A User’s Guide: Moving to Indiana and Setting Up Electricity

Moving to a new state can be an exciting experience, but it also has its fair share of stresses, like figuring out how to establish essential utility services like electricity. 

Below, we’ll outline everything you need to know about moving to Indiana and setting up electricity so you can enjoy a smoother transition to your new home. 

How Do I Establish Residential Electricity Service When Moving to Indiana? 

When you move to Indiana, one of the first steps you’ll embark on is establishing residential utility services, including electricity. While the exact process will vary by electricity provider, it generally starts by determining what utility providers are available in your area and contacting them. The utility company can then guide you through the necessary steps. 

Each utility company may have its own requirements and procedures for setting up electricity service in Indiana. That said, here are some general steps you’ll have to take: 

• Provide the utility company with your personal information, such as your full name, contact details, and Social Security number. This information is crucial for establishing your account and ensuring accurate billing. 
• Provide the address where you require new electricity service. 
• Provide proof of residency or ownership, such as a lease agreement or a copy of your purchase agreement if you are a homeowner. 

Looking for a checklist? Read our moving checklist for renters. 

What Are the Main Electricity Providers In the Area I Am Moving to in Indiana? 

Indiana has multiple electricity providers that serve different areas throughout the state. These providers include: 

• Duke Energy Indiana 
• Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) 
• Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) 
• AES Indiana 
• CenterPoint Energy 
• Hoosier Energy 
• Indiana Electric Cooperatives 
• Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA) 
• Wabash Valley Power Alliance 

When moving to Indiana and setting up electricity, determine which utility company covers the area you’re moving to. This company will be responsible for establishing your account and supplying your electricity. Because power grids and coverage are nuanced and often overlap, refer to the online guides from each provider. These will help you determine which electricity service provider you have in Indiana based on your address. 

What Documents and Information Do I Need to Provide When Setting Up Electricity in Indiana? 

When moving to Indiana and setting up electricity, you’ll likely need to provide some documents and information to establish an account for home service. These may include common identifying documents, such as a driver’s license or passport, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Some utility companies may also require you to provide your new address and contact information for correspondence. 

There might be other requirements depending on the utility company in your service area. Let’s review some of the requirements from Indiana’s energy providers. 

Duke Energy Indiana 

You can open a new Duke Energy account 100% online. The requirements are fairly minimal, according to Duke Energy, and include your new service address, the date you’d like to start service, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Duke will then run a credit check to determine if you qualify for an account and any deposit requirements. 

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) 

I&M doesn’t provide many specifics on the documents required to establish new service online. However, it does say to be prepared with the following: 

• Location of new service 
• Date you wish to begin service 
• Your personal information 
• Billing and service information 
• Security deposit (if required) 

You can complete the start service process with I&M 100% online. 

Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) 

NIPSCO also allows you to complete a start service order 100% online, and it outlines everything you’ll need. To start service, you’ll need your Social Security number, phone number, date of birth, and email address. You’ll also need the address where you want the service and the date you’d like to start the service. 

AES Indiana 

AES Indiana doesn’t offer online account sign-up. Instead, you must contact the company at 1-888-261-8222. Before calling to complete the start service order, you’ll want to have the following information:  

• Social Security number 
• Date of birth 
• Email address 
• Your service address, mailing address, and start date for service 

CenterPoint Energy 

CenterPoint Energy allows new customers to create an online account. Before starting the process, you’ll need to provide the following information to ensure a smooth process:  

• Your full legal name 
• Social Security number 
• Date of birth 
• Bill delivery preferences 
• Email address 
• Phone number.  

You’ll also need to include the service address, the landlord’s name and phone number if renting, and the service start date. 

Hoosier Energy 

Hoosier Energy is an electricity cooperative, meaning it has members instead of customers. This is what’s known as an investor-owned utility company, so members are actually part owners of the utility company. Hoosier Energy offers no information on its requirements to start new service across the board. Instead, each local cooperative has its own procedure. 

To determine how to sign up, head to the Hoosier Energy members page and scroll to the service map with links to the various local cooperatives. Click on the cooperative nearest you to see what its sign-up procedure is. If you’re unsure which local cooperative is yours, contact Hoosier Energy at 812-876-2021. 

Indiana Electric Cooperatives (IEC) 

IEC is another group of cooperatives that doesn’t offer an across-the-board method for starting service. Instead, head to the IEC members page that lists all the regional cooperatives and choose the one serving your area. Head to that provider’s website and search for its start service procedure. If you’re unsure which regional cooperative serves you, contact IEC at 317-487-2220. 

Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA) 

IMPA is a group of municipality-owned electric utility providers that have combined forces to provide more economical electricity services to 61 communities. This makes it quite similar to the cooperatives listed earlier. IMPA has no online start service capability, so you’ll have to call 317-573-9955. 

Wabash Valley Power Alliance 

The Wabash Valley Power Alliance is yet another cooperative with 23 regional member utility providers. Like the other cooperatives in Indiana, Wabash Valley Power Alliance doesn’t have an online start service form that caters to all regions. You must find the provider in your region on the members page and navigate to that website for details on starting service. If you’re unsure what regional provider serves your area, contact Wabash Valley Power Alliance at 317-481-2800. 

Are There Renewable Energy Options or Green Energy Programs in Indiana? 

People want green energy options, and Indiana is making strides in the renewable energy space. Some electricity providers in the state offer programs or options to promote these cleaner energy sources. For instance, some customers can purchase renewable energy credits or participate in other initiatives. 

For example, AES Indiana allows customers to pay slightly more than the standard electricity rates — $0.003 per kWh as of February 2024 — and then uses those extra fees to purchase equivalent renewable energy credits. You can offset 25%, 50%, or 100% of your home electricity consumption this way. 

In addition to purchasing renewable energy credits, select Indiana electricity providers, such as Southern Indiana Power (a part of the Hoosier Energy network), also offer community solar initiatives. Community solar allows customers to collectively invest in a solar energy project and receive credits on their electricity bills based on the project’s energy generation. This is perfect for folks who cannot install solar panels on their property but still want to benefit from clean, renewable energy. 

Remember that renewable energy programs vary depending on your specific electricity provider. Contact your provider directly or check out their website for green power options. By taking advantage of these programs, you can promote a sustainable future and support the growth of renewable energy in Indiana. 

Helpful tip: Learn more about green energy.  

What Are the Average Electricity Rates in Indiana? 

Knowing the average electricity rates in Indiana can offer some perspective on potential costs. As of February 2024, the average Indiana electricity rate is 10.53 cents per kWh. 

Remember, though, this is only a statewide average, and electricity rates in Indiana can vary greatly depending on location and energy usage. You’ll want to check with your electric utility provider for specific rate details. 

You’ll also want to account for some Indiana utility companies’ time-of-use or peak and off-peak pricing structures. This is when electricity rates vary based on the time of day. 

For example, Harrison REMC — a part of Indiana Electric Cooperatives — charges 7 cents per kWh during off-peak hours and 28.6 cents per kWh during on-peak hours. Knowing these rates and structures can help you manage your energy usage more efficiently.  

Helpful tip: Learn more about kilowatts and calculations to understand how it impacts your utility bill’s bottom line. 

Do Indiana Utility Companies Offer Energy Efficiency Programs or Incentives? 

Utility companies want to keep energy demand within set limitations. Sure, this can limit the revenue they can generate, but excessive demand also causes strain on the electrical grid, leading to potential power outages, costly failures, and infrastructure upgrades. As such, many Indiana utility companies in Indiana actively promote energy efficiency and offer programs or incentives to encourage customers to reduce energy consumption. 

Programs vary greatly between providers and can include rebates for energy-efficient appliances, home energy audits, or assistance with weatherization. For example, IMPA offers rebates on qualifying heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) installations. Customers can get $125 to $175 rebates for installing new, more-efficient HVAC systems. 

Helpful tip: Discover 10 affordable ways to improve energy efficiency at home. 

Do I Need to Consider Seasonal or Other Specific Challenges Related to Electricity in Indiana? 

Indiana has quite dramatic seasonal changes, which can affect electricity usage. For example, during the summer, Indianapolis reaches an average high of 82 to 85.2 degrees Fahrenheit (F). This means air conditioning may be a primary electricity demand. 

However, during winter, the average low dips to between 20.9 and 34.9 degrees F. This shifts the electrical demand to heating. 

Because of these dramatic shifts, you’ll want to be mindful of energy usage during these seasons. You’ll also want to consider peak and off-peak energy pricing and adjust your thermostat to minimize heating and air-conditioning use when you’re not at home. 

Helpful tip: Use these winter energy-saving tips to stay warm without breaking the bank.  

Set Up Electricity in Indiana and Enjoy Settling In 

Moving to Indiana and setting up electricity in your new location is a lot easier when you know what to expect and have the necessary information at the ready. While every utility company is different, you’ll likely need a few essential pieces of information, including your contact details, Social Security number, address of your new home, and proof of residency or ownership. Many providers also offer the convenience of paperless sign-up.  

Brought to you by justenergy.com

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