The rise of the internet has ensured that setting up your utilities in a new city is less of a nightmare than it used to be, but we’re here to make it even easier. If you’re relocating within Columbus or moving there from elsewhere in the country, here’s everything you need to know about getting your utilities up and running from your Columbus, OH movers:
Water
If you’re renting a property, the city has made things easier for you. Water and sewage are handled directly through a Tenant Billing Agreement. That means that you won’t have to deal with the water bill directly and will instead need to set up a monthly arrangement with your landlord.
Those who own their own home will need to get in touch with the City of Columbus directly to schedule a meter reading. Customers can visit a local office to set up their billing arrangement or call the customer service team at 614-645-8276. Representatives are available weekdays from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Once your service is established, you can pay your bill directly through the online portal at the website for the Columbus government.
Gas Service
While Columbia Gas is the sole supplier of natural gas in Columbus, there are several different companies that deliver natural gas service. If you don’t choose a supplier, you’ll automatically be signed up for service with Columbia Gas, but options for delivery include Energy Choice Ohio, Spark Energy, and Direct Energy. While the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio regulates rates to keep companies from inflating the costs, there’s still some variance between prices, so you’ll want to compare rates before pulling the trigger. It’s recommended that you schedule an appointment with your company a week before move-in.
Electricity
Electrical service in Columbus is deregulated, and that means that customers have a wide range of providers from which to choose. The biggest names in the game are Direct Energy, AEP Energy, and Constellation, but there may be smaller providers that serve your neighborhood as well. You can compare your options here. It’s worth noting that AEP offers sustainable options for many of their customers. Most companies provide online portals you can use to monitor your energy usage and pay your bills, but as with natural gas, you should give at least a week’s notice for scheduling an appointment with your chosen power provider.
Cable and Internet
The cable and internet TV providers constitute a complicated network of national and local companies. The most prominent TV providers are AT&T, Spectrum Cable, Dish TV, and DirecTV. CenturyLink and ViaSat offer internet service, but if you want both cable and internet, you may want to consider signing up for a package deal from DirecTV, AT&T, or Spectrum. Due to the variety of plans available and a rotating assortment of sales and specials, you’ll likely want to compare your options before deciding on a provider.
Trash Pickup
The Department of Public Service oversees trash collection, and you don’t need to worry about setting up your service whether you’re a renter or a homeowner. Different neighborhoods have their own designated days for pickup, and Columbus also assigns specific days for bulk and yard waste pickup. You can find out everything you need to know about the garbage collection in your neighborhood at the Department’s official site.