Setting Up Utilities
These phrases will help you successfully navigate phone conversations to activate, transfer, or manage your home utility services.
Key Phrases
I'm calling because I need to get the gas and electricity set up for my new apartment.
neutralUses the causative 'get something done' to sound natural on the phone.
I would like to arrange for the utility services to be activated at my new address.
politeThe passive voice makes this sound much more formal and polite.
I'm moving next week, so I just wanna transfer my current plan to the new place.
casualUses 'wanna' and 'place' for a highly conversational, informal tone.
I'm relocating and need to have my existing account transferred to my new residence.
politeWords like 'relocating' and 'residence' elevate the formality significantly.
I've got the initial meter readings right here if you need me to read them off to you.
casual'Read off' is a common phrasal verb meaning to read aloud from a list.
I took a photo of the meters the day I moved in, just in case there were any discrepancies.
neutralGood for protecting yourself from being billed for the previous tenant's usage.
How soon can you get a technician out here to hook up the wifi?
casual'Hook up' is a very common phrasal verb for connecting electronics or internet.
Could you tell me when the earliest available appointment for the internet installation would be?
politeUses an indirect question to sound more respectful to customer service staff.
Is the power gonna be on by the time the movers arrive tomorrow?
casualUses 'gonna' to ask about a specific anticipated event.
Do I need to be present at the property when the technician comes to turn the water on?
neutralAn important logistical question for planning your move-in day.
Can I set this up on auto-pay with my checking account?
neutralUS - 'auto-pay' is the standard American term for automatic monthly deductions.
Could I set up a direct debit for the monthly bills instead?
politeUK - 'direct debit' is the standard British equivalent for automatic payments.
If I sign up for paperless billing, would the initial security deposit be waived?
neutralUses a conditional structure to negotiate fees or terms.
I was wondering if you offer any discounts for customers who bundle their internet and cable.
neutral'Bundle' refers to combining multiple services for a better monthly rate.
The previous tenant's service hasn't been disconnected yet, which is preventing me from setting up my own.
neutralUses a non-defining relative clause to accurately explain a complication.