Moving to Louisiana: utilities and your first-month checklist
Which company serves your new address depends on where in Louisiana it is. Each link below goes to that company's own page for starting service. Start it two to three weeks ahead, from the day you get the keys.
Electric companies in Louisiana
Baton Rouge, the New Orleans suburbs, Lafayette area and much of the stateEntergy New Orleans
City of New Orleans (regulated by the New Orleans City Council)Cleco
Central Louisiana (Alexandria), Acadiana and parts of the north shoreSWEPCO
Northwest Louisiana, including Shreveport
Natural gas in Louisiana
Water in Louisiana
Usually run by the city, town or county. Search the new address's town name with "water service".
Help with the bills
If deposits or bills are a stretch, Louisiana runs energy assistance: official assistance page. Ask the utility about deposit waivers too; many waive the deposit with a good payment letter from your old company.
Problems with a utility
The Louisiana Public Service Commission regulates utilities in Louisiana and takes complaints.
New-resident deadlines in Louisiana
- Driver's license: within 30 days of moving. Official page
- Car registration and title: within 30 days of moving. Official page
- Inspection: Safety inspection sticker required within 30 days of becoming a resident. Official page
- Louisiana driver license office
- Register to vote in Louisiana
From the state's own websites, checked October 2026. Deadlines can change; check the official page before you rely on one.
Your first month in a new state
- USPS: change your address: Start mail forwarding up to 30 days early. The real site is usps.com.
- Your new state's motor vehicle office: Driver's license, registration and title. Most states set a short deadline after you move, so check yours first.
- Register to vote: Routes you to the official registration for the new state.
- Medicaid, if you have it: Medicaid doesn't move with you. You apply again in the new state.
- Health insurance: A permanent move can open a special enrollment period.
- Social Security: Change your address once here; Medicare gets it from Social Security.
Utility companies and service areas checked October 2026. Service areas follow addresses, not county lines exactly: confirm with the company before you book.