How to Switch Electricity Suppliers When Moving (Step-by-Step)

Moving to a new home in a deregulated state? You have to set up two separate things: delivery service with the regulated utility (who actually runs the wires to your house) and supply service with an electricity supplier (who provides the power that flows through those wires). Most people only set up delivery, get assigned a default supplier at the highest available rate, and overpay 15–30% for months before they figure it out. This guide walks through the right order of operations to switch electricity suppliers during a move — without losing service, double-paying, or getting stuck on a bad rate.

Step 1: Schedule Service With the Regulated Utility (5–7 Days Out)

The regulated utility — Centerpoint, Oncor, AEP Texas, PECO, ComEd, PSE&G, Con Ed, etc. — owns the meter and the wires. You can’t pick a different one; whoever serves your new address serves you. Call or open service online 5–7 business days before move-in. They’ll ask for:

• New service address and ESI ID or service-point number (sometimes called ESID or POD ID). If you don’t have it, the utility can look it up.
• Move-in date
• Social Security number or alternate ID (for credit check)
• A deposit if you don’t pass the credit check (waivable with proof of payment history)

Once you schedule delivery service, the utility assigns you a “default supplier” or “provider of last resort.” This is where most movers get stuck.

Step 2: Pick Your Own Supplier Before Move-In (1–3 Days Out)

Default-assigned supply is almost always the most expensive option in deregulated markets. In Texas, the “POLR” rate can run 16–20¢/kWh while competitive market rates are 10–13¢. In Pennsylvania, the utility’s “price to compare” floats and competitive suppliers often beat it by 1–3¢. In Ohio, default service rates are reset every six months and can swing wildly.

Compare plans before you move in:

1. Get the ESI ID for the new address from the regulated utility.
2. Use a comparison site (Choose Energy, EnergyBot, or your state’s official Power to Choose portal) to see all available plans at that ZIP code.
3. Filter by plan length (12 or 24 months is usually the right balance) and rate type (fixed flat rate is the safest pick for most movers).
4. Enroll with your chosen supplier and set the start date to match your move-in date.

Most suppliers can start service the next business day if you sign up before 5 p.m. Some Texas suppliers offer same-day service. There’s no overlap charge — only one supplier delivers electricity on any given day.

Step 3: Cancel Service at Your Old Address (Same Day or 1 Day After Move)

This is the step where renters lose money most often. If you don’t formally close the account at your previous address, the utility keeps billing you for the meter sitting at that house. Worse, in some markets, the supplier keeps billing a base fee even if no power is being consumed.

Call your old utility (separate call from setting up the new one if you moved across utility territories) and provide:

• Final read date (usually move-out day or the next business day)
• Forwarding address for the final bill
• Confirmation number to keep on file

Most utilities will read the meter remotely if smart meters are installed. If you’re on a traditional meter, the utility may need to send a technician — schedule 3–5 business days in advance.

Watch Out For: Early Termination Fees

If you signed a 12- or 24-month fixed-rate plan at your old address and you’re moving within the same utility territory (same state, sometimes same utility district), the supplier may try to charge an early termination fee of $150–$295. Two ways out:

• Same-state move: Most contracts let you transfer the plan to your new address penalty-free. Call the supplier before closing the account. Don’t let them auto-cancel.
• Out-of-state move: Provide proof of move (utility bill at new address, signed lease, closing documents) and the termination fee is usually waived. Get the waiver in writing before the final bill cycles.

Special Case: Moving Within Texas

Texas has the most complex deregulated market in the country. A few quirks:

• If you cross between utility territories (e.g., Centerpoint to Oncor), the move is treated as a new enrollment and your old plan doesn’t transfer.
• If you stay within the same territory, you can usually port your existing plan — sometimes even keeping the same rate locked in for the remaining contract term.
• The ESI ID is everything. Get it from the apartment leasing office, the seller’s recent bill, or by calling the regulated utility with the address.
• “Switch hold” status (placed when a previous tenant left an unpaid balance) can prevent enrollment. The new tenant has to clear it through the regulated utility before signing up with a supplier.

Special Case: Moving Into a New Construction Home

Newly built homes often don’t have a service-point number yet. The builder or developer typically handles the initial connection with the utility, then you take over as the named account holder at closing. Steps to follow:

1. Confirm with the builder that the meter is set and the address is energized.
2. Get the ESI ID or service-point number from the builder’s pre-close documents.
3. Schedule delivery service to start on the closing date.
4. Enroll with a competitive supplier the same day. Don’t let the utility default you.

Special Case: Apartment / Short-Term Lease

If you’re renting for less than 12 months, sign up for a month-to-month plan rather than a fixed-term contract. Month-to-month rates are 1–2¢ higher than 12-month fixed rates, but you avoid early termination fees if you move again. Some landlords include electricity in rent — confirm before setting up your own account.

What to Compare When Picking the New Plan

The plan that wins isn’t always the lowest headline rate. Run through this checklist:

• Rate structure: Is the advertised rate the same at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh? If not, it’s a tiered plan and your actual rate depends on usage.
• Monthly fee: Some plans hide a $9.95 base charge that wipes out the rate advantage at low usage.
• Cancellation fee: $150–$295 is typical. Avoid plans with $400+ ETFs.
• Renewable content: 100% renewable plans are often within 1¢ of conventional supply.
• Bill credit structure: If the plan only “works” at specific monthly kWh windows, model your usage against those windows before signing.
• Contract length: 12 months is the sweet spot for most renters. 24-month plans lock in better rates but punish early moves.

Move-In Timing Cheat Sheet

When	What to do
7 days out	Schedule delivery service at new utility
5 days out	Compare suppliers on Power to Choose / Choose Energy / EnergyBot
2 days out	Enroll with chosen supplier, start date = move-in date
Move-in day	Verify lights on, take a meter photo
Day after	Close account at old address with final read
30 days after	Verify first bill matches contract terms

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my electricity supplier if I move out of state?
No. Suppliers are licensed state-by-state. A Direct Energy customer in Texas has to re-enroll with Direct Energy in Pennsylvania (and vice versa) — different rates, different EFLs.

How long does it take to switch suppliers when moving?
Same-day to 2 business days in Texas. Up to 1–2 billing cycles (30–60 days) in most other states, because the change has to be processed by the regulated utility. You still get power during the transition — service is never interrupted.

What if I forget to set up supply before move-in?
The regulated utility will assign you “provider of last resort” service at a high rate. You can switch to a competitive supplier as soon as you realize, and the change takes 30 days or less. You’ll only overpay for one billing cycle, but it can be 20–30% more than market.

Do I need to be physically present for the meter read?
No. Smart meters report remotely. Even with a traditional meter, the utility reads from the outside without needing access to the home.

Should I pay a deposit?
If you have credit above 650 and clean payment history, request the deposit waiver during enrollment. Most suppliers accept proof of two years of on-time payment from a previous utility bill.

How do I read an Electricity Facts Label (EFL)?
The EFL shows: average price at 500/1,000/2,000 kWh, base charges, energy charges, TDU charges (regulated, not negotiable), renewable content, and term length. The “average price” rows tell you the most — flat rates show similar numbers across all three.

Bottom Line

Don’t let the utility default you. Schedule delivery service first, then shop suppliers and enroll with your own pick at least 1–2 days before move-in. Compare apples-to-apples on the EFL at your expected usage level, not on headline rate. Close the old account same week to avoid stub bills. Done right, the whole process takes 30 minutes and saves $200–500 over the first year compared to default service.