Moving into a new home typically comes with a long to-do list, and setting up electricity and natural gas is near the top. Starting this process early can help prevent service delays and ensure your lights, heating, and hot water are all ready on move-in day.
Though the process may vary a bit based on your location and utility company, in this guide we’ll explain the key steps to setting up electricity and gas in your new home.
Understand How Electricity and Gas Service Works
Before you set up service, it’s important to understand the difference between energy delivery and energy supply.
Energy delivery refers to the actual energy being sent to your home by your local utility. Utilities own and maintain the infrastructure that connects your home to the grid (power lines, gas pipes, meters, etc.). They also handle outages, emergency line repairs, and meter readings.
Energy supply refers to the gas and electricity you purchase from a supplier. Your supplier acquires electricity or natural gas from a producer and then sends it to your utility, who sends it to you, ensuring your home or business has a reliable source of energy at all times. In states with energy choice, you can buy energy from a third-party supplier instead of your local utility, who is still responsible for delivering it to you.
In most cases, you’ll still only get one bill from your utility. That bill will include both your supplier’s energy charge and the utility’s delivery charges.
Start the Process 2–3 Weeks Before Move-In
Contact your utility two to three weeks before you plan to move in, to ensure you have enough time to verify your account, schedule any necessary appointments, and establish service by the date you take possession of the home. You’ll typically need to provide information such as:
- Your new address
- Your requested service start date
- Your full name and contact information
- A government-issued ID
- Your Social Security number or another form of identification
- Your lease, closing documents, or other proof of occupancy
- Payment information for deposits or account setup, if required
You should also ask if someone needs to be present when service starts. Electricity can often be activated remotely if the home already has an active meter, but natural gas service may require an in-person safety inspection or meter access.
Don’t wait until moving day to start this process. If the property has been vacant or service was fully disconnected, restoring energy may take more time than a basic account transfer.
Homeowners can’t purchase gas or electricity from energy service companies (ESCO) until they’ve finished setting up with a utility. Once you receive your first bill, you can look into enrolling with a supplier that offers the best service for your needs.
Transferring your energy supply to an ESCO is simple. All you need is your account number and service address. The ESCO will also discuss their available contracts and value-added services, so you can choose a plan that’s the best fit for your household.
How to Set Up Gas Service in Your New Home
When setting up gas service in your new home, start by determining if your property uses natural gas and identifying your local gas utility. Your real estate agent, property manager, previous owner, or closing documents may include this information. If you’re purchasing new appliances, you may want to determine if natural gas or electric appliances are more efficient for certain systems.
Once you’ve determined which appliances will need a natural gas supply, follow these steps:
- Contact your local gas utility: Ask to create a new account or transfer an existing account to your name.
- Choose a service date: Schedule service to begin on or before your move-in date.
- Ask whether an appointment is required: A technician may need access to the meter, furnace, boiler, stove, or other gas equipment.
- Review your home’s gas systems: Confirm which equipment uses natural gas, such as the furnace, boiler, stove, fireplace, or clothes dryer.
- Choose your gas supplier where available: Once you’ve set up gas service through your utility, research the ESCOs in your area. New York and Pennsylvania customers can choose a third-party natural gas supplier instead of receiving default supply from public utilities. After you receive your first bill, contact a supplier who can offer the reliability and service you need.
- Test your equipment after activation: Make sure the furnace, water heater, and other gas-powered equipment operate properly. Leave your property immediately and contact a qualified technician if you notice unusual smells, pilot light problems, or ignition issues.
How to Set Up Electricity in Your New Home
Most homes already have an electric meter installed and an established connection to the local grid, but you’ll still need to create an account and arrange for service to begin in your name.
To set up electricity in your new home, follow these steps:
- Identify your local electric utility: The utility will continue to maintain the meter, wires, and grid infrastructure.
- Request a service start date: Ideally, begin service on the day you receive the keys or take legal possession.
- Provide any required documents: The utility may ask for identification, proof of occupancy, and payment information.
- Ask about deposits and connection fees: Requirements vary based on the utility, account history, and property.
- Confirm that the electric panel is labeled: Once service is active, identify the main shutoff and breakers for important rooms and systems.
- Choose an electricity supplier if eligible: New York and Pennsylvania residents can shop for a third-party supplier while the utility continues delivering electricity.
- Perform a safety check: After service begins, test outlets, lights, major systems, and built-in equipment. If breakers trip repeatedly or outlets feel warm, contact a licensed electrician for an inspection.
Switching energy suppliers doesn’t require any new wiring or equipment and typically doesn’t interrupt service.
What to Do With Your Old Utility Accounts
Before leaving your current home, contact your utilities and schedule an end-of-service date. Like activating your accounts at your new home, it’s best to start the process 2-3 weeks ahead of your moving date to avoid any billing or service issues. You’ll need to:
- Provide your move-out date: Ask that service end the day after you plan to finish cleaning and removing your belongings.
- Request a final meter reading: This helps make sure your closing bill reflects your actual usage.
- Update your mailing address: The provider may need to send a final statement, deposit refund, or other account documents.
- Review supplier contract terms: When you move, most suppliers shut off service at your old address and restart it at your new one, same as your utility. Your current energy supplier may serve your new address, but eligibility and available plans can vary by utility territory. Once you receive your new utility bill, contact a supplier to discuss service options.
- Keep your confirmation numbers: Save written proof of the service end date and any account transfer instructions.
- Pay your final balance: An unpaid balance could delay future service or affect deposit requirements.
If you don’t know which company currently supplies your natural gas or electricity, review the supplier portion of your bill to find it.
Moving to New York or Pennsylvania?
New York and Pennsylvania have deregulated energy markets, meaning eligible customers can choose who supplies their electricity and natural gas. Your utility still handles energy delivery, infrastructure maintenance, and outage restoration, but your supplier provides the energy your utility delivers. Energy choice gives you the opportunity to compare suppliers based on contract terms, customer service, plan structure, and other value-added benefits.
Agway Energy Services® provides reliable electricity and natural gas supply to homeowners and small businesses in New York and Pennsylvania. Additionally, customers receive access to Agway EnergyGuard®, a value-added repair program that can help cover damage caused by wear and tear on qualifying heating, cooling, and interior electrical systems*. This added support can be especially valuable when moving into a new home.
Contact Agway to review available plans and learn how EnergyGuard can add protection and peace of mind to your new home.
New Home Electricity and Natural Gas Setup FAQs
What happens to my old gas and electricity accounts when I move out?
When you move out, your old gas and electricity accounts remain active until you provide a move-out date and request cancellation or transfer. Contact your providers in advance and confirm where the final bill or deposit refund should be sent. You should also keep the account open through the end of your move so you still have power and heat while cleaning or completing final repairs.
Will I have to pay a deposit to set up gas or electricity?
You may have to pay a deposit to your new utility to set up gas or electricity. Deposit requirements vary by utility, state rules, credit history, and payment history. Ask your new utility about deposit requirements so you’re prepared when setting up your new account.
Is gas or electricity already on when I move into a previously occupied home?
If the seller has agreed to keep services on through the closing date of your home purchase, the gas or electricity may already be on when you move into a previously occupied home, but you still need to establish the account in your own name to continue service. Confirm the start date with your utility before moving in so there’s no interruption in service.
What if my new home has never had gas service before?
Contact your local gas utility to confirm whether a gas main is available near the property. Adding new service may require a new meter, fuel lines, inspections, and gas-compatible equipment. A licensed contractor and your utility can explain if installation is possible and what work must be done before service can begin.
*Coverage depends on commodity purchased.
