Find out if utilities are included

First things first: Ask your property manager or landlord if utilities – including electricity – are part of the cost of your rent. This can vary by apartment, so it’s an important point to clarify before you do anything else. It could be that you’re required to pay a flat fee for rent that covers all utility costs. In other cases, the rent for your unit could include utilities like water and trash while requiring you to set up your own electricity, internet and cable. Once you’ve signed your lease, find out which utilities are your responsibility to ensure that there are no surprises on move-in day. 

Determine your average monthly electricity usage

Knowing how much electricity you typically use in a month can be helpful when it comes to shopping for electricity plans. If your new apartment is similar in size to where you currently live, you can check your past bills from your current provider for your monthly usage. This is one of the easiest ways to get an idea of which plans will work best for you. Knowing the average usage of different sizes of living space in your area can help you make an informed decision, too.

You can also use our energy usage formula to estimate your bills and to see how much you may be able to save every month if you switch to Direct Energy.

Shop for an electricity plan

There’s no harm in taking your time with this step so that you can find the plan that’s right for you. Comparing plans will help you find the best rates and give you a better idea of what’s available in your ZIP code. 

There are a lot of choices out there – but when you choose Direct Energy, you're choosing a straightforward approach to electricity. With flexible term lengths, renewable options and hands-on tools that make keeping tabs on your account easy, we've got a range of plans that put you in control of your energy.

Once you've decided on your plan, it's time to sign up! 

Enroll in a plan and choose your start date

Choose the electricity plan that will work best for your needs and when you need your service to start. At Direct Energy, we even provide same-day service^* if you're crunched for time. Once you’ve enrolled in a plan, you’re good to go and your service will begin on the date you specified. Look out for your first bill in the mail or set up automatic payments to help pay your bill on time.

Transfer your service when it’s time to move again

If you’re happy with your current service and you’re planning on moving, Direct Energy offers a seamless transfer of service. It’s just one less thing to do before you move, and the process is as easy as choosing your end date, providing your new address and picking your start date.

Moving can be a daunting task, but these tips can help make setting up your electricity service a breeze. If you’re moving soon, check out the plans that Direct Energy has to offer. Whether you’re looking for free nights, free weekends or renewable energy, we’ve got you covered.

^*Offer valid for new residential customers in Texas only. Provisioned smart meter required. Certain eligibility requirements, fees, taxes, terms and conditions apply. Orders placed after 2 p.m. will be activated the following business day.