When you first move to the U.S., besides finding a place and buying furniture, the first thing to confirm is your water, electricity and gas (Gas & Electricity) and Internet (Internet) accounts.
Don't underestimate this step. Plenty of people skip it, then move in and find they can't shower, can't run the AC and have no Wi-Fi. Total meltdown!
This article explains why your utility and internet accounts matter so much, how to confirm them, and the common traps.
📌 Why confirm your water, electricity and gas accounts?
1️⃣ Basic living needs
In most parts of the U.S., landlords don't include water, electricity and gas in the rent.
After you move in, you usually have to open an account yourself with the local provider (Utility Company).
If you forget, you might run into this:
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Turn on the light → no power
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Turn on the stove → no gas
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Turn on the AC or heat → nothing works
2️⃣ Avoid problems with the previous tenant's bills
Sometimes the previous tenant didn't pay their bill in full. If you don't transfer the account into your own name, the unpaid balance could be mistaken for yours.
Once a bill is past due, it can hurt your credit history (Credit History), which is a huge blow for a new immigrant.
📌 Why confirm your internet account?
1️⃣ A daily necessity
In the U.S., the internet is almost more important than water and power.
Navigation, watching YouTube, keeping in touch with family, uploading work documents: it all depends on the internet.
Many people who've just moved to the U.S. haven't sorted out a phone plan yet, so home Wi-Fi is their lifeline.
2️⃣ Different areas, different plans
Unlike Taiwan, where almost every home can get fiber, in the U.S. your choice of internet provider is limited by where you live.
In some places you can only choose AT&T, in others only Spectrum, and some places only have satellite internet.
So be sure to check before you move in. Otherwise, waiting in line for a technician to come install it could take several days.
📌 How to confirm and open accounts
✅ Ask the landlord or agent
Before you move in, ask the landlord directly: “Which companies provide water, electricity, gas and internet here?”
Landlords usually give you a list so you know who to contact.
✅ Applying online is easiest
Most utility companies let you open an account online:
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Electric company (e.g. Southern California Edison, PG&E)
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Gas company (e.g. SoCalGas)
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Internet company (e.g. Spectrum, AT&T, Xfinity)
✅ What to have ready
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Your lease (Lease Agreement)
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ID (passport, driver's license or SSN, if you have one)
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Your new address (Address)
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The date service should start (Move-in Date)
📌 Common traps
⚠️ Forgetting to transfer the account
If the landlord didn't close the account and you didn't apply yourself, you could get caught up in the previous tenant's unpaid bills.
⚠️ Installation takes a long time
Especially internet: a technician often can't come for 3-7 days, so apply a week ahead.
⚠️ Contract traps
Some internet companies push long contracts (1–2 years), but a new immigrant's housing may not be stable yet, so look for a Month-to-Month plan first.
📌 Bottom line: you haven't really moved in until your accounts are set up!
Whether you're renting or buying, your first step must be confirming that the utility and internet accounts are in your own name.
This isn't just about convenience; it's also an important part of keeping your credit history clean.
✔️ Apply a week before you move → avoid having no power, no internet or no gas.
✔️ Make sure the bills are transferred to your name → avoid taking the blame for someone else.
✔️ Research internet plans first → don't get locked into a long contract.
Get these small details right and your new life in the U.S. can go smoothly, with no nasty surprises! 🚀