Moving to North Little Rock and wondering how to get the lights on, water running, and gas ready before move-in? You are not alone. Utility setup is one of those to-do items that feels simple until you start calling around. This quick guide gives you clear steps for North Little Rock Electric, Central Arkansas Water, and Summit Utilities, plus timelines, costs to plan for, and a printable checklist so you can move in with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Know your providers first
Before you set anything up, confirm who serves your exact address. In North Little Rock, most homes are served by:
- North Little Rock Electric for electricity
- Central Arkansas Water for water and wastewater
- Summit Utilities for natural gas
These are common providers across the city, but always verify for your specific property. Some homes have different service arrangements, especially if you are in new construction or a unique subdivision. If you are unsure, contact the City of North Little Rock or ask your landlord, builder, or seller to confirm.
When to start and how long it takes
Set your calendar to call early. For most standard move-ins where meters are already in place, you can expect account setup in the same day to 1–3 business days after you provide information and pay any fees. If your home needs a meter set, a gas relight, or any service upgrade, expect several business days to a few weeks depending on scheduling and inspections.
- For typical move-ins, contact each utility 7–14 days before your move date.
- For new construction, meter installation, or upgrades, allow 2–4 weeks or more.
Starting early helps you avoid rush fees, missed appointments, or moving into a dark and cold home.
Step-by-step setup for each utility
Below is what you can generally expect to provide and how the process works for each provider. Keep your government ID, Social Security number or Tax ID, lease or deed, service address, and desired start date handy.
North Little Rock Electric
North Little Rock Electric is the municipal electric department for the city. You can usually open an account online, by phone, or in person.
- What to have ready: Photo ID, SSN or TIN for a credit check, service address, desired start date, and proof of lease or ownership. If you are renting, confirm whether the account should be in your name or remain with the landlord per your lease.
- Deposits and fees: Municipal utilities commonly require a refundable deposit if you do not have an established payment history or sufficient credit. There may also be an account setup or administrative fee. Policies can vary, so ask about current requirements.
- Technical notes: If your property needs a new meter base, a service upgrade, or is new construction, your electrician and the city will coordinate inspections before the utility energizes the service.
- Payments and plans: Expect online bill pay, auto draft, and in-person options. Many municipal utilities offer budget billing or payment plans.
- Outages and safety: Save the department’s outage reporting number. Report outages as soon as you notice them and do not assume a neighbor already called.
Central Arkansas Water (water and sewer)
Central Arkansas Water serves North Little Rock and surrounding areas. The start service process is typically quick if there is already an active meter.
- What to have ready: Name, move-in date, service address, photo ID, and payment method. Confirm whether the account belongs in your name or the landlord’s per your lease.
- Deposits and fees: Water utilities often require deposits based on credit or previous utility history. Expect an account activation or administration fee. Final bills are commonly prorated when you close the account.
- Timelines and meter work: If a meter is in place and active, service can often begin the same day or within a few days. New meters, meter size changes, or irrigation meters may require scheduling and additional time.
- Water quality and billing: CAW publishes water quality information and conservation guidance. Billing frequency can vary, so ask about the current schedule and available payment plans.
- Assistance: Local programs may help with water bills in certain cases. Ask CAW about any current assistance options.
Summit Utilities (natural gas)
Summit Utilities provides natural gas service in parts of Arkansas, including areas of North Little Rock.
- What to have ready: Photo ID, SSN or TIN for a credit check, service address, move-in date, and landlord or owner contact if applicable. New service may require permit information from your contractor.
- Meter sets and inspections: If there is an existing meter, gas can usually be turned on after account setup and any required safety checks. If the meter was removed or turned off at the main, Summit typically schedules a technician to set or relight the meter and perform a safety inspection. New construction requires code-compliant gas piping and an inspection before activation.
- Deposits and credit: Regulated gas utilities commonly require a deposit based on your credit history or prior utility standing. Some customers may qualify for deposit alternatives.
- Emergency and safety: If you smell gas, hear a hissing sound, or suspect a leak, leave the property immediately and call the gas emergency line and local emergency services from a safe location.
- Assistance and budgeting: Budget billing and payment plans may be available. LIHEAP can help eligible households with gas or electric bills.
What to budget for at move-in
You will likely encounter a few upfront costs when starting service. Exact amounts vary by utility and your credit profile, so ask each provider for current policies.
- Account activation or application fee
- Security deposit if required (often refundable). Residential deposits across many U.S. utilities frequently fall within a broad range of about 50 to 300 dollars, but policies and amounts vary by utility and your credit.
- Reconnection fees if service was previously disconnected for nonpayment
- Meter installation or upgrade charges for new service or service changes
- Prorated final bills when you close or transfer service
Monthly bills will vary based on usage, home size, HVAC system, and season. Electricity and natural gas can spike in very hot or cold months. Water bills depend on household size and irrigation. It is smart to monitor your first few bills closely and contact customer service if something looks off.
