Moving to a new apartment can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. In addition to packing up your belongings and transporting them to your new home, you have to file a change of address, update your driver’s license, and make sure your renter’s insurance policy is in order. You’ll also want to prioritize setting up your electricity.
Choosing an energy provider is only part of the process, though. If you’re preparing to move, here’s what you should know about how to set up electricity in an apartment.
[toc]
7 Steps to Help You Set Up Electricity When Moving to a New Apartment Building
One of the last things you want when moving into a new apartment is to flip on the lights only to find you don’t have power. The following seven steps can help you avoid that scenario:
1. Speak with your property manager to determine if apartment utilities are included
Generally speaking, utilities are separate from the monthly price of an apartment. The base rent may be one price, but what you pay each month may be higher because of utilities, such as trash and water usage. You’re also responsible for setting up your electricity and paying it on a separate bill.
Some apartments include utilities in the monthly rent. However, every property is different. For some, the rent covers only a few utilities. For others, the rental price encompasses everything, including electricity.
You may find information regarding what your rent includes in your rental agreement. You can also speak with your property management company directly for specific details. They might also have some energy provider suggestions if your rent doesn’t cover electricity.
2. Research the average electricity price in your area
If you’re responsible for the electricity in your new apartment, it’s time to do some research. First, take a look at the average energy price in your area. In other words, how much are local renters and homeowners paying per kilowatt-hour? A quick online search should provide you with the information you need.
3. Shop around and find the electricity provider with the best electric rates
One of the benefits of living in deregulated areas is the freedom to pick your energy provider. However, you’ll quickly find that not all providers are equal. Each one differs in the types of plans they offer and the prices they charge. Shopping around will help ensure you find the best rates.
There are a couple of ways you can do this:
- The first is to look up the plan options and rates of each retail energy provider in your area and compare their prices. Or,
- You can save time and energy by using an electricity comparison site, like Power Wizard.
Comparison sites do a lot of the work for you by aggregating the best electricity companies and plans in one place and allowing you to filter plans based on your needs and preferences. That way you can easily sign up for the best plan that fits your lifestyle.
To start, enter your zip code. This will help us customize the search based on your home’s location to accurately match you with the best plan. The results will show a list of the best electricity plans customized for you.
Let us find you the best electricity plan in seconds and start saving.
4. Look into providers that offer same-day service
Getting your energy connected typically requires a credit check, maybe a deposit, and a couple days’ notice. While this may work for some people, it’s not ideal for everyone. For instance, those with subpar credit often have to pay a much larger deposit, which can be financially restrictive. Others might need to move into a new apartment quickly and can’t wait a couple of days for their energy provider to connect them.
In situations like these, same-day service can be a lifesaver. Depending on when you set up electricity online (or over the phone), you can have power in about six hours.
5. Take into account your energy habits
Along with choosing an energy provider, you’ll also need to select an electricity plan. Every provider’s specific offerings are different, but plan types include:
- Fixed-rate: You pay the same price per kilowatt-hour for the duration of your contract, regardless of market activity.
- Variable rate: Your rate can change monthly based on the energy market, and many plans don’t require a contract.
- Prepaid: You pay ahead of time for the electricity you’ll use in the future.
- Time of use: Your energy price varies depending on the time of day or day of the week. For instance, some providers offer free nights and weekends plans.
You can also find electricity providers that offer green or clean energy plans. These plans let you support renewable energy projects while saving money on utility bills.
Understanding your energy habits can help you determine the best plan for you. If you aren’t sure, Power Wizard can help you narrow down your options and provide a selection of top plans with the best rates based on your unique needs.
6. Set up automatic payments to ensure peace of mind and avoid late payment charges
While you know the importance of paying your monthly power bills, life gets busy, and you might forget. Unfortunately, missing payments could result in expensive late fees. In more severe cases, it may also lead to your energy provider disconnecting your electricity, which may require an additional reconnection fee.
Rather than risk forgetting to pay your electric bills every month, set up automatic payments with your energy provider. That way, you’ll never need to worry about missing the payment due date and getting hit with expensive penalties.
7. Monitor how your service needs change over your contract period
The energy plan you choose when you move into your new apartment might not always be the best one for you. Over time, your apartment usage needs may change. Getting married or having a baby means more occupants, which means you’re likely using more electricity. New energy plans with more affordable rates could become available.
Changes in your service needs may mean it’s time to switch to a new energy provider. With Power Wizard by your side, you can see what else is out there at any time in only a few minutes.
How Long Does it Take to Set Up Electricity When You Move?
How long it takes to set up your electric services depends on several factors. You might want to consider researching service providers and selecting one a few weeks before moving in to avoid delays.
If you’re going with same-day service, setting up your electricity may only take a few hours. Remember that turning on your power the same day you contact your preferred supplier will depend on the time of day you call and the day of the week. If you call past a set time or during the weekend, you may have to wait until the next business day for power.
Avoid a High Monthly Cost by Choosing the Best Energy Plan
Setting up your electricity is a top priority when moving into a new apartment. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. Electricity comparison sites make shopping for electric providers a breeze. It only takes a few minutes of your time to discover the best plans for your needs.
Are you ready to find a great energy plan for your apartment? Visit Power Wizard today to get started.
