How do I set up utilities and internet before
moving?
DON’T GET STUCK WITHOUT POWER OR WIFI: How to set up utilities and internet before moving in Georgetown, Ontario
Why you must line up utilities and internet before closing
Moving day is chaotic. No one should arrive to a dark home with no heat, no hot water, and no internet. For home sellers in Georgetown, ON, mismanaging utilities creates delays at closing, costs for the buyer, and can sting your reputation — especially if you want a fast, clean sale and glowing referrals.
This post gives a no-fluff, step-by-step plan to get electricity, gas, water, internet, cable, and waste services scheduled and transferred. It’s tailored to Georgetown (Town of Halton Hills) so you’ll see local providers, timelines, and move-day actions.
Keywords covered: utilities setup Georgetown ON, internet setup Georgetown, Halton Hills Hydro, Enbridge Gas, Rogers, Bell, Xplornet, moving checklist Georgetown.
The quick timeline — what to do and when
- 4+ weeks before move: Start service research and get quotes. Schedule new internet install if required.
- 2–3 weeks before: Book transfer/disconnect dates for electricity, gas, water, and waste. Confirm internet install window.
- 7 days before: Reconfirm appointments and provide keys/access info for new owner or moving team.
- Move day: Record final meter readings, hand over required info to buyer (or buyer’s attorney), confirm internet activation.
- 1–7 days after move: Verify final bills and cancel autopay. Confirm buyer’s accounts (if applicable).
Step-by-step checklist: utilities and internet setup for sellers in Georgetown, ON
- Inventory what services the property has
- Electricity (metered by Halton Hills Hydro or Hydro One) — most Georgetown homes served by Halton Hills Hydro.
- Natural gas (Enbridge Gas).
- Water/sewer (Town of Halton Hills municipal water).
- Internet/cable/TV (Rogers, Bell, Teksavvy and others; rural areas may need Xplornet or Starlink).
- Waste and recycling (Town of Halton Hills collection schedule).
- Contact each provider early — do it in writing (email) and keep confirmations
- Electricity: Halton Hills Hydro — request final meter reading and disconnect/transfer date.
- Gas: Enbridge Gas — schedule final read and transfer.
- Water: Town of Halton Hills — advise of closing date and provide final meter if applicable (some properties have water meters; others billed via municipality).
- Internet/Cable: Call current provider for cancellation/transfer. If the buyer wants the same service, coordinate transfer date.
- Waste: Inform Town of Halton Hills of ownership change if needed. Provide buyer moving-day trash pickup instructions.
- Schedule internet install for the buyer or new address before move day
- If the buyer wants the same provider, arrange transfer to their name on closing day.
- If you’re a seller moving to another home, book your own new service early — many ISPs book installs weeks out.
- Prepare documents for closing day
- Final meter readings, account numbers, proof of scheduled transfers, copies of confirmation emails.
- Provide a utility summary sheet to the buyer and to their lawyer.
- Day-of move actions
- Take photos/time-stamped videos of meter readings (electric and gas). Send to your lawyer and the buyer.
- Make sure the internet router/modem is powered on and ready. If a technician is scheduled, have access available.
- Hand over any modem/router user guides, remotes, gate codes, or collection schedules.
- After closing
- Check final bills and ensure deposits or credits are handled.
- Remove autopay info once the account is closed.
- Confirm buyer’s transfer or new account activation.
Local providers and what to expect (Georgetown, ON specific)
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Halton Hills Hydro (Electric)
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Most Georgetown addresses use Halton Hills Hydro for distribution. For final reads, contact them at their service portal. Expect a standard final-read process; book at least 7 days out.
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Enbridge Gas (Natural Gas)
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Enbridge handles gas in Georgetown. Final readings and account transfers typically require account holder authorization. Book 5–10 days ahead.
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Town of Halton Hills (Water & Waste)
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Municipal water billing and waste collection are managed by the Town. Notify the town if you’re the account holder or provide direction to buyer. Pickup schedules vary by neighborhood — provide the buyer with the correct day.
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Rogers (Cable & Internet)
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Rogers covers large parts of Georgetown. If the property has a Rogers drop, transfers can be quick but hardware and technician availability may be 1–3 weeks.
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Bell (Fibe Internet & TV)
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Bell Fibe is fast where available. Install appointments can be limited; if the buyer wants Bell, schedule early.
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Teksavvy, Distributel, Start.ca, VMedia (Resellers)
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These companies use major networks. They may offer lower prices but require checking availability and transfer timelines.
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Xplornet / Starlink (Rural/Outskirts)
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Some rural edges of Halton Hills may lack cable or fiber. Satellite options like Xplornet or Starlink are alternatives but require installation time and may have equipment lead times.
Note: Always verify availability with the provider using the exact civic address — availability can change street-by-street.
