Finalizing the bills of a recently departed loved one isn’t easy, especially when you’re attempting to navigate the loss simultaneously. There is a never-ending list of items requiring attention, including the electric service and household utilities. Shutting down the services requires time and consideration, depending on your living situation and bill status.

At Elayne, we believe in simplifying the bereavement process, including canceling all household accounts. I’ll walk you through canceling electric service and all other household utilities in this article.

Common Utility Accounts to Consider

Although each state holds its requirement for utility accounts, most citizens will have the following accounts:

• Electric Bill

• Natural Gas Bill

• Water and Sewer Bill

• Internet, Phone, and Cable TV Bill

• Garbage and Recycling Bill

• Security Bill

These accounts will require closure, transfer, or freezing after someone dies.

Who Notifies the Utility Companies After Someone Dies?

After someone passes away, the utility company will need to speak with the executor of a will. If the individual didn’t have a will, the next-of-kin or administrator must contact the appropriate companies. Most companies should receive notice within a few months of your loved one passing away after you receive the death certificate.

Why Do I Need to Contact the Utility Companies?

It’s always beneficial to contact utility companies as soon as possible, as they will continue to bill the individual for services. After death, most companies require the account to close or be transferred into another person’s name. Without notification, the utility company may disconnect the services at any time.

After notifying the company, you can freeze, transfer, or close the account. Each company has its process for closing an account, but it often requires the executive or administrator to clear outstanding debt before doing so.

How to Cancel Electric Services After Someone Dies

When trying to cancel an account, you must provide the name, account number, address, and the deceased’s date of death. Some companies will require additional information, including the property status (rental or owned, empty or occupied) and a current meter reading for the address. Many companies will also require a copy of the death certificate to close the account.

To clarify the specific requirements, contact the general inquiries line on the bill and ask for specific information required in the event of a death. If the company requires a copy of the death certificate, ask for submission requirements (email, fax, or direct mail).

Determine How to Handle Accounts

If the deceased and you share a utility account, you must remove their names from the account. This isn't an urgent requirement, as both names are on the file, but it should be done within a year.

Transfer the Utility Account

When the account is solely in the deceased’s name, you can continue or cancel the policy. To continue the policy, you’ll need to ask the company to change the lead name on the file. Depending on the service, the company can transfer the account or create a new one.

Items Required to Transfer a Utility Account

Proof of Identity

Passport, Driver’s License, Residency Registration Card, or State-Issued Photo ID

Service Application

Talk to the utility company about required forms when transferring the account

Death Certificate

Most utility companies will require proof of death to close or transfer the policy

Cancel the Account

Every provider has a cancellation policy. Most companies require you to pay all outstanding balances or pay until the end of the contract. If you are selling the deceased person’s property, keep the utilities active and change the account details to your name.

How to Settle Utility Bills When a Loved One Dies

If the utilities were paid from a joint bank account, the bill would continue as usual, provided the joint payment account remains open.

When you’ve previously contacted the departed’s financial accounts, most banks instantly freeze them. When the utility payment comes from one of these accounts, it will decline. Contact the company and arrange payments from your account to avoid disconnection, interest, or late payment fees.

Who is Responsible for Paying Utility Bills When Someone Dies?

When the utilities are in the decedent’s name and are still being used, the estate is responsible for covering the bills. When the deceased person has a will, the executor pays bills accordingly. Should the departed not leave a will or name an executor, the state will appoint an administrator or executor to handle the estate. The named individual is responsible for handling and paying bills.

When the Estate Doesn’t Cover Utility Bills

Occasionally, an individual’s debts will outweigh the money within the estate. In these situations, the deceased’s estate is insolvent. Assuming no co-signers of the bill, they would remain unpaid, and utilities would shut off.

What Happens When There Are Problems

Occasionally, a few people encounter issues closing utility accounts when someone dies. These issues may include additional payments after the final bill, requesting contact with the deceased, or requesting additional documentation for the file.

In these situations, send the company a registered letter. Include a brief explanation of events, a copy of the death certificate, and request the account closure in writing.

Sample Letter for Notifying Utility Company of Someone’s Death

Dear [Utility Provider],

This letter is to inform you of [Deceased Person’s] passing. This is a formal request to add a death notice to the file.

The full name on the account was [First and Last Name].
The account number on file was [complete account number].

The residence on file was [Complete Mailing Address]. S/he was born on [date of birth] and died on [date of death]. The last four digits of the Social Security number were ****.

I have attached a copy of [Name]’s death certificate and proof of administrator with this letter.

My name is [Full Name], and I am authorized to request this transaction.

Sincerely,
[Signature]

[Typed Name]

If the company persists with additional requirements, contact the attorney general for your state. The Attorney General will have a list of contacts to assist in these matters, including the Public Utilities Commission.

Final Thoughts

Processing a loss is mentally and physically draining. As you attempt to navigate the heart-wrenching loss, countless items require your attention. The list of account closures seems never-ending, especially when you consider utilities, bank accounts, social media profiles, and subscription services.

Closing utility accounts should be a priority within the first three months of the death, although the sooner it’s done, the better. Navigating the utility accounts requires time, especially considering the bill status and living situation.