B1English

Setting Up Utilities

Use these phrases when you need to connect your utilities, provide meter readings, or sort out billing for a new home.

Key Phrases

Voice
Opening an account · 3 ways to say it

I need to set up electricity for my new apartment.

neutral

US

I need to set up electricity for my new flat.

neutral

UK

I'd like to open a new account for my gas and water.

polite
Asking about activation time · 2 ways to say it

How soon can you turn the power on?

casual

When will the power be connected at the new address?

neutral
Scheduling internet installation · 2 ways to say it

When can you get the Wi-Fi hooked up?

casual

Common phrasal verb for 'connected'

How soon can you send someone to install the internet?

neutral
Providing a meter reading · 2 ways to say it

I have the meter reading for my new place.

casual

I am calling to give you my opening meter reading.

polite
Setting up payment · 2 ways to say it

Can I set up auto-pay for my account?

neutral

US

Can I set up a direct debit for my account?

neutral

UK

Asking about billing frequency · 2 ways to say it

Do I pay every month or every quarter?

casual

How often will you send the bill?

neutral
Questioning a bill · 2 ways to say it

My first bill seems a bit too high.

casual

I think there might be a mistake on my bill.

polite
Transferring service

I'm moving, so I need to transfer my service to a new address.

neutral

Practice Dialogue

New Tenant
Hi, I need to set up electricity for my new apartment.
Agent
Sure. What's the address?
New Tenant
It's 42 Maple Street, Apartment 3B.
Agent
Right. I can set that up for you now. When do you need the power connected?
New Tenant
I'm moving in on Friday, so maybe Thursday?
Agent
We can do that. I'll need your opening meter reading on Friday, though.
New Tenant
No problem. I can just do that online, right?
Agent
Yep, just log in and enter the numbers. Do you want to set up auto-pay while I have you on the phone?
New Tenant
Yeah, that would be great. Thanks.

More Renting & Housing (B1)

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