Selling your home comes with a lot of moving parts, and utility transfers can be one of the trickiest. A missed final read or the wrong shutoff date can lead to surprise bills, service gaps, or a rocky handoff to your buyer. You deserve a smooth, drama‑free closing. In this guide, you’ll get a clear plan for handling water, sewer, electric, gas, trash, and internet in Newport News so you can close with confidence and keep everyone on the same page. Let’s dive in.
What to handle in Newport News
Before you schedule anything, list every account tied to the property. In Newport News, most sellers address:
- Water and sewer billing (commonly bundled with the city’s water service)
- Electric service
- Natural gas service
- Trash, recycling, yard waste, and bulk pickup
- Cable, internet, and phone
- Stormwater if billed separately
- Security system monitoring
- Irrigation or separate outdoor meters
- HOA or condo accounts where utilities are included
- Mail forwarding and address changes with USPS and the Virginia DMV
Tip: Verify each provider’s current policies, notice windows, fees, and after‑hours options directly with the provider. Processes and capabilities can change.
Timing that matches your contract
Your target dates should match your sales contract. Align the transfer or termination date to the contract’s possession date and closing date. That keeps responsibility clear and prevents billing disputes.
- Schedule a final meter reading for water, electric, and gas on possession day, or confirm an automated read will occur that day.
- If you plan to keep utilities active through possession, confirm the exact shutoff time so the buyer can start service right away.
- Tell your closing agent and the buyer’s agent your planned stop/start times so they can account for prorations and final bills.
Who to contact and what to expect
Newport News Waterworks (water and sewer billing)
Most sellers request a final reading on possession day and ask for a pro‑rated final bill. If you paid a deposit, ask about the refund timeline. For leaks or water main breaks, use the emergency line. Many changes can be requested online, but timing is key, so schedule early and confirm in writing.
Dominion Energy (electric)
You can start, stop, or transfer service online. Many residential meters allow remote disconnect or reconnect at a scheduled time. As the seller, set your termination date and request a final bill. Remind the buyer to open an account in advance to avoid gaps.
Virginia Natural Gas (gas)
Plan your disconnect for possession day and confirm whether a technician visit is required. Some appliances may need a professional relight or decommission. Use the 24/7 emergency line if you smell gas or suspect a leak.
City of Newport News Refuse & Recycling
Confirm how trash, recycling, and yard waste service will transition. In most cases, municipal service follows the property, but you should still confirm collection days and whether you need to notify the city of your move. If you need bulk pickup before closing, schedule it ahead of time.
Cable and internet providers
Common providers include Xfinity/Comcast, Verizon Fios where available, Cox, and other local ISPs. Decide whether to transfer your account to the buyer or cancel service. Schedule equipment return or pickup, and clear any outstanding balances to protect your credit. If you leave service on through possession, share the Wi‑Fi network name and password with the buyer for continuity.
HOAs, condos, and other accounts
If your HOA dues include any utilities, notify the HOA or property manager of the ownership change. Check for separate irrigation meters, streetlight accounts, or monitored alarms and close or transfer those too.
Step‑by‑step timeline
2–4 weeks before closing
- Make a complete list of accounts: water/sewer, electric, gas, trash, cable/internet/phone, security, irrigation, HOA.
- Gather account numbers, recent bills, a copy of the sales contract, a photo ID, and the buyer’s contact info if needed for transfers.
- Contact each utility to learn their notice requirements and whether the buyer may owe a deposit or credit check.
- If tenant‑occupied, review the lease and coordinate access for final meter reads.
- Decide whether to transfer cable/internet to the buyer (requires their approval) or cancel and schedule equipment returns.
7–2 days before closing
- Confirm final meter reads and any technician appointments that require access.
- Request estimated final bills and ask about deposit refund timing.
- If utilities will stay on through possession, confirm the exact shutoff date and time.
- Notify your closing agent and the buyer’s agent of all stop/start plans so they can prepare prorations.
Possession day / closing day
- Take clear, timestamped photos of the water, electric, and gas meters. Write down each reading.
- Leave a short note for the buyer with account numbers, final readings, and the location of shutoff valves.
- Confirm the utilities completed the scheduled reads or remote disconnects.
After closing
- Watch for your final bills within 1–2 billing cycles and confirm deposit refunds.
- Save confirmations, emails, and any reference numbers. Follow up on discrepancies right away.
- Forward any stray bills to the correct party or to your forwarding address.
Documents and info you will need
- Full name, service address, mailing address
- Account numbers and recent bills
- Government ID
- Closing and possession dates
- Buyer’s name and contact info if transferring
- Authorization if the provider requires it
Meter readings made simple
A little documentation goes a long way. Take photos of each meter on possession day with the dials clearly visible and the photo time showing.
