans

Whether you’re in a regulated or deregulated market, review these details before committing to a plan:

• Rates and fees. Look at the cost per kWh and whether the plan includes delivery or service surcharges.
• Contract terms. Some plans lock you into a 1- or 2-year agreement. Others let you switch anytime with no penalty.
• Customer service. Check reviews and ratings. If something goes wrong on move-in day, you want a provider you can reach quickly.
• Payment options. Prepay, autopay, and budget billing are common options that can simplify your monthly finances.

Plans generally fall into either a fixed-rate or a variable-rate category. A fixed-rate plan locks your price per kWh for the length of the contract, making your bills predictable. A variable-rate plan fluctuates with market conditions. You may pay less during mild months but more during peak summer or winter demand.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common plan types:

Fixed-Rate vs. Variable-Rate Plans

Step 4: Check for Hidden Fees and Deposit Requirements

Before you finalize a provider, understand the up-front costs. Most utility companies charge a one-time connection or service activation fee, and many require a security deposit, especially for first-time customers or anyone without an established credit history. Sometimes this gets refunded or credited after a full year of on-time payments.

Utility providers commonly run a credit check when you apply for service. A strong credit history can mean a smaller deposit or no deposit at all. If your credit is limited or below average, expect to pay a deposit equal to 1 to 2 months of estimated usage, typically between $200 and $500.

To keep up-front costs manageable:

• Ask if the provider offers deposit waivers for customers with good credit or a letter of reference from a previous utility.
• Set up autopay or choose paperless billing, which some companies reward with a discount or deposit reduction.
• Ask about deposit refunds—most providers return your deposit as a bill credit after 12 months of on-time payments.

The average U.S. household pays about $145 to $250 per month for electricity, depending on home size, location, and season. If your budget is tight, check whether your provider participates in programs like LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) or local community energy funds. Many utilities also offer budget billing, which averages your annual cost into equal monthly payments.

How Much Does It Cost to Set Up Electricity?

Step 5: Choose Your Provider and Gather Required Information

At least 2 weeks before your move-in date, choose your provider and gather important documents. Typical documents required by electricity companies include:

• A valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
• Proof of address (lease agreement, deed, or closing statement)
• Your Social Security number or taxpayer ID
• Payment method for your first bill or deposit

If you’re transferring from a previous provider, keep your old account number easy to find. Having everything prepared before you apply prevents delays.

Step 6: Submit Your Service Application

At least 7 to 10 business days before your move-in date, submit your service application. Most providers let you apply online in under 10 minutes. You can also call or visit a local office. Double-check that your requested start date matches your move-in day, or a day before, and confirm your email or phone number for order updates.

Step 7: Schedule and Confirm Activation

Most providers activate service remotely within 1 to 2 business days. Older homes or new construction sites may require a technician visit. If a technician needs to activate in person, they’ll schedule a specific time window. On activation day, make sure breakers are off and that someone 18 or older is home if an in-person visit is needed. If the power doesn’t come on as scheduled, call your provider immediately to confirm your order status.

How to Set Up Electricity in an Apartment

Setting up electricity in an apartment follows the same general process as a stand-alone house, but there are a few key differences first-time renters should know.

1. Check your lease. Some apartments include electricity in the rent. Others include only water, sewer, and trash, and require you to set up electricity separately. Read your lease carefully before contacting any provider.
2. Ask your landlord or property manager. They can tell you which utility company serves your building and whether there are any building-specific requirements or shared utility arrangements.
3. Contact the provider. Call or go online to set up your account. Apartments rarely require a technician visit since the building is already wired, so remote activation is the standard.
4. Provide your lease as proof of address. Unlike homeowners who use a deed or closing statement, your signed lease serves as your address verification.
5. Confirm your meter. In multi-unit buildings, make sure your account is linked to the correct meter for your specific unit. Mistakes can result in billing for a neighbor’s usage.
6. Budget accordingly. Apartments typically use less electricity than houses. Expect 500 to 800 kWh per month for a standard apartment, compared to 800 to 1,200+ kWh for a house.

Setting Up Electricity in an Apartment vs. a House

When to Set Up Electricity Before Moving

You should research providers at least 2 to 3 weeks before your move so you have time to compare plans and gather documents. Submit your application at least 7 to 10 business days before move-in, and confirm your activation date a few days in advance.

Some providers offer same-day activation, but this isn’t guaranteed, especially during peak moving seasons (summer and early fall). 

If you forget to set up electricity, you may arrive at a home with no power. In a regulated market, you’ll need to call the utility and request emergency or expedited activation, which may come with a rush fee. In a deregulated market, some providers offer same-day or next-day service, but availability varies. Either way, you risk delays of 1 to 3 business days.

Timeframe for Setting Up Electricity Service