Moving into a new home? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your essential utilities set up quickly and efficiently, whether you’re settling in Maryland or Washington, DC.
ELECTRICITY
Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO)
PEPCO provides electricity throughout Washington, DC, and parts of Maryland. Be sure to contact them within 30 days of your move-in date. Service begins at 8:00 AM on the scheduled start date.
How to Start Service: Call 202.833.7500 or fill out the form online: Click Here
Deposit: Typically no deposit is required. However, a deposit may be requested if there’s a history of disconnection, delinquent payments, or interference with service.
FirstEnergy Potomac Edison
Potomac Edison serves parts of Montgomery, Howard, Frederick, and Carroll counties in Maryland.
Service Area: Check the service area map: Click Here
How to Start Service: Call 888.544.4877 or request new service online: Click Here
Deposit: Determined by a credit check. Interest is credited monthly, and deposits are returned after 12 months of on-time payments.
Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE)
BGE provides electricity to Baltimore City and parts of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties.
How to Start Service: Call 800.685.0123 or fill out the online form: Click Here
Deposit: Typically 16.67% of your estimated annual service cost. Refunded after one year of successful payments.
WATER & SEWER
DC Water and Sewer Authority
For homes changing ownership, service must be transferred through the settlement/title company—DC Water does **not** accept requests via phone or email.
How to Start Service: The title company must submit ownership change via the DC Water portal: Click Here
Fee: A one-time $50 initiation fee applies.
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC)
Servicing Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland.
Website: Click Here
NATURAL GAS
Washington Gas
New homeowners can start service or inquire about adding gas to a home that doesn’t currently have it.
Check Availability: Washington Gas availability map & service checklist: Click Here
How to Start Service: Call 844.927.4427 or start service here: Click Here
Deposit: A soft credit check determines if a deposit is needed. A service initiation fee applies for existing lines; a separate set-up fee is charged for new gas installations.