Whether you have plans to move into the Kansas City area or you intend to relocate within the city, you need to plan for turning-on your utilities services at your new residence. Setting up service for your water, electricity, gas, cable and other services ahead of time is imperative if you want to live comfortably in your new home from day one. Keep in mind that services typically cannot be established on the same day that you call to set up service. In fact, in many cases, you will need to call ahead at least several days or more from your move-in date. In addition, some services cannot begin on a weekend. You may need to schedule a service start date before you move in, in most cases.
Make a List of Service Providers
The first step to take when preparing to relocate into or within Kansas City is to make a list of service providers who provide service to your new home. If you are moving into a rental home or an apartment, your new landlord or property manager can provide you with a list of providers that you need to contact. Otherwise, your real estate agent may provide this information to you. Remember that you may have multiple providers to choose from for some services, such as Internet service. Spend time researching the options online before you call to establish service. Here are some of the service providers for Kansas City proper:
Kansas City, MO
- KC Water: The provider of water services to the Missouri side of Kansas City, KC Water serves over 170,000 customers across the KC metro area. You can start or transfer your service using the online customer service portal, or call 816.513.1313, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Kansas City Power & Light Company: KCP&L was founded in 1882 and today serves over 800,000 homes and businesses across Missouri and parts of Kansas. To start or transfer service, visit KCP&L’s site here or call 816.471.5275.
- Spire: To connect your gas appliances and heaters, you’ll want to call Spire, formerly Missouri Gas Energy. Spire provides natural gas to 1.7 million customers across Missouri, as well as Mississippi and Alabama. Visit here to start service.
Kansas City, KS
- Kansas City Board of Public Utilities: The Kansas City BPU manages electrical and water services for 65,000 customers across Wyandotte and Johnson Counties. To start service, call 913.573.9190. The office is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Kansas Gas Service: This natural gas utility provides services to more than 635,000 residences and businesses across Kansas. To set-up service go online and create an account or call customer service at 800.794.4780
Gather All Required Information
Most service providers will need many of the same details from you before you can set up service. For example, they need your name and contact information, the new address and your driver’s license number. In some cases, your Social Security number is also required. If you are transferring service within the same city and with the same service provider, you will need to provide the address where service will be disconnected and the new address where you are moving to.
Prepare to Pay Deposits
Most utilities service providers require a deposit to set up services. In some cases, they will tack on the deposit to your first bill. If this is the case, you should prepare your budget for a higher-than-normal utility bill. In other cases, you will be required to make the payment upfront, such as with a credit or debit card over the phone. The cost of the deposits can add up, so remember to factor these deposits into your moving budget.
Consider a Connection Date
Choosing a smart connection date is essential. Some service providers will not guarantee that service will begin by a certain time of day. Therefore, if you need service on at your new address first thing in the morning, you need the service to start the day before. Some service providers must physically visit the home to connect services, so your service start day and time will be based on their availability. Calling ahead to set up service will help to ensure that your services are connected at a time that is most convenient for you.
While you are scheduling professional moving services in Kansas City, plan to connect your utilities. These simple steps will help you to set up new services in Kansas City more easily.
