Moving to Tennessee: utilities and your first-month checklist
Which company serves your new address depends on where in Tennessee 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 Tennessee
Nashville and Davidson County, plus parts of surrounding countiesMemphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW, city-owned)
Memphis and Shelby County (electric, gas and water)Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB, city-owned)
Knoxville and Knox County (electric, gas, water, wastewater)EPB (city-owned)
Chattanooga and Hamilton CountyAppalachian Power / Kingsport Power (AEP)
Kingsport and Sullivan County area
Natural gas in Tennessee
Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee countiesAtmos Energy
Franklin, Murfreesboro, Columbia, Johnson City and other Middle and East Tennessee townsChattanooga Gas
Chattanooga and Cleveland areaMemphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW)
Memphis and Shelby CountyKnoxville Utilities Board (KUB)
Knoxville and Knox County
Water in Tennessee
Help with the bills
If deposits or bills are a stretch, Tennessee 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 Tennessee Public Utility Commission regulates utilities in Tennessee and takes complaints.
New-resident deadlines in Tennessee
- Driver's license: within 30 days of moving. Official page
- Car registration and title: within 30 days of moving. Official page
- Register to vote in Tennessee
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.