Moving to Wisconsin: utilities and your first-month checklist
Which company serves your new address depends on where in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
Milwaukee, southeast and east-central Wisconsin, parts of the northWisconsin Public Service (WPS)
Green Bay, Wausau and northeast WisconsinAlliant Energy (Wisconsin Power and Light)
South-central Wisconsin outside Madison (Beloit, Janesville area, Portage, Sheboygan)Madison Gas and Electric (MGE)
Madison and Dane CountyXcel Energy (NSP-Wisconsin)
Eau Claire, La Crosse and northwest Wisconsin
Natural gas in Wisconsin
Milwaukee and much of eastern and central WisconsinWisconsin Public Service (WPS)
Northeast WisconsinAlliant Energy (Wisconsin Power and Light)
South-central WisconsinMadison Gas and Electric (MGE)
Madison areaXcel Energy (NSP-Wisconsin)
Northwest Wisconsin
Water in Wisconsin
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, Wisconsin 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 Service Commission of Wisconsin regulates utilities in Wisconsin and takes complaints.
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.