Ideally, basic utilities should be set up before you move into your new home. The choice of providers is limited in New Orleans, but the process, although straightforward, can take up to two weeks, especially if you’re establishing new accounts.
A smooth transition of utilities to your new home can make the difference between braving the Louisiana summer for a week without air conditioning, or the frigid winter temps without hot water. Getting a clear picture of the steps involved in setting up or transferring utilities is key to a painless process that should start weeks before you get the keys to your new house.
What Utilities Typically Apply
Not all utilities listed here might apply in your situation, and some accounts will combine, such as trash collections and water and sewer, or phone and Internet, but the comprehensive list usually includes:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water and Sewer
- Trash
- Telephone
- Internet
- Cable/Satellite TV
- Home Security/Alarm Systems
Ideally, basic utilities should be set up before you move into your new home. The choice of providers is limited in New Orleans, but the process, although straightforward, can take up to two weeks, especially if you’re establishing new accounts. The process may involve application processing, credit checks, putting down a deposit, meter readings, and so on. It’s a good idea to contact all utility providers at least two weeks before the move-in date.
Setup/Transfer Steps and Tips
Depending on your neighborhood and what utilities you’ll need to set up or transfer, typical steps for a homebuyer could include:
- Find out what you need to set up. Your property might have a water pump or a septic system, for instance. Beyond the basics like water, gas, and electricity, you might want to consider other services such as pest extermination or lawn care.
- Ask the seller about expected/average amounts. That way, you’ll recognize a red flag if the amount is too high or too low. The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, in particular, has been catching a lot of flak lately for its meter-reading mistakes, unrecorded payments, and overbilling.
- Make a list of providers in the area. Some will be limited to the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans for water and sewage, and Entergy for electricity. Others — for home security alarms, phone, Internet, and TV — will have more than one option. The seller or your New Orleans real estate agent might also be a good resource for recommendations.
- Pay your current utility bills and shut off service. Ideally, your new home will have all utilities turned on the day of your move, or a day or two prior, and your old home will have them turned off a day or two after your move date (allowing for moving delays and returns). Shutting off service also involves paying the balance and, where applicable, getting your deposit back or getting the last meter reading.
Applying for Services in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes
Every utility company has its own policy and process for opening new accounts or transferring services. A typical process includes an application and, sometimes, a returnable deposit or credit check. Here are some local resources:
Entergy
- Start, Stop, Move Service
- New user registration
- Deposits (Electric & Gas $150.00; Electric Only $150; Gas Only $100)
- Phone: (800) 368-3749
Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (Orleans Parish)
- Online account registration (new customers must apply in person)
- Close Account Form
- Deposits ($100 to $1,500)
- How to read your bill
- Phone: (504) 529-2837
Jefferson Parish Water Department (Jefferson Parish)
- Apply for new service
- Deposits and required documents
- Phone: 504-736-6060 (East Bank), 504-736-6060 (West Bank)
Trash Pickup
- Department of Sanitation (Orleans Parish)
- Richard’s Disposal
- Empire Services
- Metro Disposal
- Jefferson Parish Garbage & Recycling (Jefferson Parish)
- Waste Management
Phone, TV, and Internet Providers
- Cox Communications (cable, Internet)
- NOLA Broadband (Internet)
- AT&T (Internet, DSL, fiber, cable)
- DISH Network (Satellite)
- DIRECTV (Satellite)
- NTS Communications (DSL)
- HughesNet (Satellite)
- Viasat (Satellite)
Home Security Providers