Discovering the U.S.

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Utilities

“Utilities” describe the services provided by the electric, gas, television, and telephone

companies. Your consultant will be able to advise you regarding local providers in the area and

assist you with utility setup. The general procedure for each utility company is to call the

customer service department and a service representative will guide you through the process. If

you hear a recording that says you need a Social Security Number and/or a U.S. State Driver’s

License, and you have not yet obtained those items, do not hang up. You may often use your

passport in lieu of these standard forms of identification necessary for utility setup.

When calling to set up service, you will typically need to provide the following information:

Social Security Number and/or Passport Number

Address of residence, including apartment number, if applicable

Phone number where you can be reached during the day

Please note: Some utility companies may require that a deposit be paid prior to establishing

service. If a deposit is required, your consultant will inform you of the amount and how payment

must be made. You may discover that certain deposits may seem unusually high, but the

collection of deposits is standard in the U.S. for anyone without U.S. credit history. Any required

deposit will most likely be refunded to you in its entirety after a period of time (one year or less).

Gas

The furnace and water heater are most often gas systems. In addition, some appliances such

as cooking ranges/ovens and clothes dryers may be gas fueled. Natural gas is odorless, but a

distinct odor is added to the gas system as a way of alerting you that there may be a leak. If you

smell a strong odor near your gas appliances, leave the area immediately. Go to a safe location

and call the gas company right away. Do not re-enter your home until a gas company employee

tells you it is safe.

Electric

Air conditioning, appliances, and lighting account for a high percentage of the electricity used in

a home. Hot water heaters may also be powered by electricity.