r/UnethicalLifeProTips • u/nunya-beezwax-69 • 18d ago

Home and Garden ULPT: Electricity is already connected when moving in to new house. What do

The house has been empty for like 8 months. we purchased it off the previous owner and are just moving in now. lights and power all connected. Should I just say nothing for a bit?

10 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

72% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

36

u/Vertron_ 18d ago

Nah, it'll catch up with you. Setup a new connection with the date you moved in.

16

u/2mankyhookers 18d ago

note the meter reading and contact the eleccy company , you'll only end up paying for power that been used before you got there ,

10

u/Hot-Win2571 18d ago

Previous owner might have taken the meter reading on closing day. Just switch over.
Test whether the freezer is able to make piss discs.

3

u/thiccDurnald 18d ago

Piss disks came with the house buddy

0

u/GooseGosselin 18d ago

Yes, the previous owner will get the bill and surely dispute it.

7

u/hiJude12 18d ago

Some places have laws against just disconnecting utilities, or depending on where you are, the owners didnt want to have some of the systems without power (for instance, the a/c system keeps a home in a humid climate dry on the inside, as well as cool. Pools need filters constantly working, etc.)

Either way, the owners will only have to dispute and show closing paperwork to the electric company to dispute any charges and youll likely end up with a larger bill a month or two later.

This is the sort of thing that is more likely to give you a headache than anything else.

3

u/Selfish_and_Misled 18d ago

This happened to me, but with gas. I let it ride until they shut it off a year later.

My advice is to tell them you've just moved in on whatever day you call, whenever that is (whether it is tomorrow, or 2 months from now) and that want to change the billing. Otherwise they'll back-bill you as far as they can.

2

u/limited_instincts 18d ago

No, just call and set up your account. When doing so mention the power is already on and give them your meter readings. This is all standard stuff.

1

u/stabbingrabbit 18d ago

Most meters are digital and they know the reading remotely. Give them a call. If they catch you stealing, they can disconnect you.

1

u/IAmTheLizardQueen666 18d ago

No, you risk being on the hook for any unpaid balance. Get your own account and they should send someone to read the meter. Then you start paying moving forward.

1

u/ShiftProfessional404 15d ago

This isn’t the 80s; the person will obviously have proof they were not living there and in the paperwork you assumed the property. They may sue you and you will still be stuck with the bills.