Getting your electric set up early makes move‑in day smooth, especially in gated and amenity communities like Tamiment. If your new place is a seasonal home, planning ahead also protects pipes, HVAC, and smart devices while you are away. In Tamiment and much of Lehman Township, Met‑Ed is the utility that delivers power. The info below shows you exactly how to start service, what to expect with deposits, and how to handle new builds, outages, and rentals with confidence.
Start electric service without headaches
Power is easy to take for granted until you arrive after a long drive and the lights will not turn on. Start your request at least 2 business days before you need power. Met‑Ed, a FirstEnergy company, handles customer start requests online or by phone and confirms the start date by email once your request is processed per FirstEnergy’s Start Service guidance. If you are unsure whether your Tamiment address is served by Met‑Ed, you can verify coverage by calling Met‑Ed customer service or reviewing local utility coverage notes for Lehman Township and Pike County as summarized in regional reporting.
Set up Met‑Ed service step‑by‑step
Confirm service address and account type
Decide if you are:
- Starting service for the first time at a home
- Transferring existing Met‑Ed service from another address
- Reconnecting an inactive account
Owners should have the settlement date. Tenants should have the lease start date and landlord contact info. If you have a recent bill from the property, the meter number speeds things up according to Met‑Ed’s Start Service page.
Gather required information
Have these items ready before you apply:
- Service address and move‑in date
- Your full name, phone, and email
- Social Security Number or Taxpayer ID for a credit check
- Billing address if different
- Lease or proof of ownership if requested
Met‑Ed may also request a photo ID or meter number to confirm the location per FirstEnergy’s process overview.
Choose start date and request service
- Online: submit a Start Service request with your move‑in date and contact details. Met‑Ed typically needs at least 2 business days to process routine move‑ins per FirstEnergy.
- Phone: call Met‑Ed customer service at 1‑800‑545‑7741 if you prefer to speak with an agent or have a special situation.
Tip: Align your start date with closing or the day your lease begins. For weekend arrivals, request activation by the prior weekday to avoid timing gaps.
Verify meter access and activation
If your home sits inside a gated community or has a lockable meter area:
- Ensure the gate code and any lock instructions are current in your request notes.
- Keep pets secured and make sure the meter is reachable.
If a field visit is required and access is blocked, activation can be delayed. You will be notified of any scheduling updates through your account communications as outlined by FirstEnergy.
Understand deposits and credit checks
Met‑Ed may check your credit. A security deposit can be required based on credit history, unpaid balances, or prior disconnections. Residential deposits earn interest and are typically reviewed for return after 12 months of on‑time payments. Ask how and when a deposit appears on your bill and how to meet any waiver options if available per FirstEnergy’s deposit policy.
Rates, suppliers, and billing basics
Delivery vs. supply on your bill
Your bill has two parts:
- Delivery: Met‑Ed maintains power lines, restores outages, and brings electricity to your home.
- Supply: the electricity you use. You can take the default supply or choose an alternate supplier. Delivery stays with Met‑Ed either way.
Default service or choose a supplier
Some owners prefer the default supply to keep things simple. Others shop for fixed rates or contract perks. If you compare offers, review price per kWh, contract length, early termination fees, and whether the rate is fixed or variable. If you do nothing, you will receive default supply and still get one bill from Met‑Ed.
Payment, autopay, and budget plans
Set up autopay, eBilling, or a budget plan to keep costs predictable, especially for second homes. These options help avoid missed payments when you are not on site. You can manage billing and account settings through your Met‑Ed online profile or with phone support see FirstEnergy’s customer support page for contact hours.
Seasonal home billing tips
- Install smart thermostats and leak sensors so you can monitor the home remotely.
- Use budget billing to level out winter heating costs.
- Verify your mailing address and email so bills reach you when you are away.
- If you expect zero occupancy, set a minimum heat setting and keep the fridge on if recommended by the manufacturer to protect components.
Move‑in and safety checklist
Test power, breakers, and GFCIs
- Flip main breakers on and test room by room.
- Check GFCI outlets in kitchens, baths, garage, and exterior.
- Label any unknown circuits while you test.
Protect equipment from surges
- Use surge strips for electronics and network gear.
- Let HVAC power up once, then set your thermostat to a steady target. Avoid rapid cycling during first startup after a long vacancy.