Unique considerations for Georgetown sellers
- Older homes and meter access: Some older properties have meters in basements or locked enclosures. Provide clear access for final readings and technicians.
- Development areas: New subdivisions may not have full services active. Confirm builder-provided utilities and who pays for final connections.
- Seasonal issues: In winter, frozen meters can delay reads or technician access. Plan extra time for heating services and winterizations.
- Condo units vs detached homes: Condos often include water or heating in common fees. Check condo docs before scheduling transfers.
Simple email templates you can use (copy & paste)
Electricity (Halton Hills Hydro)
Subject: Final meter reading / account transfer for [PROPERTY ADDRESS]
Hello,
I am selling [PROPERTY ADDRESS], closing on [CLOSING DATE]. Please schedule a final meter reading and transfer/disconnect for that date. Account number: [ACCOUNT #]. Please confirm next steps and any fees.
Thanks,
[Your Name] | Phone: [Your Phone] | Email: [Your Email]
Natural Gas (Enbridge)
Subject: Final read and account transfer — [PROPERTY ADDRESS]
Hello,
Please schedule a final gas reading for [PROPERTY ADDRESS] on [CLOSING DATE]. Account # [ACCOUNT #]. I authorize Enbridge to share meter photos with my agent and closing lawyer. Confirm timeline.
Thanks.
Internet/Cable
Subject: Service transfer/installation at [ADDRESS]
Hello,
We are closing on [ADDRESS] on [CLOSING DATE]. Please schedule a transfer/installation on or before closing date. Current account # [#]. Confirm any technician fees and equipment returns.
Thanks.
Move-day script (quick & effective)
- Take photos of electric and gas meters with date/time stamp.
- Record the internet router’s MAC/serial number and take a photo of the connection box outside.
- Text or email meter photos to buyer’s rep and your lawyer immediately.
- Confirm technician arrival times and keep the number for the ISP handy.
Cost expectations and deposits
- Electricity & Gas: Final bills are common. No major deposits unless the account had arrears.
- Internet: Technician fee or installation fee may apply (often $0–$100). Some ISPs charge for new modems.
- Satellite: Equipment can cost $200+ and lead time is longer.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Waiting until the last week — book internet installs 2–4 weeks out.
- Forgetting to take meter photos — this is your proof for final reads.
- Assuming buyers will set up services — coordinate so there’s no gap.
Why buyers and lawyers will thank you
A clean utility handover reduces closing friction. It prevents bill disputes and shows you’re a professional seller who runs a tight ship. That matters in Georgetown’s market.
Final punch: the checklist you can print
- [ ] Confirm provider list for property
- [ ] Contact Halton Hills Hydro (final read) 7+ days out
- [ ] Contact Enbridge Gas (final read) 5–10 days out
- [ ] Notify Town of Halton Hills (water/waste) before closing
- [ ] Schedule internet install or transfer 2–4 weeks out
- [ ] Email confirmations to buyer and lawyer
- [ ] Day-of: time-stamped photos of meters, router, and outside drop
- [ ] Cancel autopay and verify final bills
About the local expert who can make this painless
Tony Sousa is a local Georgetown realtor who coordinates utilities and move logistics for sellers every week. He knows the right numbers to call, the timelines that work, and how to avoid delays that can derail closing. Reach out to Tony if you want a zero-drama closing in Georgetown.
Contact: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Utilities & Internet Setup Before Moving (Georgetown, ON)
Q: How far in advance should I schedule internet service?
A: Book 2–4 weeks before move day. High-demand providers and technician shortages can extend timelines.
Q: Who do I contact for the final electric meter reading?
A: Contact Halton Hills Hydro (or Hydro One if applicable) and request a final read or a scheduled disconnect on closing day.
Q: Do buyers need to set up their own accounts?
A: Typically yes. Sellers should coordinate transfers or provide account details to the buyer and their lawyer to avoid gaps.
Q: What if my property is in a rural area with no cable or fiber?
A: Check satellite (Xplornet) or Starlink. These services require equipment and installation — book earlier.
Q: Should I remove my router/modem before the buyer moves in?
A: That depends. If the buyer will use the same ISP, leave hardware for the technician to check. If you’re keeping equipment, remove it but provide the buyer with account info and a note for the technician.
Q: Who pays for final utility bills?
A: Final bills are typically the seller’s responsibility up to closing. Confirm with your lawyer and provide proof of readings.
Q: Any special considerations for condos in Georgetown?
A: Review condo documents. Some condos include water or heating; others require separate accounts. Notify the property manager of the ownership change.
Q: Can I transfer accounts to the buyer remotely?
A: Many providers allow transfers with authorization. Provide signed authorization and account numbers to speed this up.
Want help coordinating all of this? Reach out to get anyone of these tasks handled and avoid last-minute surprises.
Contact: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
