Congratulations, you have the keys. Now comes the part nobody puts on the moving checklist until the last minute: getting the lights, water and garbage pickup sorted. On PEI, who you call depends a lot on where the house is. Here is a simple guide I give to my buyers in the weeks before closing.
Electricity: Maritime Electric or Summerside Electric
Maritime Electric supplies power to homes across PEI outside Summerside. If your new home is in Summerside, though, your power likely comes from the city's own utility, Summerside Electric.
Maritime Electric. You can submit a moving connection request online or call 1-800-670-1012. They will ask for details like your civic address, contact information and the date you want service to start. Maritime Electric suggests applying at least a week ahead, since a connection or transfer can take a few business days. Depending on your situation, they may ask for ID or a security deposit.
Summerside Electric. The City of Summerside handles both electric and water and sewer accounts. You apply for service through the city's utilities page, and the city's general line for new accounts is 902-432-1230. The city also offers budget billing once you have twelve months of electrical service with them.
Water and sewer: town service or your own well
If you are buying in a town with municipal water and sewer, contact the municipality to put the account in your name. In Summerside, as noted above, that is part of the same city utility account.
If the home is in the country, your water will most likely come from a private well, with a septic system for wastewater. There is no water bill, but there is responsibility. Plan to test your water after you move in and on a regular schedule after that. My guide to PEI well water testing explains what to test for and when. It is also smart to find out when the septic tank was last pumped.
Garbage, compost and recycling: Waste Watch
PEI runs an Island-wide sorting program called Waste Watch, managed by the Island Waste Management Corporation (IWMC). It is a three-stream system: compost, recycling and waste, and sorting is mandatory.
As a new homeowner, you request cart service from IWMC. You will receive a black waste cart, a green compost cart, a small kitchen bin for compost, a collection calendar and information on how to sort. IWMC says to allow about two weeks for delivery. Recyclables go out in clear blue bags. On collection day, everything needs to be at the curb by 7 a.m.
The collection charges themselves are billed on your property tax bill, so they will show up there rather than as a separate account.
Heating fuel
If the home heats with oil or propane, ask the seller who delivers and set up your own account before you move in. Many companies offer automatic delivery, which takes one worry off your plate in winter. If the home has a heat pump or electric baseboards, your heat cost comes through your power bill.
Internet, phone and TV
Service options vary a lot between town and country on PEI. Before you buy a rural property, check which providers serve that exact address. Once you have firm closing dates, book installation as early as you can, especially in busy moving months.
Mail and address changes
Rural homes may have a roadside mailbox, a community mailbox or a post office box. Ask the seller how mail arrives. Then update your address with your bank, employer, insurer and the Province, including your driver's licence and health card if you are new to PEI.
A simple timeline
- Once your offer is firm: check internet availability and book installation.
- About two weeks before closing: request IWMC cart service, arrange heating fuel, and contact the power utility.
- On closing day: take meter photos and note oil tank levels if relevant.
- First month: test the well water if you have one and keep your utility setup notes in one place.
New to the Island?
If you are relocating, my guide to moving to PEI covers the bigger picture. And if you are still at the browsing stage, you can search homes across Prince Edward Island or focus in on Summerside homes for sale.
Questions about a specific property's services? Contact Jodi Bernard, CENTURY 21 Northumberland Realty, and we can track down the answers before you sign.
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