How to Set Up Utilities in Chicago
How to Set Up Utilities in Chicago
Relocating a business to Chicago requires that the essential utilities be set up beforehand. Once the utilities are turned on prior to the move, businesses can resume operations without further interruption. Setting up business utilities in the Windy City is a straightforward process.
What are basic business utilities?
A utility company is responsible for delivering utilities to a business. In addition to everyday operating costs, the business will pay utility bills. At a minimum, relocating companies require basic utilities, such as electricity, water, gas, trash pickup, internet, and phone.
Utility costs vary significantly from company to company. Variables that affect the price of monthly utilities include the square footage of the building, geographic location of the company, industry, energy utilization, and several other factors. Energy is among the biggest overhead costs for a business.
1. Electricity
Electricity is one of the major utilities a business needs to operate. The local electric company will set up and physically deliver the electricity to its service area. Energy is required to power the office’s lights, computers, AC, refrigerators, and printers. The business will pay a supply and delivery charge.
As a northern Illinois city, Chicago receives its electricity through Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd). A subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (the nation’s leading competitive energy supplier), ComEd distributes electricity to four million local customers. Businesses can set up and manage an account via the ComEd website.
2. Water and Sewer
Water and sewer are essential utilities to set up when relocating to the Windy City. Company bathrooms, kitchen sinks and water fountains rely on the water supply to function. Every business, whether it sells food, electronics, or other consumer items, depends on water as a resource.
Prior to relocating to Chicago, businesses will be required to contact the City of Chicago Water Management, which delivers clean drinking water. The Department of Water Management is also responsible for removing storm runoff and wastewater through the sewer system.
3. Natural Gas
Natural gas will soon be the fuel of choice for various corporations. In commercial buildings, natural gas powers heating systems, water heaters, and air conditioners. Manufacturing facilities depend on natural gas to run machines that prepare electronics, home furnishings, and appliances for consumers.
Close to 850,000 local customers rely on Peoples Gas for the regular supply of natural gas. Companies relocating to the Windy City can connect service by accessing the Peoples Gas website, following the online prompts, and finally setting up an account. Bill management is available online, too.
4. Internet
Internet is increasingly becoming viewed as an essential utility, much like electricity. Businesses without access to the internet are severely disadvantaged. Companies that conduct online activities, utilize online content providers, or make use of social media networks require an internet connection.
Chicago’s largest internet provider is Xfinity. Through the various bundles offered by Xfinity, even small companies have access to big business capabilities. Buying a monthly package is as easy as visiting the Xfinity website, choosing a plan, and following the online prompts.
5. Trash Service
Waste removal services are necessary for the disposal of garbage, recyclables, and organic waste materials. An office may be provided different types of bins to hold various waste products. Each of these bins are picked up by the trash service at different rates.
Chicago businesses rely on the various trash services offered through the DSS. Not only are DSS crews responsible for trash pickup and recycling, but they also handle tree trimming, graffiti removal, rodent control, towing, snow removal, and lot cleaning—which are relevant to major area corporations.
Trash service can be set up through the City of Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS). The DSS makes an impact on the cleanliness of the city by responding to over one million service requests annually. Visit the DSS website to set up an account and manage monthly bills.
6. Security
While the utilities are the basics, large corporations might include security services as an essential part of their utility budget. Companies who require security are advised to consult a public utility security service to safeguard the facility against threats.
Do companies need an EIN to set up utilities?
A company does not need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to set up and administer business utilities. However, utility companies may accept the EIN in lieu of a social security number. An EIN is a type of federal tax ID that can be useful when applying for business utilities.
When relocating a business to Chicago or starting a new one here, setting up utilities is critical to success. Employees require running water, electricity, internet, and a clean workspace to perform. Ensure workflow continues without interruption by setting up utilities before the move.
Work with a Commercial Mover
Setting up utilities is just one step of many in the relocation process. Before packing up the office, consult a professional corporate relocation company, like Chicago Office Movers. Our years of experience in office relocation will ensure that your move is as stress-free as possible.
When choosing Chicago Office Movers for your corporate relocation, you can be assured that the move will stay within budget. Our moving crews are highly trained and experienced—which allows them to perform their job efficiently, skillfully, and without delays.
Countless local companies continue to rely on Chicago Office Movers for our quality service, professionalism throughout the relocation process, and affordability. We’ve helped universities and major corporations, like Northwestern University and Alcatel Lucent, move seamlessly, earning us multiple five-star ratings.
Working with us gives your company access to professional packing services, short- or long-term storage, relocation planning assistance, and moving equipment that is guaranteed to protect fragile office goods. We also move items securely, which is a benefit for security-conscious companies.
Contact Us
When you seek a reliable office mover, schedule Chicago Office Movers to handle your relocation from start to finish. We are available to help you move locally, long distance, or internationally.
Call our office at 312-244-2246 for a free estimate.
Depending on the season, the moving company may be extremely busy. Keep in mind that summer is peak moving season for residential moves. Schedule the move for an early morning during midweek, and the 
Streamline the packing process by discarding broken office chairs and donating older equipment. The less you have to move, the sooner the packing will be accomplished. Consider that updated office equipment and furniture may be more suitable for the new space.
Company owners can anticipate that a last-minute move will require 
Evaluate bids obtained from multiple commercial moving companies. A sound business decision might weigh factors, such as price, a large or small fleet of moving trucks, equipment and whether desired services are offered. Some moving crews will pack and unpack office property, while others do not.
A part of proper planning is to factor in the likelihood of delays. The holidays lead to many 
A moving date scheduled in the temperate months of autumn or spring is ideal. Winter’s ice and snow are hazardous. The chances of moving trucks breaking down in the midst of a blizzard are higher. A delay in the relocation process will undoubtedly pose as a major stresser for management.
The IT department should be apprised of the move as soon as possible to construct a plan to relocate the company’s technical equipment, such as 
While moving crews will load up the substantial office equipment, a helpful maneuver is to instruct employees to pack up the smaller items at their desks. This is also an ideal time to discard dead weight, such as outdated files, paperwork, and dilapidated office furniture.
