Moving to Virginia: utilities and your first-month checklist
Which company serves your new address depends on where in Virginia 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 Virginia
Most of the state: Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads and central VirginiaAppalachian Power
Southwest Virginia, including Roanoke and Lynchburg areasNOVEC (Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative)
Parts of Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, Fauquier, Stafford and Clarke counties
Natural gas in Virginia
Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington and parts of the Shenandoah ValleyVirginia Natural Gas
Southeastern Virginia (Hampton Roads)Columbia Gas of Virginia
Central, southern and western Virginia, including Chesterfield, Lynchburg, Staunton and Petersburg areas
Water in Virginia
Alexandria, Hopewell, Prince William County and parts of the Eastern ShoreAqua Virginia
Many small community systems statewide
Choosing a supplier
Virginia lets some customers choose who supplies their gas. The wires and pipes stay with the utility. Compare on the state's own page before signing anything a door-to-door seller offers: official shopping page.
Help with the bills
If deposits or bills are a stretch, Virginia 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 Virginia State Corporation Commission regulates utilities in Virginia and takes complaints.
New-resident deadlines in Virginia
- Driver's license: within 60 days of moving. Official page
- Car registration and title: within 30 days of moving. Official page
- Inspection: Annual safety inspection required. Emissions test before registering in some Northern Virginia localities. Official page
- Virginia driver license office
- Register to vote in Virginia
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.