Don’t Get Left in the Dark: A Utah Seller’s Guide to Timing Utility Transfers

by Lori Collins

When you’re selling your home in Utah, the to-do list feels endless: staging, showings, packing, and endless paperwork. Amidst the chaos, a common question pops up: "When exactly should I turn off the utilities?"

It’s tempting to cut them the second you move your last box out, but doing so too early can actually jeopardize your sale. Here is everything Utah home sellers need to know about timing the utility transfer to ensure a smooth closing.

1. The Golden Rule: Keep Them On Until Recording

In Utah, the "Closing Date" can sometimes be a bit of a misnomer. There is Settlement (when you sign the papers) and Closing (when the county records the deed and money changes hands).

The Strategy: Do not schedule your utilities to be shut off until at least one business day after the anticipated recording date.

Why the delay?

The Final Walkthrough: Buyers typically perform a final walkthrough 24–48 hours before closing. If the power is off, they can’t verify that the AC works, the dishwasher runs, or the lights turn on. This can lead to delays or even a refusal to sign until power is restored.
Appraisal & Inspection: If your buyer’s appraisal or a follow-up inspection happens late in the game and the gas is off, the appraiser may have to reschedule, costing everyone time and money.
The Utah Climate: We have extreme seasons. If you turn off the gas in January, you risk frozen pipes. If you cut the power in July, a stagnant, 95-degree house can lead to warped wood or peeling wallpaper.

2. Transfer vs. Shut-off

In most cases, you aren't actually asking the utility company to "shut off" the service. You are requesting a Final Meter Reading and a Transfer of Responsibility.

When you call your providers, tell them you are selling the home and want the service taken out of your name on [Date]. The buyer should simultaneously call to have the service put into their name on that same date. This avoids "re-connection fees" for the buyer and keeps the house protected.

3. Utah Utility Quick-Reference

Most Utah residents deal with a few major players. Here is who you likely need to contact:

Utility Type	Main Utah Providers	When to Call
Electricity	Rocky Mountain Power	7–10 days before closing
Natural Gas	Enbridge (formerly Dominion Energy)	7–10 days before closing
Water/Sewer/Trash	Your City (e.g., Salt Lake City Public Utilities, Provo City, etc.)	1 week before closing
Internet/Cable	Xfinity, Google Fiber, Utopia, CenturyLink	1–2 weeks before closing

Pro Tip: In many Utah municipalities, water and sewer are tied to the property taxes or handled by the title company during the settlement process. Always check with your Escrow Officer to see if they handle the final water bill or if you need to call the city yourself.

4. Special Case: The Post-Settlement Occupancy

If you have negotiated a "lease-back" or "post-settlement occupancy" (meaning you are staying in the home for a few days or weeks after the buyer officially owns it), the rules change.

In Utah, the standard practice is that the occupant pays for the utilities they use. However, you should keep the utilities in your name until the day you physically move out to avoid any confusion or accidental shut-offs while you're still living there.

5. Your Closing Day Checklist

To make sure nothing falls through the cracks, follow these steps:

[ ] Call 10 days out: Schedule the transfer for the day after recording.
[ ] Take photos: On the day you move out, take a photo of your water and gas meters. This is your "insurance" in case there is a dispute over the final bill.
[ ] Leave a "Cheat Sheet": Leave a list for the buyers on the kitchen counter with the names of the utility companies you used. It’s a kind gesture that helps them get settled faster.
[ ] Provide a Forwarding Address: Make sure every provider has your new address so your final bill doesn't end up in collections at your old house.

As your Realtor, my job is to ensure that small logistical details like utility transfers never stand in the way of your successful closing. I will provide you with a comprehensive local provider directory for your specific city—whether you're in Salt Lake, Utah County, or further south—so you aren't stuck hunting for phone numbers during a move.

Beyond just providing a list, I actively coordinate with the buyer’s agent and the title company to verify that the transfer dates align perfectly with our recording schedule. If closing dates shift or if we negotiate a lease-back, I’ll be right there to help you adjust the timelines so you never pay for a day you aren't responsible for.

How I Can Help You Right Now

To make your move even easier, I can do the following for you:

Create a City-Specific Checklist: Would you like me to send over a list of the exact utility companies and contact info for your specific neighborhood?
Coordinate with the Title Company: I can check with the escrow officer to see which city fees (like water or sewer) they will handle automatically at settlement.
Review Your Contract: We can look at your specific Real Estate Purchase Contract (REPC) together to ensure your utility plan meets all your contractual obligations.

Are you getting ready to list your home in the Wasatch Front? I can help you navigate the local market and handle the logistics of a smooth transition.

Here is your customized Moving Out Checklist specifically designed for Springville, Utah.

Springville is unique because the City handles almost all your primary utilities (Power, Water, Sewer, Trash) in one place. This makes your transition much simpler than in other Utah cities!

🕒 10–14 Days Before Closing

Contact Springville City Finance: Call (801) 489-2700 or visit the Springville City website to fill out the Termination of Utilities form.
- Services included: Electricity, Culinary Water, Pressurized Irrigation, Sewer, and Trash.
- The Date: Set your termination for one business day after your recording date.
Contact Natural Gas: Call Enbridge (formerly Dominion Energy) at (800) 323-5517 to schedule your final meter reading.
Internet/Cable: If you use Google Fiber, Xfinity, or Lumen (CenturyLink), schedule your service transfer or disconnection.
- Note: If you have Google Fiber, remember to leave the Fiber Jack (the small box on the wall) behind!

📦 1 Week Before Moving

Trash & Recycling: Ensure your Springville City trash and recycling bins are empty and placed in the garage or a secure spot for the next owner.
Forward Your Mail: Visit USPS.com to set up mail forwarding from your Springville address to your new home.
Secondary Water (Pressurized Irrigation): In Springville, the city manages this, but if you have a private secondary water system or shares (common in more rural parts of town), ensure the shut-off valves are clearly marked for the buyer.

🧹 Moving Day (The "Art City" Exit)

Take "Proof" Photos: Take a quick photo of your final water and electric meter readings (usually found on the side of the house).
Thermostat & HVAC: Set your thermostat to a "holding" temperature ( $60^\circ\text{F}$ in winter or $78^\circ\text{F}$ in summer) so the home stays protected but energy-efficient until the buyer arrives.
The "Welcome to Springville" Kit: Leave a folder on the kitchen counter with:
- Garage door openers and all house keys.
- A note about which day trash is picked up (Springville's schedule varies by zone).
- Remotes for ceiling fans or gas fireplaces.

🔑 After Closing

Final Bill Audit: Check your final statement from Springville City. If you paid a utility deposit when you first moved in, ensure it is applied to your final balance or refunded to your forwarding address.
Cancel Homeowners Insurance: Only do this after you have received confirmation from the title company that the deed has officially recorded with Utah County.

Moving can be a whirlwind, but you don't have to do it alone. As your Realtor, I’m happy to call Springville City on your behalf to double-check that your account is ready for transfer.