How do I transfer utilities and internet
services?
How can you transfer utilities and internet without costing yourself money or delaying closing? Here’s the exact, no-fluff plan for Georgetown home sellers.
Why this matters — fast
Closing day is already a tight timeline. Missed meter reads, forgotten cancellations or unreturned modems will cost you time and money. If you sell a home in Georgetown, ON, you don’t want the buyer calling your lawyer about unpaid Hydro bills. You want a clean closing and a quick deposit in your pocket.
This guide gives you a step-by-step checklist, the local providers you’ll meet, scripts to use on the phone, and a closing-day playbook. Follow it and you avoid surprises. Follow it exactly and you close without drama.
Local realities every Georgetown seller must know
- Electricity: Most Georgetown addresses are served by Alectra Utilities (formerly Enersource and others). Some rural properties may still be on Hydro One. Confirm which one on your most recent bill.
- Natural gas: Enbridge Gas covers Halton Hills and Georgetown.
- Water / sewer / storm: Town of Halton Hills bills or the Region of Halton handles related services. Check your municipal account.
- Waste & recycling: Region of Halton pickup schedules and billing rules. Confirm any adjustments with the Region.
- Internet / TV / Phone: Major providers active in Georgetown include Bell, Rogers, and smaller ISPs such as TekSavvy, Distributel and VMedia. Fibre availability is limited by street and building.
If you don’t see your provider above, call the number on your bill — the process is the same.
Step-by-step timeline (what to do and when)
30+ days before closing
- Confirm the closing date with your lawyer and the buyer. If the closing date is flexible, get it in writing.
- Collect your most recent utility bills (electricity, gas, water, waste, internet, cable, phone). Keep account numbers and customer service numbers in one file.
- Call each provider and ask about transfer vs final bill policy. Ask whether the buyer can take over the account or if you must close it.
14–21 days before closing
- For electricity and gas: set the date for final meter read on closing day. Ask the distributor (Alectra/Hydro One and Enbridge) to arrange a final read and to send the final bill to your forwarding address.
- For water: request a final reading if the municipality offers it. If not, confirm how the Town of Halton Hills will adjust usage.
- For internet/TV: decide whether to transfer service to the buyer (if they want the exact plan and equipment) or cancel and schedule removal of equipment.
- Reserve a technician appointment for the buyer if they want a new installation. Popular slots fill quickly around peak moving times.
7 days before closing
- Reconfirm all appointments and final read requests. Get reference numbers and the names of agents you spoke to.
- Ask for estimated final balances and expected refund times for any security deposits.
On closing day
- Take photos or video of the meters (electric, gas, water) with timestamped device.
- Confirm with your lawyer or the buyer’s rep who will provide the official final meter readings to the utility companies.
- Keep utility services active through possession unless the purchase agreement states otherwise.
Within 7–30 days after closing
- Expect and check your final bills and any refunds. Follow up if they don’t arrive.
Quick checklist for closing day (print and use)
- [ ] Photocopy all last bills and account numbers
- [ ] Confirm final meter read scheduled
- [ ] Photograph all meters at noon on closing day
- [ ] Keep internet modem/router powered until buyer’s move-in (unless agreed)
- [ ] Get buyer’s contact info for transfer (if transferring)
- [ ] Note confirmed cancellation and refund dates
Scripts that get results (use them word-for-word)
Electricity (Alectra/Hydro One)
“Hi, my name is [Your Name], account number [####]. I’m selling my home at [address in Georgetown, ON] and closing on [date]. I need a final meter read scheduled for the closing date and a final invoice sent to my forwarding address. Can you confirm the booking and a reference number?”
Natural gas (Enbridge)
“Hi, I’m calling about account [####]. I’m the seller at [address]; closing is [date]. Please schedule a final meter read on that day and confirm how I will receive the final bill and any refundable security deposit.”
Internet / TV (Bell, Rogers or ISP)
“Hi, this is [Your Name] on account [####]. I’m selling my Georgetown house and closing on [date]. I need to either transfer service to the buyer or cancel effective [date]. What’s your process for transferring equipment, and what are the pros and cons of transfer vs cancellation?”
Write down the rep’s name and reference number. If they won’t give a reference number, ask to have the conversation summarized to your email.