Utility setup timeline and checklist
Use this timeline to keep everything on track. Save confirmation numbers and take meter photos for your records.
2–4 weeks before move
- Confirm who provides electric, water/sewer, and gas at your address.
- Open accounts online or by phone and request your activation date.
- Gather documents: photo ID, SSN or TIN, lease or deed, and landlord contact if renting.
- Ask about deposits, fees, payment plans, and any on-site appointments.
- If this is new construction or a service upgrade, coordinate with your contractor for permits, inspections, and meter placement.
7–14 days before move
- Confirm all scheduled appointments and technician access instructions.
- Clear access to the meter locations and secure pets.
- Line up any needed electricians or plumbers for final touches or code corrections.
Move week and move day
- Photograph meter readings at your old and new homes.
- Confirm activation and keep your account confirmation numbers.
- If a gas technician is scheduled to relight appliances, plan to be home for the safety check.
After move
- Set up autopay or e-billing to avoid missed payments.
- Check your first bills for prorated charges or deposits and call if anything looks incorrect.
- Save outage and emergency numbers in your phone.
Landlord vs. tenant responsibilities
If you are renting, clarify in your lease who holds each account and who pays each bill. Some landlords keep certain utilities in their name and bill tenants monthly. Others require tenants to open their own accounts. For repairs, utilities typically maintain the meter and main. Customers are usually responsible for lines from the meter to the home and indoor fixtures. For water laterals, responsibility can vary, so verify with Central Arkansas Water and your landlord.
New construction or service upgrades
Building or renovating in North Little Rock? Start early and keep your contractor looped in.
- Electric service: Your electrician coordinates meter base installation, service size, and inspections with the city and the electric department.
- Water service: If a new or larger meter is needed, expect additional scheduling and potential fees.
- Gas service: A licensed contractor must install code-compliant gas piping. Summit inspects and sets the meter after approvals.
Plan for longer lead times if trenching, new meters, or capacity upgrades are involved. Keep all permits and inspection sign-offs handy for your utility appointments.
Safety essentials to save
A few minutes of preparation can save headaches later.
- Electricity: Report outages and downed lines to North Little Rock Electric’s emergency line. Stay clear of any hazards and do not attempt repairs yourself.
- Natural gas: If you smell rotten eggs or hear hissing, leave immediately. From a safe location, call the gas utility’s emergency line and 911 if needed.
- Water: Monitor for leaks after move-in. If you notice unusually high usage, contact Central Arkansas Water to troubleshoot. A small leak can drive a large bill.
Final thoughts
Setting up utilities in North Little Rock is straightforward when you know who to call, what to have ready, and when to schedule. Give yourself 7–14 days for standard move-ins and extra time for new meters or upgrades. Budget for a deposit and activation fees, and keep a record of your start dates and meter photos. If you need help coordinating contractors or timelines during a purchase or build, we are happy to point you to trusted local resources.
Ready to make your move smoother from contract to keys? Connect with Will Smith Realty for neighborhood guidance, vendor referrals, and a thoughtful plan for closing and move-in.
FAQs
How do I start electric service in North Little Rock?
- Contact North Little Rock Electric to open an account, provide photo ID, SSN or TIN, service address, move-in date, and pay any required fees or deposits. Start 7–14 days before your move.
What if my home needs a new electric meter or upgrade?
- Your electrician works with the city and the electric department for permits, inspections, and meter placement. Activation happens after approvals and may take longer than a standard start.
How do I turn on water and sewer with Central Arkansas Water?
- Provide your name, service address, move-in date, ID, and payment method. If a meter is active, service can usually begin quickly. Ask about deposits and activation fees.
What is involved in starting natural gas with Summit Utilities?
- Open an account and schedule any needed on-site visit. If a meter was removed or shut off, a technician may need to set or relight the meter and perform a safety inspection.
How far ahead should I call utilities before moving to North Little Rock?
- Call 7–14 days in advance for standard service. Allow 2–4 weeks or more for new construction, meter sets, or service upgrades.
What documents do utilities usually require to start service?
- Be ready with a government photo ID, SSN or TIN, service address, move-in date, and proof of lease or ownership. Contractors need permits for new construction.
Will I need to pay deposits for utilities in North Little Rock?
- Possibly. Utilities often require refundable deposits based on credit or payment history. Deposit amounts vary by utility and account type.
Who is responsible for lines and repairs at my home?
- Utilities generally handle the main and the meter. Customers usually maintain lines from the meter to the home and interior fixtures. For water laterals, verify with Central Arkansas Water and your landlord.
What should I do if I smell gas after move-in?
- Leave the property immediately. From a safe location, call the gas utility’s emergency line and 911 if needed. Do not use switches or create sparks.
Can I set up all my utilities online?
- Most providers offer online start-service requests and account management. Phone support is available for special situations or when appointments are required.
