Moving into a new home is like embarking on a thrilling adventure. However, amidst the excitement, there’s a long new house to-do list that sometimes is tiring and confusing. Among the endless tasks and questions needing answers is: “Who is my utility provider, and how do I find out one?” The quickly and easily you find providers, the better, as it saves you time and money. Referrals from neighbors and friends and contacting your local municipality are some of the easiest ways of finding your utility provider. Nevertheless, these aren’t the only options. In this detailed guide, we go through the tips, tricks, and process of finding your utility providers.
How Do I Find out Who Is My Utility Provider
After a house move, the last thing you want is to settle down in a dark house with no water or other comfort-giving utilities. Thus, finding out your utility providers is a must-know. So, how do you do it? Before explaining how to find your utility provider, here’s the standard setup process.
Setting Up Utilities
Each utility differs from the other. Setting up some gives you flexibility, while others don’t allow much wiggle room. Regardless of the utility, setting them in advance (about three weeks) before the move-in is advised. This also gives your provider enough time, especially if needed to set up the service in person.
Determine the Utility You Need and How You Need Them
The most common utilities you’ll need are:
- Electricity
- Trash collection
- Internet and cable providers
- Sewer
- Recycling
However, the setup may vary from a transfer or a completely new setup. So, always determine what and how you need it before going to the next step.
Finding the Right Provider
Every city, neighborhood, or apartment has its service providers. These might differ from your current provider, so finding them before moving is essential. In most cases, you’ll have several choices for internet and cable providers. On the other hand, some, like gas and electricity, may come as a package. So, you’ll have to go with what others are using.
Contact the Utility Provider in Advance
This step involves:
- Transferring the utility. If the provider isn’t changing between your new and old residence
- Canceling the utility. This is if you’ll change the provider
- New setup. If you’re a first-timer or changing service providers
Double-check Readings of Canceled and Newly-opened Utilities
Mistakes are bound to happen when moving houses. When these errors are utility-related, you will likely pay bills you never used. To avoid such mishaps:
- Check the final reading of your old home when you applied for cancelation
- Check to ensure utilities have been successfully shut off
- Call your new provider if you notice uneven charges
- Test if utilities in your new home are working
Now let’s provide answers to the question, who is my utility provider? However, most ways to find your provider are similar regardless of the utility.
Gas: Fueling Your Home
Heating and air conditioning accounts for 51% of energy use in homes. Other uses include drying clothes and cooking. Thus, it’s a crucial utility requiring setup and provider identification in advance. Depending on whether you’re doing a new setup or transferring, you can identify your gas provider through the following means:
Check Property Records
One of the easiest ways is to look through documents provided by your real estate agent. These documents are information-rich, offering a glimpse into the history of your new home. Property records may include property surveys, title deeds, or disclosure statements. Often, you’ll find details about the gas utility company that services your address within these records. Remember, property records are like hidden treasure maps. They guide you to the right destination to discover your new home’s perfect gas utility provider.
Contact the Local County or Municipality Office
Your county or municipality office is another resourceful place to look. These offices have most of the service providers’ information because the providers get licenses and permit from these offices.
Contact Your Landlord or Property Management Office
If you’re renting, ask recommendation from your landlord or property management company. Another alternative is to check with the previous homeowners or the home builder, as they might have relevant information about your area’s gas utility service provider.
Electricity: Powering Your Home
Electricity is a lifeline for modern living. It powers your lights, appliances, and electronics. Before settling into your new home, identify your electric utility provider and if you’re moving to a regulated or deregulated market. The former option means the players are few, while the latter means there are more players, thus increasing choices. This means a deregulated market offers you more options and can have better prices. To find the perfect provider:
- Check property documents. Like a gas utility, property records often include details about the electric utility company servicing your address. This means you’ll find crucial leads to the utility provider in these papers.
- Look for utility equipment on your property. If the documents don’t help, a simple option is to check for electric utility boxes or meters on the exterior of your home. These may have the name or logo of your electric provider.
- Contact previous homeowner and neighbors. Having lived in the area, these individuals have first-hand information and extensive knowledge of providers you can contact.
- Contact local electric distribution companies that serve your area. Even though it might be hectic, this is a sure path to getting a provider. They can tell you who your utility provider is and assist with setting up your electric service.
Cable and Internet: Staying Connected
Having reliable cable and internet services is crucial in today’s world. Here’s how to find your providers: Explore the major providers in your area by searching online. To get a highly-rated company, always seek reviews from neighbors. This way, you’ll know whether the internet provider is reliable. Alternatively, reach out to neighbors or nearby residents directly to inquire about their cable and internet service providers. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their experiences.
Trash and Recycling: Keeping Things Clean
Proper waste management is crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Usually, this is a function of the local council; thus, finding them is hassle-free. Nevertheless, if you can’t reach them, the following are ideal alternatives:
- Ask your neighbors or homeowner associations and inquire about the trash and recycling companies they use. They can also provide insights into pickup schedules and any additional guidelines.
- Sometimes, these service providers have identification stickers on the waste bins or trash cans provided to residents. Look for any labeled bins around your home to identify your service provider.
Sewer: Effective Waste Removal
While often overlooked, finding a sewer system utility provider is vital for effective waste management in your new home. Some benefits of finding my utility provider for this service include the following:
- Efficient waste removal. A reliable sewer system ensures timely waste removal from your home, maintaining cleanliness and preventing potential health hazards.
- Environmental protection. A well-managed sewer system ensures proper waste disposal and protects the environment by preventing contamination of natural water sources.
- Compliance with regulations. Connecting to a designated sewer system utility provider ensures compliance with local regulations and ordinances regarding waste management, avoiding potential legal issues.
To get a reputable service provider, the following are the viable options:
- Contact the local government or municipality.
- Look at your home inspection report. If you recently purchased the property, your home inspection report may include details about the sewer system utility provider. Review the report or contact your home inspector for any relevant information.
- Connect and inquire from neighbors or homeowner associations. Networking with your new neighbors or homeowner associations can provide valuable insights. They may share information about their sewer system utility provider and any additional guidelines or schedules.
- In some cases, sewer utility providers may have identification markings, such as manhole covers or sewer access points, indicating their presence in your neighborhood.
