Moving to Oregon: utilities and your first-month checklist
Which company serves your new address depends on where in Oregon 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 Oregon
Portland metro and SalemPacific Power
Parts of Portland plus Bend, Medford, Klamath Falls, Pendleton and much of the rest of OregonIdaho Power
Eastern Oregon (Ontario, Baker City)
Natural gas in Oregon
Portland metro, Salem, Eugene, the Willamette Valley and coastAvista
Medford, Roseburg, Klamath Falls and La GrandeCascade Natural Gas
Bend, Pendleton, Baker City and central/eastern Oregon
Water in Oregon
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, Oregon 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 Public Utility Commission of Oregon regulates utilities in Oregon and takes complaints.
New-resident deadlines in Oregon
- Driver's license: within 30 days of moving. Official page
- Car registration and title: within 30 days of moving. Official page
- Inspection: Emissions test before registering in the Portland Metro and Medford/Ashland areas. Vehicles with an out-of-state title also need a VIN inspection. Official page
- Oregon driver license office
- Register to vote in Oregon
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.