If you’re moving to Cleveland, getting settled into your new place doesn’t have to be a chore. One of the biggest hassles is setting up your utility services, but the advent of the internet makes it easier than ever to ensure that everything is up and running by the time the movers arrive. Many utility companies allow you to arrange for your services online, and there are plenty of resources to figure out your options. Here’s everything you need to know about setting up your utilities in Cleveland.
Natural Gas
There are two options for setting up natural gas in Cleveland, and the choice you make can have a major impact on how much you end up paying. Dominion East Ohio and Columbia Gas of Ohio are the authorized suppliers of natural gas for most residences, and they offer variable rates that fluctuate on a monthly basis.
There are also a number of unregulated providers who offer both fixed and flat rate plans. Just be careful when looking at unregulated providers, as they often fill their contracts with expensive cancellation fees and may try to offer you overpriced rates for their plans. You can learn more about the differences between providers and the options open to you here.
Electricity
Power options in Cleveland are significantly more limited than natural gas. The city is serviced by Cleveland Public Power and the Illuminating Company. While prices between these two companies can vary from year to year, they typically balance out over time.
Both power companies allow you to schedule your service directly through their online portals.
Water
The City of Cleveland Division of Water falls under the purview of the municipal government, and they handle all of the water services in the city of Cleveland. If you’re a renter, the chances are good that your landlord will already have water service set up, but if you’re purchasing a new home, you’ll want to fill out an online application for water service.
Just be sure to get a head start. It can take a month for these applications to work their way through the approval process.
Trash
Collection of waste and recyclable materials is overseen by the Division of Waste Collection and Disposal. While you should have access to carts when you move in, you can always call their office to have new carts delivered. Just keep in mind that a fee will be charged for additions or replacements. You can also contact them by phone if you’re looking to set up disposal outside of regular curbside pickups.
Cable and Internet
There are a number of cable and internet providers serving Cleveland, and the right choice for you will likely depend on current promotions and your individual needs. If you’re looking for both cable and internet bundled together, you’ll want to work with Cox, Spectrum, AT&T or DIRECTV.
You can check here to learn more about the plans available and compare rates between the different providers directly. Most allow you to arrange for service, pay your bill, and make any changes simply by creating an account on their websites.