Moving in Ontario

Hilary

By Hilary

Updated on
min reading

You're moving in Ontario and want to know how to get set up with your new utility? Here is a step-by-step guide to changing your energy utility:

All local utilities require some advance warning for disconnection, with many requiring at least five business days notice. It is a good idea to contact your existing utility one or two weeks before your move. Many utilities offer disconnection forms that can be subitted online, but most also have customer help lines that you can call for disconnecting your service. They will likely ask for the following information for disconnection of services: your name, account number, date for the last meter read, and forwarding address.

Many utilities require a security deposit to connect your meter, but this can be waived if you have been in good standing (meaning that you have paid all of your bills on time) with your previous utility for at least one year. It is a good idea to ask your existing utility if they can provide you with or send to your new utility a letter of reference

  • Contact your new local utility for connection

It is a good idea to contact your new utility at around the same time as you call your existing utility for disconnection (at least five working days' notice). To start service, your new local utility will likely ask you for:

  • Your name
  • Your new address for service
  • A copy of government-issued ID (a driver's license, for example)
  • The billing address (if it is different from the service address)
  • Home and work phone number for the person being billed
  • The names of all adults living at the service address
  • The date of connection

If possible, it is a good idea to schedule disconnection for the day after your move and new connection for the day before, in order to be sure that you won't go without power

  • Pay an activation fee and/or security deposit

Many utility companies charge a one-time activation fee to set up your new account. This usually ranges from $25-30, plus applicable taxes. The activation charge covers some of the administrative expenses involved in setting up your account. Some utilities will transfer your account if you are staying in the same service area.

When can your energy utility ask for a security deposit? Learn more about security deposits in Ontario

  • On and the day after your moving day, check to make sure your utilities have been connected and disconnected on the dates that you requested

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