You signed the lease. Now the apartment has no power, no gas, and no internet. This guide walks you through setting up utilities in a New York City apartment so you have lights on move-in day and Wi-Fi within the first week. You will learn exactly who your provider is, what to do first, and where new residents lose time.
Why utility setup in NYC works differently
In most of the country you pick from several power companies. In NYC you usually cannot. Electricity and much of the gas service are handled by regulated monopolies tied to your address. That means the question is not “which company do I choose” but “which company serves my building, and how fast can I get my name on the account.”
Who supplies your electricity and gas
For nearly all of Manhattan, the Bronx, and parts of Queens, electricity comes from Con Edison. In Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island the gas is often supplied by National Grid, while Con Edison handles gas in Manhattan, the Bronx, and parts of Queens. Your building may already tell you. If not, ask your landlord or the previous tenant, or check the meter labels in the basement.
| Service | Typical provider | How to start |
| Electricity | Con Edison (most of the city) | Online or phone, needs your move-in date and account address |
| Gas | Con Edison or National Grid, by borough | Same as electricity; may require an in-person meter turn-on |
| Internet | Verizon Fios, Spectrum, Optimum, Astound and others | Depends on which lines reach your building |
What to do, in order
1. Confirm whether utilities are included
Some NYC rentals include heat, hot water, gas, or even electricity in the rent. Small apartments and sublets sometimes bundle everything. Read your lease before you open any account. Paying to start a service that is already covered is a common waste of a deposit.
2. Open the electric and gas account before move-in day
Call or go online at least a week ahead. You will need your name, the exact apartment address, and your lease start date. If the power was shut off after the last tenant left, or the gas meter was locked, the company may need to send a technician. That appointment can take several business days, so start early.
3. Order internet as soon as you have keys
Internet is the slowest piece for many newcomers. Availability is set by which physical lines run to your building. Verizon Fios reaches many buildings but not all. Spectrum and Optimum cover large areas. Enter your address on each provider’s site to see what is actually offered. If a technician visit is required, book the earliest slot; installers get booked out, especially at the start of the month when everyone moves.
A real scenario
A reader took over a Bushwick apartment on the first of the month. Electricity switched to her name the same day because the meter was live. Gas was another story: the previous tenant had it shut off, so National Grid had to send someone to relight the stove and boiler pilot. Because someone must be home for that visit, and the earliest slot was five days out, she cooked nothing and used the building’s hallway outlet situation for almost a week. Had she called before moving, the appointment would have lined up with her move-in.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
Waiting until move-in day to call. Gas relights and power reconnects need lead time. Fix: open accounts a week early.
Assuming your friend’s provider is yours. Providers are set by address, not by neighborhood loyalty. Fix: verify your specific building.
Not asking about a gas shut-off. A locked meter means no cooking and no hot water until a tech visits. Fix: ask the landlord if gas is currently on.
Booking internet last. Installers fill up fast around move-in dates. Fix: order the day you get keys.
Skipping the security deposit question. Utilities may ask new customers with no credit history for a deposit. Fix: budget for it and ask if it is waived after on-time payments.
Action checklist
- Read the lease to see which utilities are already included
- Identify your electric and gas provider by borough and address
- Open electric and gas accounts about a week before move-in
- Ask the landlord whether gas is currently on or shut off
- Check internet availability at your exact address on each provider’s site
- Book any required technician visit for the earliest date
- Set up autopay or reminders so a missed bill does not trigger a deposit
Conclusion and next step
Utility setup is mostly about timing, not difficulty. The single best move is to call your electric and gas provider before you move in and confirm whether a technician needs to visit. Do that this week, and internet second, and your apartment will be livable from day one.
FAQ
Can I choose a cheaper electric company in NYC?
Delivery of your power comes through the regulated utility for your area, so you cannot switch that. You can sometimes choose a separate energy supplier (an ESCO) for the supply portion, but many of these cost more than the default rate. Compare carefully before signing.
How long does it take to get internet installed?
It ranges from a self-install kit that works the same day to a technician appointment a week or more out. It depends entirely on your building’s wiring and how booked the installers are. Order as early as possible.
Do I need to be home for a gas turn-on?
Usually yes. Relighting pilots and unlocking a meter requires access to the apartment, so an adult must be present during the appointment window.
Will I owe a deposit as a new utility customer?
You might, especially without a US credit history. Many utilities refund or drop the deposit after a stretch of on-time payments. Ask when you open the account.
References
- Con Edison (coned.com) for electric and gas service areas and account setup
- National Grid (nationalgridus.com) for gas service in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island