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Moving checklist

Set Up Utilities in Detroit

Who provides your electricity, gas, water and internet, how to start or transfer service when you move, and which numbers to call when something goes wrong.

Emergency numbers
  • Phone numbers from each utility
  • Start, stop and transfer steps
  • Local plumbers, electricians and HVAC pros

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Who to call

Detroit utility providers at a glance

Phone numbers below come from each utility's own website. Save them in your phone before move-in day.

ServiceProviderHow to start or get help
Electricity and natural gas (most of Detroit)DTE EnergyStart, stop or move service online at startstop.dteenergy.com. Residential help: (800) 477-4747.
Gas or electric in some suburbsConsumers EnergyCall 800-477-5050 or manage service online.
Water and sewer in DetroitDetroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD)Customer service: 313-267-8000, or use the DWSD customer portal on detroitmi.gov.
Water in the suburbsYour city or township water departmentMost area communities buy water from the Great Lakes Water Authority but bill you locally. Call your city hall.
Internet and TVVaries by addressCheck which cable, fiber, fixed wireless and satellite providers serve your exact address.
Utility complaintsMichigan Public Service CommissionAfter contacting your utility, call 1-800-292-9555 for gas, electric, cable or phone complaints.
Moving day plan

How to set up utilities when you move to Detroit

  1. 1

    Two to three weeks out: electric and gas

    Start or transfer DTE service online with your new address and move-in date. If your new home is outside DTE's gas area, check whether Consumers Energy serves it.

  2. 2

    Two weeks out: water

    Detroit residents open or transfer a water account with DWSD by phone or through its online customer portal. Suburban residents call their city water department.

  3. 3

    Two weeks out: internet

    Compare providers that serve your address and book installation. Good wiring matters; see network cabling pros if you work from home.

  4. 4

    Move-in day: read the meters

    Photograph the electric, gas and water meters so your first bill starts at the right reading.

  5. 5

    First week: check the systems

    Test the furnace or boiler, water heater, sump pump and panel. Book a pro for anything that looks off. Start with Find a Pro.

Emergencies

Utility emergency numbers

  • Smell gas (DTE): leave the area right away, call 911, then call DTE's 24-hour gas leak hotline at (800) 947-5000.
  • Smell gas (Consumers Energy): leave, call 911, then call 800-477-5050.
  • Power outage or downed line (DTE): call (800) 477-4747 and press 2, or report it in DTE's online outage center. Stay at least 25 feet from downed lines.
  • Water main break or sewer problem (Detroit): call DWSD at 313-267-8000.
  • Before you dig: call 811 so MISS DIG can have underground lines marked.
  • More numbers on our Detroit emergency numbers page, and pros on call at emergency help.
Local pros

Plumbers, electricians and HVAC pros for your new home

Water heaters

Repair or replace a tank or tankless water heater.

Compare plumbers →

Sump pumps

Keep basements dry during spring storms.

Compare plumbers →

Gas lines

New appliance hookups and gas line repair.

Compare plumbers →

Sewer lines

Camera inspections and sewer line repair.

Compare plumbers →

Panel upgrades

More capacity for modern appliances and EVs.

Compare electricians →

EV chargers

Home charger installation and circuits.

Compare electricians →

Furnaces and AC

Installation, replacement and tune-ups.

Compare HVAC pros →

Boilers

Service for the radiator heat common in older Detroit homes.

Compare HVAC pros →
Lower your bills

Cut utility costs in an older Detroit home

Many Detroit houses were built long before modern insulation and air sealing. A home energy audit shows where heat escapes, and utility rebate assistance can help you find programs from your utility. Common fixes include attic insulation, air sealing, energy efficient windows and a smart thermostat.

If a bill is hard to pay, DTE lists energy assistance programs and payment agreements on its website, and dialing 211 connects you with Michigan 211 for local help with utilities.

Questions

Detroit utilities FAQ

Go to DTE's start, stop and move page online and enter your new address and start date, or call DTE residential customer service at (800) 477-4747.
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) provides water and sewer service to Detroit homes. Its customer service line is 313-267-8000. Most suburbs bill water through their own city or township.
Leave the building first, then call 911, then call DTE's gas leak hotline at (800) 947-5000. If Consumers Energy serves your home, call 800-477-5050 after 911.
Call DTE at (800) 477-4747 and press 2, or use DTE's online outage center. Stay at least 25 feet away from any downed line and call 911 if it is an emergency.
Contact the utility first. If that does not resolve it, the Michigan Public Service Commission takes gas, electric, cable and phone complaints at 1-800-292-9555.
Not always, but it is smart to have the water heater, sump pump, furnace and electrical panel checked in an older home. Compare local pros and get written quotes for the same scope.

Need a plumber, electrician or HVAC pro?

Tell us what your new home needs and we will route your request to local pros who handle it.

Sources

Updated September 2026. Rules and procedures change; confirm with the responsible office before a decision.

Call (833) 313-2434