Transfer vs Cancel: choose what’s best
Transfer service to the buyer when:
- The buyer wants to keep the current plan and equipment.
- The contract is flexible and a transfer avoids early termination fees.
Cancel when:
- Your contract has a high transfer fee or long term left.
- You need deposit refunds tied to account closure.
Tip: For internet, transferring service often requires a technician appointment. Schedule it early. If the buyer wants a different provider, cancel your service and keep documentation of cancellation.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
1) Late final meter read: Book it in writing. Photograph meters on closing day.
2) Buyer moves in before account change: Keep utilities on until possession is complete. Add handling to the purchase agreement if needed.
3) Equipment left behind: Decide in writing if modems/routers will stay. If they stay, note condition and serial numbers.
4) Missed refunds/security deposits: Ask providers how long refunds take and get reference numbers.
5) Municipal utility confusion: Water bills often run with property tax accounts. Call Town of Halton Hills early.
Special cases: condos, rentals, and vacant homes
Condos
- Many condos include water and heating in common fees. Confirm what the condo corporation bills and what you still must cancel.
- Internet in condos can be bundled or building-managed. Contact property manager.
Rented property
- If tenants occupy at closing, coordinate transfers in writing. Ensure security deposits are handled under the lease.
Vacant homes
- Keep at least minimal heat in winter to avoid frozen pipes. Notify providers you’re leaving it vacant.
Exact provider contacts (quick reference)
- Alectra Utilities (electric distribution for much of Halton Hills) — check your bill for account number and call center.
- Hydro One (rural distribution) — if your bill list Hydro One, use their final read process.
- Enbridge Gas — for natural gas final reads and account closure.
- Town of Halton Hills — water/sewer, local taxes, municipal account adjustments.
- Bell & Rogers — internet, TV, and phone. Book transfer or disconnection early.
- Independent ISPs (TekSavvy, Distributel, VMedia, Start.ca) — same rules; confirm equipment return and transfer options.
Note: Phone numbers and online portals change. Use the account number on your last bill and request a written confirmation of any change.
Final checklist: what to keep and what to send
Keep:
- Copies of final bills and confirmation emails
- Photos of meters and equipment
- Receipts for refunds or final payments
Send to buyer/lawyer:
- Written confirmation of which services remain on or off at possession
- Equipment serial numbers if you leave anything behind
Closing pitch (do this or expect trouble)
If you want closing-day certainty, get one person to own the utility plan: you, your lawyer or your realtor. Make that person responsible for booking every final read, collecting screenshots, and getting written confirmations with reference numbers.
I help Georgetown sellers run this end-to-end. When the buyer’s lawyer calls, you’ll be relaxed because you’ve followed a proven plan.
Contact: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — quick answers to the questions I hear every week
Q: Who pays the final utility bills?
A: Typically the seller pays utilities up to the possession date. The purchase agreement and statement of adjustments handle prorations. Always confirm in writing.
Q: Who schedules the final meter read?
A: The account holder (usually the seller) schedules it, but the buyer or lawyer can handle it if agreed. Confirm in writing and get a reference number.
Q: Do I have to leave the internet modem and router?
A: Only if you agree to. Many buyers want to keep equipment for convenience. Note serial numbers and include condition in the transfer note.
Q: What if the buyer moves in before the account changes?
A: Keep services active through possession. If the buyer moves in early, have a written agreement that clarifies responsibility for costs.
Q: How long for refunds/security deposits?
A: It varies by provider—often 4–8 weeks. Ask for the exact timeline when you close the account and get a reference number.
Q: Can the buyer take over my hydro account?
A: Distribution companies allow transfers if both parties consent. Check with Alectra or Hydro One and get written confirmation.
Q: Who deals with water/sewer billing?
A: In Georgetown, water and sewer are handled through Town of Halton Hills or Region of Halton processes. Contact the town early.
Q: What if a provider refuses to finalize on closing day?
A: Get the rep’s name and reference number. Escalate to a supervisor. Email your lawyer the details and document everything.
Q: Should I disconnect services before closing to save money?
A: No. Disconnection before possession risks delays and penalties. Keep services on until closing unless the contract states otherwise.
If you’re selling in Georgetown and want this managed for you, I’ll take the calls, book the reads, and confirm every final bill. No drama. No last-minute lawyer headaches. Contact tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620 and I’ll walk you through every step.
