Moving to Minnesota: utilities and your first-month checklist
Which company serves your new address depends on where in Minnesota 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 Minnesota
Minneapolis-St. Paul, St. Cloud, Mankato and much of southern MinnesotaMinnesota Power
Duluth and northeast/north-central MinnesotaOtter Tail Power
West-central and northwest Minnesota (Fergus Falls, Bemidji)
Natural gas in Minnesota
Minneapolis and most of the Twin Cities metro, plus many outstate townsXcel Energy
St. Paul and parts of the metro, St. Cloud and other areasMinnesota Energy Resources (MERC)
Rochester, parts of southern, central and northern Minnesota
Water in Minnesota
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, Minnesota 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 Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates utilities in Minnesota and takes complaints.
New-resident deadlines in Minnesota
- Driver's license: within 60 days of moving. Official page
- Car registration and title: within 60 days of moving. Official page
- Minnesota driver license office
- Register to vote in Minnesota
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.