How long does it take for ComEd & Peoples Gas to start service? (Chicago: apartments)

[Backstrom]

Hi everyone,

I'm relocating to Chicago at the end of the month to a 1BR apartment and have to set up service for ComEd and Peoples Gas. I plan to do this all online-- will service start instantaneously or is there a lag? Online, the Peoples Gas website says that they might need to access the "meter and gas appliances" to start service. Is this usually the case?

[SubconsciousMe]

For People's Gas, it has been in my experience (aka for our apartment) they do need to access the appliances and so forth.

Currently, I'm relocating apartments in the same building. While I don't think there is a lag exactly, only certain dates are available for turn on. For example, to have People's Gas turned on--I had a date of 12/20 or 1/5 to turn it on--there were no available dates between those dates.

[marothisu]

If it's a building with the landlord and not a high rise, you could probably work it out with the landlord to have the company get access if possible, if they aren't going to already do it. If it's a high rise or decently sized building, I wouldn't even worry about it usually..usually..

[Backstrom]

Thanks for the answers!

So if I'm understanding this correctly, Peoples Gas won't be able to start service until they send a technician out to access the unit?

I ask because I arrive on the 12/27 but if Peoples Gas is limited in days it can send out someone, I don't want to be waiting around in my apartment for more than a week before gas gets going.

[SubconsciousMe]

Just call and find out. That's the only way to know... it may depend on your location.

[Avondalist]

It takes People's Gas about a week to start service if it has been shut off.

ComEd is instantaneous and can be done over the web.