When moving into
an apartment, you will need to get various utilities connected.
Your landlord or realtor will tell you the utilities for which
you are responsible. You do not need to be at home when your
gas, electricity or phone service is activated. If you will
have roommates, be sure to list the names of all people responsible
for payment of utilities. With some utility companies, there
may be a three- to five-day wait before service begins. If
possible, call a few days before you move in. Be sure to start
a new account; never pick up an old account and carry it on.
When you move,
be sure to give each of the utility companies a few days'
notice, the date you want your account closed and the final
day you will need service. You should give all of the utility
companies your new address at this time. A final statement
will be mailed to you after your service has been disconnected
and may not get forwarded correctly if you do not leave a
change of address.
Phone
Local service is through Qwest Communications 800 244-1111.
There are many options for phone service, and the phone company
will try to sign you up for all the extras they offer. If
you do not wish to pay extra for things like voice mail,
call waiting or caller ID, you will need to specify this
with the telephone agent when setting up your account. You
will be required to choose a long-distance provider when you
call to activate your new service. When choosing a long-distance
provider, look for one that has good rates and best meets your
needs.
The Portland
Metro area requires 10-digit dialing. You will always need
to dial the area code in addition to the phone number.
Electric
There are two electric companies that provide service
to the Portland metropolitan area, depending on where you
live. Ask your landlord or realtor which company serves your
neighborhood before you move in.
Portland General
Electric (PGE) 503 228-6322
Pacific Power 888 221-7070
Gas
Not all locations require the use of gas. Ask your landlord
or realtor if your stove or heater requires natural gas.
If the answer is no, you do not need to set up service with
the gas company.
NW Natural Gas
503-226-4211
T.V.
All televisions receive the local channels, although
in some areas you may need to get an antenna. The following
channels are free:
Ch. 2 —
ABC
Ch. 4 — WB
Ch. 6 — CBS
Ch. 8 — NBC
Ch. 10 — OPB/PBS
Ch. 12 — FOX
Ch. 49 — UPN
You may choose
to pay for cable TV, digital cable or a satellite dish, all
of which provide many additional channels. The local cable
company is:
AT&T Cable
Services: 503 605-4895
Other Utilities
Other utilities that you may need to pay for are water,
trash, recycling and sewer. Your landlord will tell you the
utilities for which you are responsible.
This page was last updated
30 October, 2003 by Anna Smith housing@ohsu.edu