Moving to a new city is exciting until you realize you still need to start water, trash, electric, and gas. If you’re heading to Minneapolis, you can avoid last‑minute hassles with a simple plan. You want clean water running, lights on, and trash picked up from day one. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to avoid common fees or delays. Let’s dive in.
Start 1–2 weeks before move-in
Give yourself a cushion. Most utility accounts can start within a week, but scheduling and credit checks can create delays. Aim to open or transfer accounts 1–2 weeks before your move. If you expect a credit check or deposit, start 2–3 weeks out.
Before you make calls, confirm who pays for each utility. Your lease or purchase agreement should spell out whether the owner or tenant is responsible for water, sewer, trash, electricity, and gas.
Set up City water and sewer
Minneapolis bills for water, sewer, and often stormwater. The City manages these services and bills the account holder listed for the property.
How to start or transfer service
- Verify responsibility. Check your lease or closing documents to see if you or the owner will hold the account.
- Open or transfer the account. You can typically do this online or by phone via the City’s utility billing. For current steps and forms, start at the City of Minneapolis website and search for “water utility billing” or “new account.”
- Provide required info. Have your service address, start date, ID, contact details, and mailing address. Some accounts may require a Social Security Number for a credit check.
- Submit a move‑in meter reading. Take a clear photo of the water meter with the reading visible on move‑in day. This sets an accurate baseline for billing.
- Choose billing and payment. Enroll in online account access and consider autopay to avoid late fees.
What to expect on bills
Water and sewer are billed on a regular cycle. Stormwater fees may appear on the same bill or on property taxes depending on City policy. Check the City’s current billing FAQs for details. Deposits or proof of prior on‑time payments may be requested for new accounts.
Arrange solid waste and recycling
Many single‑family homes and small multifamily properties in Minneapolis receive City trash, recycling, and yard waste service. Larger buildings may use private haulers.
Steps to confirm service
- Check your paperwork. Your lease or purchase docs should indicate if the City serves your address or if your building contracts with a private hauler.
- If City‑served, confirm carts and pickup day. The City provides carts and posts routes and schedules online. Start with the City of Minneapolis website and search “Solid Waste & Recycling” to review cart sizes, placement rules, and your collection calendar.
- If your building uses a private hauler, contact property management for instructions. Apartment renters often do not set up or pay curbside service directly.
- For bulky items or hazardous materials, use Hennepin County resources. Find drop‑off guidance on the Hennepin County site by searching “household hazardous waste.”
Choose your electric and gas providers
Electricity and natural gas in Minneapolis are provided by regulated companies, and the provider can vary by address. Do not assume one company covers both electric and gas.
Identify the correct provider
- Check your lease, seller disclosures, or closing documents.
- Ask your property manager or building owner for the electric and gas companies.
- Use state resources to verify. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and company websites list service areas. If you’re unsure, call the City’s 311 line for guidance on who serves your address.
Common Twin Cities providers include Xcel Energy for electricity and CenterPoint Energy for natural gas in many areas. Always confirm by address.
Start service for electric and gas
- Gather documents. You’ll need your service address, start date, government ID, and billing info. Providers may request a Social Security Number for a credit check.
- Expect possible deposits. If you have limited credit history, a deposit or guarantor may be required. Ask about payment plans or alternatives.
- Schedule activation. Some services can be turned on remotely. If the meter is off, a technician visit may be needed. Book early to match your move‑in date.
Outages and emergencies
- Power outages. Report outages through your provider’s outage center and sign up for text or email alerts.
- Gas leaks. If you smell rotten eggs or suspect a leak, leave immediately, avoid using electronics or switches, call 911 from a safe location, then call your gas company’s emergency line. Your gas provider’s website lists its emergency number.
Move‑day checklist
Use this quick list to stay organized.
- Before move-in:
- Set start dates for City water/sewer and trash/recycling.
- Open electric and gas accounts with the correct provider.
- On move-in day:
- Take clear, time‑stamped photos of all meters: water, electric, gas.
- Write down meter numbers and readings.
- After move-in:
- Confirm account numbers and online login access.
- Enroll in autopay or set calendar reminders.
- Sign up for outage and service alerts with your utility providers.
- Save confirmation emails and receipts.
Documents to have ready
- Service address and unit number
- Desired start date
- Full legal name and contact info
- Driver’s license or state ID
- Lease, purchase agreement, or deed (if requested)
- Social Security Number or alternate ID for credit check, if required
- Meter photos at move‑in
- Bank account or card for payment
Common fees and how to avoid them
- Security deposits. Often required for electric or gas if you’re new to credit. You may reduce or avoid these with strong credit, proof of on‑time utility history, or a guarantor.
- Service initiation or reconnection fees. Ask about fees when starting service. If a technician visit is needed, schedule early to avoid rush charges.
- Late fees. Set up autopay or calendar reminders and confirm your billing cycle.
- City service deposits. Some new City accounts may require a deposit. Ask about refund timelines tied to on‑time payment history.
Assistance and consumer protections
If you need help paying utility bills or managing seasonal costs, Minnesota agencies and utilities offer support.
- Energy assistance programs. Visit the Minnesota Department of Commerce for up‑to‑date information on eligibility and how to apply. Utilities also offer budget billing and payment plans.
- Cold‑weather protections. Minnesota has rules that can help protect eligible households from heat shutoffs during severe weather. Review current guidance through the Department of Commerce and your utility’s customer service.
- Tenants. Ask your landlord to confirm, in writing, who is responsible for each utility. State and local rules may affect shutoff notices and procedures.
Final tips for a smooth start
- Start early. Begin utility setup 1–2 weeks before move‑in.
- Verify who pays. Use your lease or closing documents to confirm responsibility.
- Confirm providers by address. Do not assume; check with your building, the City, or utility websites.
- Document everything. Take meter photos and save confirmations.
- Go digital. Create online accounts, set autopay, and enroll in outage alerts.
If you’re balancing a home purchase and a move, a clear checklist makes all the difference. If you want local guidance on neighborhoods, timing, and a smooth transition, let’s talk. Reach out to Unknown Company.
FAQs
Who sets up water and sewer in Minneapolis?
- The City of Minneapolis bills water and sewer for many properties. You or your landlord will open or transfer the account based on your lease or purchase documents. Start at the City of Minneapolis site and search “water utility billing.”
How do I find my electric or gas provider for a Minneapolis address?
- Check your lease or closing paperwork, ask your property manager, or verify via utility websites and state regulators. Common providers include Xcel Energy for electricity and CenterPoint Energy for natural gas, depending on address.
Can I start utilities without a Social Security Number?
- Often yes. Many utilities accept alternate ID or require a higher deposit. Contact the company directly to review your options before move‑in.
What should I do if service is off when I arrive?
- Take meter photos immediately and call the provider to schedule activation. If a technician visit is required, set the earliest available appointment and keep your confirmation.
How do I handle trash and bulky items at a new home?
- If you have City service, confirm cart sizes and pickup day via the City website. For hazardous or bulky items, use Hennepin County resources for drop‑off guidelines and locations.
Where can I get help with high winter bills?
- Start with the Minnesota Department of Commerce for energy assistance details and ask your utility about budget billing and payment plans. Cold‑weather protections may apply for eligible customers.