Best practices:
- Photograph water, electric, and gas meters and note the meter numbers.
- Record the reading, date, and time for each.
- Share copies with the buyer and your closing agent.
- Ask the utility to confirm the reading they used for your final bill.
Meter log template:
- Property address:
- Date and time:
- Water meter number and reading:
- Electric meter number and reading:
- Gas meter number and reading:
- Seller signature or initials:
After‑hours and emergencies
Utilities treat hazards differently from routine requests. Know who to call and what to do.
- Water emergencies: For burst pipes, major leaks, or sewer backups, contact Newport News Waterworks or the city emergency line. Show the buyer where the main shutoff valve is.
- Gas emergencies: If you smell gas or hear hissing, evacuate and call the gas utility’s emergency line. Do not operate switches or use open flames.
- Electric emergencies: For sparking, exposed wires, or downed lines, contact the power company and local emergency services as needed.
- Non‑emergencies: Routine changes after hours are usually handled the next business day.
Remote disconnects: what to ask
- Electric: Many meters allow remote disconnect or reconnect, which makes move‑out timing easier. Ask the utility whether your meter supports this.
- Gas and water: These often need an on‑site visit for safe shutoff. Confirm whether a technician will need access and whether someone must be present.
- Cable and internet: Account closures are administrative, but equipment returns require a pickup or mail‑back.
Because capabilities vary by meter and provider, always confirm the exact process with each utility.
Coordinate with your closing team
- Closing agent: Utility prorations should match the contract. Confirm whether final reads are ordered and how final bills will be handled.
- Buyer communication: Provide a short packet with account numbers, meter photos, shutoff valve locations, collection schedules, and any remaining equipment or manuals.
- HOAs and condos: Clarify which utilities are included in dues and what notices the HOA requires for new ownership.
Ready‑to‑send email template
Subject: Final Meter Read and Service Termination Request – [Property Address]
Hello [Utility Name] Team,
I am selling my home at [Property Address] with a closing/possession date of [Date]. Please schedule a final meter read and terminate service effective [Date and Time].
Account name: [Your Full Name] Account number: [########] Service address: [Property Address] Forwarding address: [New Mailing Address]
If you require additional documentation or authorization, please let me know. Please confirm the final read date, final bill amount when available, and any deposit refund timeline. Reference number for this request is appreciated.
Thank you, [Your Name] [Phone] [Email]
What to leave for the buyer
A little VIP care helps the buyer start strong and protects you from disputes.
- Written list of utility account numbers and provider names
- Final meter readings with photos and times
- Location of main water shutoff and gas appliance shutoffs
- Trash and recycling pickup days and where to place bins
- Any remaining equipment: remotes, modem, thermostat manuals, smart device logins that transfer
- Clear note on when utilities will switch off or transfer
Quick seller checklist
- Identify every account tied to the property
- Confirm notice windows and whether a technician visit is needed
- Schedule final reads to match possession day
- Photograph meters and document readings
- Notify closing agent and buyer of stop/start times
- Return or transfer any cable/internet equipment
- Track final bills and deposit refunds for 1–2 cycles
Wrap‑up reminder: Verify details with each provider, keep your documentation, and communicate dates in writing. That is how you avoid last‑minute stress and close like a pro.
Ready to make your move feel truly VIP? Reach out to Darlene “Hollywood” Gaines for concierge coordination that keeps your transaction on schedule from utilities to keys. Schedule Your Red Carpet Consultation today.
FAQs
How should a seller in Newport News schedule the final water read?
- Contact Newport News Waterworks to request a final read on possession day, then document your own meter reading with a timestamped photo for your records.
What if my buyer has not opened new electric or gas service before move‑in?
- Keep service active through possession day, document the meter readings, and confirm the exact shutoff time so the buyer can start service without gaps.
How do final bills and deposit refunds work for utilities when selling a home?
- Utilities typically issue a final bill after the last read, and deposit refunds are processed after payment, often within one or two billing cycles.
Can utilities shut off service remotely in Newport News homes?
- Electric meters often allow remote disconnect or reconnect, while water and gas usually require an on‑site technician; confirm with each provider.
How should sellers handle trash, recycling, and bulk pickup near closing?
- Confirm collection days, request any bulk pickup ahead of time, and tell the buyer where bins belong; check if service changes need to be reported.
What is the safest way to avoid billing disputes during a home sale?
- Align dates with the contract, schedule final reads for possession day, photograph meter readings, and share confirmations with the buyer and closing agent.
