How to Get Electricity Turned on Same Day: Requirements Detailed

How to Get Electricity Turned on Same Day

Most major utility companies can turn on your electricity the same day you apply for service as long as your property is equipped with a smart meter and the utility can remotely activate power. To confirm this information, we reached out to five of the largest U.S. utilities providers: Commonwealth Edison (ComEd; Illinois), Florida Power & Light (FPL), Georgia Power, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E; California), and Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG; New Jersey).

New Customers

If you’re a new customer and would like to get your power turned on the same day, call your local utility company or follow the utility’s activation steps online.

Existing Customers

If your power was turned off for nonpayment, you will need to pay your account in full before the power can be restored. You can typically make a payment online, through an automated phone system, at the utility’s main office, or at an authorized service center that partners with the utility.

In general, utility companies that can provide same-day activation for new customers can reactivate delinquent accounts the same day payment is made current and the request is made.

What Could Keep You From Getting Electricity Turned on Same Day?

If you would like your electricity turned on the same day:

• Don’t delay in making your request. Utilities often won’t be able to turn on your electricity the same day if you start the application or repayment process after 2 p.m.
• Bring your account current. As mentioned above, customers with delinquent accounts will need to pay any sums required to bring their accounts current before power can be restored.
• Provide your Social Security number. New customers are generally required to provide a Social Security number. If you do not, your activation may be delayed.
• Less-than-ideal credit? Be prepared to make a deposit. Most utility companies conduct a “soft” pull of your credit during the application process. Based on this information, you may be required to pay a deposit prior to activation; requirements and deposit amounts will vary by utility. Have funds ready to make a deposit if you have less-than-ideal credit. And, keep in mind, if you need to make a deposit, you may not be able to get service same-day.

Also, if the utility hasn’t installed smart meters at service points, it will need to send out a technician to activate service. If your property is not outfitted with a smart meter and/or the utility is unable to remotely activate power, you likely won’t be able to get electricity the same day you make a request for service. However, most utilities with older equipment can still activate or reactivate your service in as little as one business day.