There are some steps you should take to make sure you don’t end up paying too much for your gas and electricity, or paying for energy you didn’t use. Not all Nationwide affiliated companies are mutual companies, and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. There should be information on there about how to set up utilities, but if not, call them directly. Ask the provider what you can do to lower your bills and whether they provide any support for first-time homeowners. It'll give you peace of mind and protect you against potential losses. Home Office: One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH. When you’ve found the meters, note down or take a picture of the meter readings as proof of your energy usage so you can’t be charged for any energy used by the previous occupants. Electric and gas are some of your primary utilities, and every apartment is set up differently. In addition, some utilities require the payment of a security deposit before they will connect your meter. Utilities are one of the most important things to set up. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Consider creating automatic payments online that deduct from your bank account. It can be found on your gas bill. Utility companies usually charge a setup fee for setting up electricity or natural gas delivery. Many city and state websites will provide information, including utility company and service provider details, for newcomers. These essentials are the things you need in daily life to ensure you have a working, comfortable, livable space. Give them the meter reading you took when you first moved in or let them know if you're on a prepayment meter. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Privacy She has been writing on topics surrounding moving for over a decade. Gocompare.com Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Once you've had your utilities set up, remember to keep track of your billing dates and payment options, so you're not left in the dark. In most communities, the process is straightforward, if not a little time-consuming - you'll need to allow a few days for a service provider to process your request and set up services - but after that, you'll be comfortable in your new place. As well as being exciting, moving home is pricey! It has 21 digits and can be found on your energy bill. If you're moving to a new state or to another country, such as from Canada to the U.S., you might have to provide a deposit for most of your services, because the companies can't always guarantee a solid credit check. Allow at least a few days' notice to turn on electricity and other services. Call the company or log onto the website for more details. Locate your energy meters and take meter readings, Find out who your energy supplier is and what tariff you’re currently on, Read any energy bills you receive thoroughly to avoid any surprises, If you’re not happy with your current tariff, shop around for a better deal. To locate a state website, go to www.usa.gov and in Canada, go to www.canada.gc.ca to link directly with a provincial site. Usually there will be only one provider option for electricity, gas, water, sewer and trash collection because these are public utilities. Remember, when booking service connection and disconnection, it's important to ask what time the service will be completed. So try to prioritise comparing tariffs and getting the best energy deal as soon as you're in your new home. The responsibility for paying for your energy lies with you. When you move there are a few things you’ll need to do: Firstly, find out where your energy meters are – they’re usually installed in the kitchen, the hall or an outside meter box. Setting up new service: To set up a new service, visit the website of your new provider. You likely won't need to be home while your basic utilities are set up, but check with the company beforehand in case the technician needs access. When it's time to turn on the utilities at your new place, a technician will stop by to take care of the task. Research the various providers in your area online and by speaking to your real estate agent, landlord, property management company or the previous homeowner. To be safe, it's best to contact the new provider at least two weeks before your actual move-in date. Setting up gas and electricity in your new home. How Much Will it Cost to Move Into a New Home? When you move there are a few things you’ll need to do: 1. Setting up utilities is one of many responsibilities for renters and property owners. The MPAN is unique to your home. Your lease will tell you which utilities you are responsible for. Accessibility Utilities in a home include electricity, gas, water, sewer, Internet, telephone, cable TV, security systems and, in some areas, trash collection. Paste this Image on Your Site! Gas and electricity meters are usually installed in the kitchen, the hall or an outside meter box. He or she will let you know about the electric hookup and how it works when paying bills each month. Be sure to take care of everything before moving day. You may be able to take care of this online, but if you have questions, it's easy to get a straightforward answer from an employee. Your utility bills reflect the amount of money you owe each month, and they vary based on your usage of water, electricity and other utilities. For more help and information, read our guide on how to find your energy supplier. Product, coverage, discounts, insurance terms, definitions, and other descriptions are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in your individual insurance contracts, policies, and/or declaration pages from Nationwide-affiliated underwriting companies, which are controlling. Similarly, some companies will require at least two weeks notice for disconnection, too. Before you call, make sure you have firm move-out and move-in dates. Moving to a new city, town, state, or country means setting up utilities in another area where your current suppliers may not provide service.If this is the case, setting up utilities can take a bit of time and juggling to ensure that your lights, heat, and other services are still functioning while you're packing up your old home and are running when you arrive and settle into your new space. If you're in a rental, you can also ask your landlord how to set up electricity in the apartment or house. Gocompare.com Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for insurance mediation activity under firm reference number 465053. You’ll need to tell them the address that you’re looking to set up utilities, as well as the date that you need service to start. Electricity or hydro and gas options are usually supplied at the state level, so it's best to check with your state's website for more information. There are two types of meter number - the Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) for electricity and the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for gas. It's sometimes called a supply number but don't get it confused with your customer reference number, as this is different. GoCompare uses cookies. Keep in mind that many times companies will offer incentives for first-time consumers, so use your negotiating skills to get a better deal or to have the security deposit waived. The trip switch is in or next to the fuse box, which should be within 3m of the electricity meter. Check out our tips for saving money on your gas and electricity to make your new home as energy efficient as possible and save money on those utility bills. The last thing you want is to have to be on the horn with a utility company instead of moving your belongings to your new home. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle and other marks displayed on this page are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, unless otherwise disclosed. It all depends on when you move—during peak moving season, such as summer months—the wait-time for services will be longer. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review and approval. You may check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting the FCA website. In some instances, tenants may share utility costs in your building. There are extra things to do if your new home has a prepayment meter. We’ll show you how to set up all of your utilities in less time. For those of you who are moving across the country or to a new city, the usual steps in setting up utilities include the completion of an application (usually online), plus a credit check. The MPRN is unique to your gas supply and is usually between six and 10 digits long. Firstly, find out where your energy meters are – they’re usually installed in the kitchen, the hall or an outside meter box. Meter numbers are not printed on the meter itself, so don't waste time looking there. Setting up utilities can be a quick and easy process if you know what to expect. Know When to Book the Movers Before You Move, 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions to Help You Move House, 8 Ways to Negotiate Your Move and Get Your Company to Pay for It, What You Need to Do a Week Before You Move, Moving Checklist - International Moving Checklist, Checklist for Moving Into Your First House, How to Find Short Term Rentals or Corporate Apartments, What You Will Need to Rent an Apartment and Get a Lease. 5799376). It's no good claiming you didn't know who the supplier was in a bid to avoid a bill. Here’s our ultimate checklist for setting up the utilities in your new home. Make sure to read any gas and electricity bills you receive to avoid any surprises. If this is the case, setting up utilities can take a bit of time and juggling to ensure that your lights, heat, and other services are still functioning while you're packing up your old home and are running when you arrive and settle into your new space. If you’re moving or have just moved to a new home, make sure you contact your energy supplier. If your home is on a new housing estate, the builders or developers will be able to show you where everything is. Internet and cable installers may require you to be home to let a tech inside to work. If some utilities are included in your rent, ask about turning on and paying for those that aren't part of your monthly payment. Diane E. Schmidt is a moving expert, published author, and freelance writer. Such products, coverages, terms, and discounts may vary by state and exclusions may apply. Whether you move into a brand new property or take over the energy supply in a house which has been previously owned, you might automatically be put on a standard tariff, which tends to be the most expensive.