Utilities List for Central & Eastern VA
- Adam Garrett
- Sep 8, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Introduction
When to Contact Utilities When Buying
While there's no "right" answer to this question, since sometimes closings don't occur when they are supposed to, I generally recommend contacting all utility companies at least 6 business days prior to closing as long as you have been provided "clear to close" at that time and as long as there are no title issues to resolve. It's also good to have them transferring to you on the day of closing. If you don't have clear to close far in advance, it's important to at least contact the utility companies 1 day in advance, since some companies won't do same-day service as a matter of policy no matter how early in the day (i.e. 12:01 AM) you order it. If you don't do it with advanced enough notice, you could get a gap in service & additional hassle related (i.e. frozen pipes in winter w/ no heat, mold in summer if no AC, needing to be in the house for times much longer than an appointment time due to large windows provided when some utilities are turned on, etc.).
When to Contact Utilities When Selling
While there's no "right" answer to this question, since sometimes closings don't occur when they are supposed to, I generally recommend contacting all utility companies at least 6 business days prior to the buyer's closing if the buyer is already clear to close at that time and if any title issues have been remedied by then. If still waiting on title issues or clear to close, don't reach out to utilities until after those have been done as the buyer's closing date may change. It's best to have utilities turned off the business day after the buyer's closing, but if that date changes, be sure to be ready to notify the utility companies, keeping in mind that some utility companies are unable to perform same-day requests/changes.
Delay Between Utilities Contacted & Utilities Turned On or Off
Depending on the utility issuer, there could be a 5 business day delay on when they can come out, and some utilities can't be turned on without others already on.
Special Circumstances in Certain Cities/Counties (i.e. hand delivery required after closing)
Franklin applications must typically be made in person along with a picture ID. Rental properties require a valid lease. A $480 initial deposit (at least $450 of which is refundable after sale) is typically required. For current owners out of state, there can be communication via email rather than needing to come in person. An application needs to be completed, along with copies of their ID's. If the Franklin tax records don't show you as owner, you'll need the closing documents or deed as well that shows you as owner.
In Chesapeake & Suffolk it’s possible to fax (or hand deliver) closing documents in on the day of closing for your water transfer (which is required before closing).
In Portsmouth you will need to hand deliver closing statements to the city for water there on the day of closing. In light of that, it’s best to close early in the day in Portsmouth.
Virginia Beach also requires deed verification for transferring the electric. Be sure to reach out to your closing company for that.
Do You Need the Breakers Turned Off for Electric Transitioning?
You may see something about needing to turn the breakers to the off position for power, but that assumes that the power isn't already on.
Gas Often Requires Water & Electric on Prior
Local natural gas companies often state, "Electricity and water must be on and active at your premise prior to start date."
Troubleshooting the Spreadsheet
Be sure to keep in mind the ability to scroll, Zoom, the ability to select tabs within the spreadsheet at the bottom, etc. The format is on Google Sheets, so if you are using a device like a phone, it's best examined if you have Google Sheets installed previously. Typically you'll find that spreadsheets like this one are best viewed on a laptop or desktop. For more details, see:
Collaborate/Edit/Add
Like many resources from me, this one is a work in progress with plenty of room for additional information (you'll see a number of blank spaces, especially in areas where my coverage is limited), more cities/counties added, etc. In the event that you ever see an error or would like to add to this spreadsheet on a minor level, please contact me as well. In the event that you would like collaborative access to edit this spreadsheet for more than just a few improvements/additions, you can reach me at agarrett@ggrva.com & please provide a sampling of 10 improvements/additions that you'd make if given direct access to do so. Please also provide a 72 hr time frame when you'd like sharing privileges. In the event that anyone does do more than 10 edits/additions, I plan to provide their names below along with their company name & city/town if provided to me.
Accuracy Disclosure
Typically the most accurate information will be on utility and government websites, though I've seen where government websites can be off with information at times where calling the municipality can be superior in terms of accuracy in some cases (& inferior in others).
Thanks to Chuck Dunlap
Special thanks to Chuck Dunlap, principal broker at Garrett Realty Partners, for his buyer's guide that was the baseline of this spreadsheet when I was a new agent, with many additions from me on top of his work since then.
Internet
Here is an article by Nerdwallet on information on the internet options available such as using the search feature of BroadBandNow.
Best Credit Cards to Use for Utilities
Business cards tend to have the best options for utilities. If you are able to get business cards, I recommend, & here's the link for TPG valuations that I regularly refer to:
Most Utilities: Wyndham Business Earner
5 Wyndham Rewards per dollar spent (5.5 cents per dollar by TPG valuations of 1.1 cents per point for Wyndham Rewards as of 6/10/25
Internet: Chase Ink Cash
5% cashback up to $25k/yr w/ no annual fee, & 5% able to be converted to much higher value. How much higher? Instead of 5%, over 10% by TPG valuations of 2.05 cents per point for Chase Ultimate Rewards as of 6/10/25, though there are cases where it could be worth over 50% in unusually good value per point) if you pair it with an annual fee incurring Chase credit card like the Chase Ink Preferred, Chase Sapphire Preferred, or Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Other Utilities if they don't code right to trigger bonuses: Venture X Business card for
Related:
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