Moving? Natural gas is just one of the utilities you’ll need to handle when you move. And how you handle that varies by state and utility market. Here’s how to set up new natural gas service when you are moving in Georgia, Ohio or Michigan. (Bonus: we’ll tell you how to set up electricity service in Ohio.)
Move My Natural Gas Service in Georgia
We’ve broken this into two parts. Our first section covers what to do if you are already living in Georgia, and the second section is what to do if you are moving to Georgia.
Moving your current natural gas service in Georgia
Much of Georgia is served by Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) as their utility. If AGL is your utility company, do not contact the utility company for your natural gas move. Instead, you will contact your natural gas supplier.
Let your supplier know you are moving and schedule your move-out for your natural gas.
You have a choice of transferring your current natural gas plan to your new home (assuming it’s in the AGL area). Or you can choose to terminate your natural gas agreement when you move-out, and pay any early termination fee, if applicable.
This lets you shop for the best natural gas rates in Georgia for your new home.
We recommend comparing natural gas prices before you transfer your natural gas service in Georgia. It’s a very competitive natural gas market. And your move gives you the opportunity to shop natural gas providers to get the best natural gas rates in Georgia.
When you schedule a move-in for your new home, your supplier may need to coordinate your move with AGL, if the gas is not on in your house. An AGL employee will check the meter and light the pilot light on your water heater and your furnace. If the gas service is already on at your house, you will not need a service call.
Moving to Georgia – Setting Up Natural Gas
If you are moving to Georgia for the first time, this probably sounds very foreign. It’s because Georgia gas is deregulated. No worries. We mean it. You won’t have to contact the local utility company. Instead, you can compare natural gas rates in Georgia and shop for the best price for your home.
Your gas supplier will handle everything to get your service set up in your home. Just let them know you are moving in and schedule your service start date. We recommend scheduling your Georgia gas at least 2 weeks before you move in. Just enter your zip code below to start shopping for a supplier.
Shop Natural Gas Rates in Georgia
>> Shop natural gas prices in Georgia
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One last item before we leave Georgia. If you are installing any new natural gas appliances at your new home in the AGL market, you will contact Atlanta Gas Light (not your supplier) to schedule this service. They will work with you and any installer to make sure the new gas lines are run properly.
AGL is the gas utility in these markets. If you live in these areas, you will need to select a supplier for natural gas:
Move My Natural Gas Service in Ohio
If you’re moving to a new home in Ohio, it’s very straightforward to set up natural gas service for your new home.
First, contact the natural gas utility company and request a shut-off for natural gas at your current home (assuming you already live in Ohio). Make sure you set this for the day after your move-out. Otherwise you may shower in cold water that morning!
If the same utility serves your new home, you can use that same phone call to request a new account for natural gas at your new Ohio home. Otherwise, contact the Ohio natural gas utility company for your area. If you are renting, the utility may require a copy of your lease as proof that you are authorized to put the natural gas in your name.
If you are currently with an Ohio natural gas supplier, you won’t have to worry about your natural gas contract. Your utility company will notify your natural gas supplier that you are moving. Any early termination fees your gas contract may have should be automatically waived since you are moving.
Once you have established your gas service in your new home, it’s time to shop for a new Ohio natural gas provider and lock in a new low rate. You’ll need to have your new account number available to sign up for new gas service. Add a reminder to your calendar to shop for gas within the first 30 days in your new home. It can take one to two billing cycles to switch your Ohio natural gas to your new supplier.
You’ll need electricity service too! Just as with natural gas, electricity is deregulated in Ohio. You’ll contact your local utility company to get your account set up. Then visit ElectricityPlans.com/Ohio to shop for a fixed rate electricity supplier.
The benefit of a fixed rate plan for your gas and power? Your rate is locked in for the term of your agreement. If you stay with the utility, your gas rate and electricity rate will change frequently, and you have no control over it.
>> Shop Natural Gas Suppliers in Ohio
>> Shop Electricity Suppliers in Ohio
Don’t know your natural gas utility? Visit NaturalGasPlans.com, select your state and enter your zip code. You’ll find your natural gas utility and a list of natural gas suppliers in your area.
Shop Natural Gas Plans in Ohio
Move My Natural Gas Service in Michigan
Moving to a new home gives you a great opportunity to shop for your natural gas supply in Michigan. In Michigan, you can only switch your natural gas provider once per year. (You can return to default service with your utility provider at any time.)
But when you move, your supply contract does not move with you. You will need to set up a new account with the local natural gas utility. The utility will notify your natural gas supplier that you have moved. Most suppliers will automatically cancel your contract with no penalty.
To schedule a move-out for natural gas in your current home, contact your Michigan natural gas utility company. You will want to schedule that for the day after your move. That way, you can have a hot shower before beginning your move out!
Then set up natural gas service for your new home (or contact the utility company that serves your new address).
Once you have set up natural gas service at your new home, make a note of your new account number. You’ll need that when you shop for a new Michigan natural gas supplier. We recommend locking in a secure fixed rate for your Michigan natural gas. That way you avoid the price spikes that can happen with the utility standard offer.
>> Shop Natural Gas Suppliers in Michigan
Shop Natural Gas Rates in Michigan
Safely Move Natural Gas Appliances
When you are moving, you may need to safely disconnect your gas appliances if you are taking them with you.
Gas appliances in your home may include: natural gas grill, natural gas stove, natural gas clothes dryer.
When moving a natural gas stove, you will need to unplug it first. What? Yes, most natural gas stoves have an electrical connection, used to create the spark to light the burners. Then, use the shutoff valve to turn off the natural gas to the appliance. Next, use a wrench to release the connection on the flexible tubing that connects your stove to the gas. Keep the natural gas piping connected to your stove so you have it on the other end of your move.
The process for moving your natural gas clothes dryer is similar.
If your natural gas grill is permanently installed, you may want to consider including it in the sale of your home. Get a new natural gas grill when you get to your new home. If it’s portable, turn off the gas at the connector, then disconnect the hose, taking care not to crimp the connection.
Most moving companies will not disconnect or reconnect your natural gas appliances. This is due to liability reasons. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, contact a licensed plumber in your area.
Your water heater is not something you are going to move to your new home. However, it’s something that needs your attention once you get where you’re going. Consider flushing your water heater to remove mineral sediments. These can build up due to hard water in your area. Sediment in your water heater can cause a high natural gas bill, as it will take longer to heat the water.
Moving a Gas Line in Your Home
You’re in your new home, but you don’t like the layout of the appliances. If you need to move a gas line in your home, you should always contact the utility first.
Your utility company can guide you on any permits needed. And, you may need them to move the gas line for you. Alternately, we recommend working with a Licensed Master Plumber to change any gas lines in your home.
If you are moving a gas line in your yard, contact 811-Dig before you start. This is the national call-before-you-dig hotline. They will help you find a surveyor to mark electrical, water, plumbing and gas lines before you start digging.
