How to Set Up Utility Services in Your New Home in Northern VA

Are you in the process of moving to a new Northern Virginia home? First, then, we welcome you to the community. But, without further ado, we know that you have a lot of moving in tasks to accomplish. And, setting up utilities is at the very top of that list. 

We want to help remove the guesswork out of connecting those essential services. Read on, and you will find all the details on how to have your utility services connected in your new home.

Northern VA Utilities

New homeowners in Northern Virginia should contact these service providers to get their utilities in place.

But first, check this map to determine your electricity service provider

Dominion Virginia Power

Dominion Virginia Power provides electricity to the majority of homes in Northern VA. You should contact them as soon as you know your closing and move-in dates to coordinate your services. 

Deposit?

Dominion Virginia Power assesses a connection fee of $14.41 which they tack onto your first bill. Additionally, they will request a deposit based on your estimated usage for the next twelve months.

Starting service:

• Complete the online form, here
• Call 866.366.4357

Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (aka NOVEC)

Some households within Loudoun, Prince William, or Fairfax Counties utilize Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (but we generally shorten this to NOVEC) as their electric provider.

Deposit?

All new customers pay an account set up fee of $40, which they add to your initial billing. Deposits can run as high as $300. They will discuss with you whether they require the money on the first bill or whether they will allow you to pay over the first three billing cycles. 

Starting service:

• Complete the online form, here
• Contact customer service at 888.335.0500

City of Manassas Electric

Residents inside Manassas city limits will utilize the City of Manassas as their power provider. Even better, they are also your trash, water, and sewer service provider, so you will only need to contact one provider for all four.

Deposit?

Plan for a $50 new account set-up fee and a $250 deposit that covers all four services provided by the city.

Starting service:

• Complete the online form, here
• Call the utility customer service department 703.257.8219

Sunpower

Do you strive to reduce your carbon footprint? Then, you’ll be happy to hear that solar power might be an option for you via Sunpower. Check to see if your new residential address falls within their service zone, here.

Deposit?

Sunpower will write a quote for equipment lease and installation fees.

Starting service: 

Complete the online form, here

Call 800.786.7693

Washington Gas

If your house is powered by natural gas, Washington Gas is likely the company that delivers it into your new home. 

You may call them to either turn on gas in a home that already has connections or to inquire about the possibility of switching to natural gas. To see if your new house falls within their service area, click here.

Deposit?

Washington Gas requires a soft credit inquiry to determine if you will need to pay a deposit (or not). They will also request either a new service fee (for homes with existing gas service) or a set-up fee (for homes newly adding gas).

Starting service:

• Complete their form online, here
• Call 844.927.4427

Columbia Gas of Virginia

For homes utilizing natural gas within the city limits of Chantilly or Herndon, in Fairfax County, Columbia Gas of Virginia serves as your utility company.

Deposit?

Almost all new customers will be assessed a deposit, and the amount charged is based on the homeowner’s credit score. However, they credit the deposit back to the account after 12 on-time payments or when the homeowner discontinues service, whichever comes first.

Starting Service:

• Complete their online request form, here
• Contact them at 800.543.8911

Cable and Internet Service Providers

Many companies provide combination offers that discount cable and internet services. Some also provide stand-alone services. Be aware that some of these providers require contracts while others don’t. 

In addition, they might require you to pay installation fees, equipment rental fees, and deposits. So, be sure to ask the customer service representative all your questions up front. Here are the numbers to reach these services.

DirecTV (Satellite Television):   

• Call 877.660.0107

Dish Network (Satellite Television and Internet):

• Call 855.587.0782

Verizon FiOS (Cable and Internet):
You can check whether service from the cell phone giant is available in your new house, here.

• Complete the new service request online
• Call them at 877.225.9137

Comcast Xfinity (Cable and Internet):

You can bundle both internet and cable services for discounts on the monthly fees, or you may order them separately with Comcast Xfinity. Click here to see if your new house is in its service area.

• Order your installation online, here
• Call 800.934.6489

Cox

Cox serves as the cable provider in a relatively small area around Northern Virginia. However, they do offer “bundles” with cable, internet, and phone services for those who have them at competitive rates.

• Order their services online, here
• Call 703.480.1798

Water and Sewer

Most water and sewer providers assess a new account fee and/or a deposit. Contact your provider tor receive the specifics. 

Below is a list of the municipal and county water and sewer providers, along with respective phone numbers to call:

• City of Alexandria (Virginia American Water) 800.452.6863
• City of Falls Church (Fairfax Water) 703.466.6863
• City of Manassas 703.257.8219
• Arlington Water and Sewage 703.228.6570
• Dale City (Virginia American Water) 800.452.6863
• Fairfax Water (covering both the City and County of Fairfax) 703.466.6863
• Loudoun Water 571.291.7880 or complete this form
• Prince William County 703.335.7950
• Town of Hamilton 540.338.2811
• Town of Herndon 703.435.6814
• Town of Round Hill 540.338.4772
• Town of Vienna – complete this form online (no phone number is listed on the form)

Setting up Your Northern Virginia Utilities

Setting up your utility services as you are trying to coordinate your move can feel overwhelming, to say the least. But now that you know the right providers to call, it should be no trouble to get them connected.

As you speak with each utility company, keep good notes so you can reach them again if you do face any challenges.