Moving to a new home is a process filled with excitement and a long list of logistical tasks. While you are busy booking a local moving service or arranging for storage, it is easy to let administrative tasks like utilities fall to the bottom of the list. However, changing energy provider during a move is one of the most critical steps to ensuring your new residence in North York or elsewhere in Ontario is comfortable from the moment you step through the door.
At Top Town Movers, we have assisted thousands of families with local moving, long distance moving, and specialized senior moving. We know that a successful move is about more than just transporting boxes; it is about the seamless transition of your entire lifestyle. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about changing energy provider, managing your utility accounts, and ensuring you have power and heat when you need them most.
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The Importance of Early Planning
In the province of Ontario, energy services are generally divided into electricity (often referred to as hydro) and natural gas. Depending on where you are moving, you might stay with the same utility company or find yourself in a position where changing energy provider is mandatory because your current company does not service your new area.
Ideally, you should begin the process of notifying your utilities at least three to four weeks before your moving date. This lead time is essential for a few reasons. First, utility companies require notice to schedule a final meter reading at your old address. Second, setting up a new account or transferring an existing one involves administrative processing that can take several business days. By starting early, you avoid the stress of moving into a dark home or being billed for energy used by the new occupants of your old house.
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Step 1: Identify Your Providers
The first step in changing energy provider is identifying who services your current home and who services your new one. In North York and the Greater Toronto Area, the most common electricity providers include Toronto Hydro and Alectra Utilities. For natural gas, Enbridge Gas is the primary distributor for the majority of Ontario residents.
If you are performing a long distance move to a more rural part of Ontario, you might find that Hydro One is your new electricity provider. Before you move, check your most recent utility bills to find your account numbers and the contact information for your current providers.
Step 2: Notifying Your Current Provider
Once you have your account details ready, contact your current energy company to schedule a service disconnection or account closure. You will need to provide them with:
- Your current account number.
- The exact date you want the service to end (usually the day after you move out).
- Your new forwarding address so they can send you the final bill.
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It is a good practice to schedule the disconnection for one day after your actual moving date. This ensures that if your local moving team needs to stay late or use power for cleaning equipment, you aren’t left in the dark.
Step 3: Setting Up Service at the New Address
After you have handled the exit from your old home, it is time to focus on the new one. If you are staying within the same service area, you can often “transfer” your account, which simplifies the process of changing energy provider. However, if you are moving into a new territory, you will need to open a brand-new account.
When setting up a new account in North York or other Ontario cities, the provider will typically ask for:
- Your full legal name and contact information.
- The new service address, including the postal code.
- The date you want the service to begin (ideally the day before you move in).
- Government-issued identification to verify your identity.
- Employment information or a credit check in some instances.
Most Ontario utilities charge an account setup fee or a change-of-occupancy fee, which will appear on your first bill.
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Step 4: Understanding Energy Choice in Ontario
In Ontario’s deregulated energy market, you have choices regarding your energy supply. While your local utility (like Toronto Hydro) always delivers the electricity and maintains the lines, you can choose to buy your actual energy supply from a third-party retailer rather than the utility itself.
When changing energy provider, take a moment to review your current contract. If you are with a retail energy provider, check if there are exit fees or if the contract can be moved to your new address. If you are moving from a house to a condo, the building may have a “sub-metering” agreement with a specific company, meaning you won’t have a choice in your provider. Our team at Top Town Movers often suggests that clients check their lease or purchase agreement for these details early on.
Step 5: Managing the Final Meter Reading
The final meter reading is the only way to ensure you are not overcharged. On your moving day, take a photo of the electricity and gas meters at your old home. Do the same at your new home as soon as you arrive.
This documentation is your protection. If a billing dispute arises later, you have photographic evidence of exactly where the meter stood when you took possession. Most modern homes in North York use smart meters that transmit data automatically, but having your own record is a wise safety measure during the process of changing energy provider.
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Step 6: Specialized Considerations for Different Move Types
The complexity of managing utilities can vary depending on the type of service you have booked:
Senior Moving
For our senior moving clients, the administrative side of a move can be particularly overwhelming. We recommend that family members assist with changing energy provider tasks or use a Letter of Authorization to speak to the utility companies on the senior’s behalf. Ensuring that the heat and lights are on before a senior arrives at their new home is vital for their safety and comfort.
Packing Service and Storage
If you are using our packing service, you might be living in a partially packed house for several days. Ensure your internet and electricity remain active during this time so you can stay connected and productive. If your belongings are heading into storage, you generally don’t need to worry about utilities for the storage unit itself, as those are managed by the facility, but you must ensure your home accounts are closed so you aren’t paying for an empty house.
Piano Moving and Climate Control
When we perform piano moving, we often emphasize the importance of climate control. If you are changing energy provider and there is a gap in service, the temperature in your new home could fluctuate wildly. For a delicate instrument like a piano, sudden cold or humidity can cause the wood to warp or the strings to go out of tune. Ensure your HVAC system is operational at least 24 hours before your piano arrives.
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Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Many people forget that “changing energy provider” also means updating your billing information. If you have pre-authorized payments set up with your bank, remember to cancel the old ones and set up new ones once you receive your first bill at the new address.
Additionally, be aware of “security deposits.” If you are a new customer with a utility company in Ontario, they may require a security deposit unless you can provide a letter of reference from your previous utility showing a good payment history. This can save you hundreds of dollars in upfront costs during an already expensive move.
Why Top Town Movers Includes This in Your Plan
You might wonder why a moving company is so concerned with your energy bills. At Top Town Movers, we believe in a holistic approach to relocation. Whether it is local moving within North York or a long distance move across the province, we want your first night in your new home to be perfect.
A move is a fresh start. By handling the task of changing energy provider with precision, you ensure that you can focus on the joy of decorating and settling in, rather than spending your first evening on hold with a customer service representative trying to figure out why the water heater isn’t working.
Conclusion
Managing your utilities is a cornerstone of a well-organized move. From the initial phone calls to the final meter readings, the process of changing energy provider requires attention to detail and proactive communication. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can transition your energy services smoothly and avoid any unpleasant surprises on your final bills.
As you prepare for your move in North York or across Ontario, let Top Town Movers handle the physical labor while you take care of the essentials. From packing service to storage, we are here to support every aspect of your journey.
