Choosing Gas and Electricity Providers

Need electricity in your new home?

Moving is stressful enough. You don’t want to have to spend your first night in your new place eating fast food by candlelight.

Finding electricity and gas providers before you move is a good idea. It shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes, and it can save you a lot of anxiety on moving day. Here’s what to do:

Powering Up Your New Home

Electricity is a very straight-forward utility. People usually can’t choose who their power supplier is, and there are no packages or deals to decide among. Instead, your community’s provider charges you a set price for however much gas or electricity you use during a billing period.

In order to find out who your power supplier will be, ask your landlord or real estate agent or run an internet search. Then contact the provider to set up service for the day you move. Give yourself a week or two to do this, because you probably will have to enter into a contract for your power to be turned on, and in some cases you might have to pay a deposit.

How to Lower Your Electric Bill

Moving is a good time to change your electricity-usage habits for the better. Making a few lifestyle changes can save you some money and make the world a tad bit cleaner.

• Go green – The best way to lower your gas/electric bill is to try to be as “green” as possible. Buying environmentally friendly appliances is a great start. Many appliances have a standby mode that draws out electricity even when the device is off.
• Turn off the lights – Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use can help cut down your monthly electricity bill.
• Keep a cool house – If you have the air conditioning on, try to close the blinds so that the sun doesn’t heat your place too much. Dark curtains and shady trees can help keep your place cool as well.
  
• Use blankets – Using blankets, slippers and your fireplace can allow you to keep your heating costs down during the winter.

Return to: Transfer and Connect Utilities

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