How to Transfer an Electric Bill to a New Tenant

Co-authored by Nathan Miller and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: August 13, 2024

When a new tenant moves into a property, they need to put the electric bill in their name. Although it sounds complicated, the process is very simple. You are only responsible for putting your name on the bill, or taking it off. The landlord or new tenant is responsible for handling their own billing changes.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Opening a New Account

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1
Identify the service provider(s) in your area. You can ask your landlord or do a simple internet search. In some areas, there will only be one or two providers. This could be a private company or a governmental agency. Other areas, usually bigger cities, encourage competition. If this is the case, you’ll need to pick a plan.
- If your area has several providers, there will be a website to compare them. You could use a search engine to find the site specific to your area, or you could try here: https://myutilities.com/electricity
2
Choose your plan if your area has several providers. If your area has a deregulated electricity market, then you’ll have several options for choosing a provider. You can make your choice easier by researching the providers online to see which one has great reviews. Additionally, use sites like the one above to compare their rates and service promises.^{[1]
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- It’s also a good idea to talk to family and friends who live in the area to see which services they prefer.
- Your landlord can also be a great resource. Ask them which service provider they use and why.
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3
Open your service plan before your scheduled move-in day. The electric company will need to go out to the property to check the equipment and get your initial meter reading. It’s best to do this at least 2 weeks in advance, or as soon as possible. If you wait too close to your move in date, they may charge you extra for this visit.
- If the electric company is busy, they may not be able to fulfill a short-notice request.
- The electric services will need to be in your name by the first day of your lease, unless otherwise arranged with your landlord.
4
Call or go online to schedule your service turn-on date. When you click on the plan you want, it should take you to that company’s website, which will also have a phone number to speak with a representative. You will need to provide your personal information, as well as your move-in information.
- If this is your first time turning on electricity, it’s a good idea to talk to a representative so that they can walk you through the process.
- In some areas, you may need to go down to the company’s office. However, this is not very common.
5
Supply your address and move-in date. Give them the address of the home or apartment where you are turning on electric services. In most cases, the move-in date will be the first day of your lease.^{[2]
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- If you are not moving in on the first day of your lease, talk to your landlord to make sure it’s possible to delay transferring the electric bill to your name.
In most cases, you won’t be asked to provide any documentation. However, some companies may require a driver’s license or government-issued ID to confirm that you are the person you say you are. You may be able to scan this document and send it in, but they could also require you to show it in person.
7
Pay a deposit if the company requires it. If this is your first account, you’ll likely owe a deposit. This allows the company to protect itself if you fail to pay your bill. In many cases, the deposit will equal an estimation of 1 month’s bill.^{[3]
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- The company may not require a deposit if you’ve already established good credit.
If you went through the website, save the confirmation that you receive at the end of your set-up. If you called the company, ask for a confirmation number. They may also be able to send you an email confirmation that your request has gone through.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Moving Your Current Plan to a New Address

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1
Schedule your service transfer before you move. Some companies charge you extra if you want the services transferred too close to the move-in date. Also, you may run into trouble if they can’t get to the property right away, which could mean you don’t have electricity on your move-in day. It’s best to schedule the transfer at least 2 weeks in advance, or as soon as possible.
- Even if the company already supplies electricity to the house or apartment you’re moving to, they will need to “switch on” the services by having an employee go out to check the equipment and get the initial reading on the meter.
- It’s best to arrange the date with your landlord so that there is a smooth transition.
2
Log in to your provider’s website. If your service provider operates in the area you’re moving to, you can just move your plan. Most providers allow you to transfer your current plan online, which is simple and fast.
- You can also call and talk to a representative, if you’d prefer.
- In some cases, your provider may not have an online option.
3
Click on the tab for your account or for your services. This will bring up your plan details and billing information. In most cases, you’ll see this tab along the top or left side of the website.
- If you can't find the tab, then you should call your provider for assistance.
This tab will usually be either at the bottom of the page or just after your plan details. Click on it to bring up the transfer form.
5
Input your new address and move-in date. Provide the address you are moving to, as well as the first day you want the services transferred.
- If you want to have the electricity on at both properties for a few days, you may need to call and talk to a representative.
Check over your entries before you submit it to the company. After you click submit, save a copy of the confirmation page in case you need to prove that you submitted your request.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Cancelling Your Electric Service

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1
Call the provider to terminate your services. Get the phone number from a bill or the company’s website. When you call, have your account number ready in case they can’t find it using just your name.
- In most cases, the provider will not allow you to do this online.
- If you are the landlord, it’s a good idea to check with your tenant before you terminate your plan to prevent periods of time when the home does not have electricity.
2
Explain that a new tenant is moving into the property. Tell them you no longer need the service because someone else is turning on service to that property. Ask to completely cancel your plan.
- If you are the landlord, you may choose to ask for landlord rollover after the lease terminates. It’s easiest to arrange this if you and your new tenant have the same provider, as they will know when the tenant terminates their service plan.
- If you are a former tenant, you can discuss options for transferring your plan to your new home if you’d like.
3
Schedule the date when services will end. If you’re a landlord, you’ll want to arrange this date with your tenant. Usually, it will be on the first day of the tenant’s lease. If you’re moving out of a property, the end date is usually the day that you move out.
- It’s a good idea to verify with the company that you will have power during the hours that you’re moving out. If you’re worried that they’ll cut off power before all your stuff is out, you may want to go ahead and leave the electric bill in your name for an extra day or two.
The electric company will need the address you are moving to so that they can send you a final bill. This is usually not ready until a few weeks after your services are terminated.
You can mail in your payment or pay online, in most cases. After you pay this bill, you’re completely finished with that plan.

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Question

How do I avoid electricity disconnect when I cannot afford the bill?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Immediately talk with a representative of the electric company to let them know there's a problem. They probably have (or know of) a program designed to help people afford their utility payments.

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Question

Who is responsible for transferring an electricity bill, landlord or tenant? Who has to pay for it?

Donagan

Top Answerer

In most cases if the account is or will be in your name, you are responsible for making the change and for paying the bill. Check with your landlord to make sure.

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My ex left the house and they cut the electricity, but the bill is in my name. What l can do to have my electricity back?

Community Answer

Contact your electric company (in person may be best, so that you can present ID) and tell them that the electricity was cut without your authorization. Speak to a manager if necessary; if it was done without your approval, there should be no charges involved. If your ex's name wasn't on the account, you could also contact your local police department and press charges for fraud, as he misrepresented himself to the electric company to cause you damage (being without the necessity of electricity).

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