Winterization and vacancy settings
- Heat: set at a safe minimum to protect pipes.
- Water heater: set to vacation mode if available.
- Refrigerator: follow manufacturer guidance for long gaps. If you empty it, prop doors and shut off the ice maker.
Outages and service requests
Report outages and get updates
- Call 1‑888‑544‑4877 or text OUT to 544487 to report an outage and receive updates. You can also use online outage reporting with status alerts through your account portal per FirstEnergy’s contact resources.
- Sign up for alerts so you know about interruptions before you arrive for the weekend.
Tree and access considerations
Wooded lots and winter storms can bring limbs into lines. If you see a hazardous tree near utility lines, contact Met‑Ed for line‑side evaluation. Do not attempt trimming near energized wires. Coordinate gate access and pets before any crew visit to prevent delays see customer contact options.
Electrician vs. utility: who handles what
- Utility: company meters, service drop, and final connection to your service equipment are Met‑Ed’s responsibility. Company equipment remains utility property per the Customer Guide for Electric Service.
- Homeowner: meter base, service entrance cable, trenching for underground, and interior wiring are typically yours, installed by a licensed electrician to code. Met‑Ed requires proof of electrical inspection approval before energizing new or upgraded service as detailed in the Customer Guide.
Building new, upgrading service, or adding temporary power
If you are building or adding service for a renovation, use FirstEnergy’s Establish or Upgrade Service request. You will provide lot info, desired service type, voltage and amperage, and preferred meter location. Your electrician and the township will help with plans and inspections per FirstEnergy’s project request process.
Before Met‑Ed energizes, your meter socket and related work must be inspected and approved by the local authority or certified inspector under Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code per the Customer Guide. In Lehman Township, building and zoning permits are required for new construction and many alterations. The township coordinates permitting and uses third‑party inspectors for code compliance see Lehman Township’s zoning and permit information. Third‑party agencies like Building Inspection Underwriters are authorized to perform inspections in Pike County under state rules per the Commonwealth’s listing.
Typical utility lead times begin after you submit all required documents, approvals, and payments. Company construction minimums often run about 4 weeks for a residential service drop and about 8 weeks for a residential line extension, with larger projects taking longer. Final timelines depend on scope, permitting, easements, weather, and crew workload per FirstEnergy’s Customer Guide timeline table.
Tips for landlords and rental hosts
Keep utilities through turnovers
Do not shut the power off between guests or tenants. Continuous service protects pipes, HVAC, and smart locks. A low heat setting and dehumidification help safeguard finishes.
Authorize property managers on the account
Add your property manager or caretaker as an authorized contact so they can report outages, meet crews, and handle billing questions while you are off site. Manage permissions and contact info through your account or by calling customer service contact options here.
Set clear utility terms in leases
Spell out who pays for electric, how readings are taken at move‑in and move‑out, and what happens if a tenant disconnects service early. For short‑term rentals, post basic breaker panel instructions and the outage number so guests can act quickly in a storm.
Local help when you need it
A smooth utility setup is part of a smooth move. Our team lives and works in the Saw Creek and Lehman Township area, and we are happy to help you time start dates, coordinate vendors, and protect your home through the off season. If you are comparing neighborhoods or planning a purchase, we can pair property options with practical move‑in steps so you settle in with confidence. Reach out to Saw Creek Real Estate, LLC for local guidance, from utility checklists to full buying, selling, and rental support.
FAQs
Who provides electric service in Tamiment?
- Many addresses in Tamiment and Lehman Township are served by Met‑Ed, a FirstEnergy company. If you are unsure, call customer service or review regional coverage notes for Pike County regional coverage context.
How far in advance should I request start service?
- Submit your request at least 2 business days before your move‑in date. Met‑Ed confirms the turn‑on date by email once processed per Start Service guidance.
What information do I need to open a Met‑Ed account?
- Service address, move‑in date, contact details, SSN or Tax ID for a credit check, and billing address. A meter number or proof of ownership or lease may be requested per Met‑Ed’s process.
Will I have to pay a deposit?
- Possibly. Deposits depend on credit history and account standing. Residential deposits earn interest and are reviewed for return after 12 on‑time payments per FirstEnergy policy.
How do I report an outage or get updates?
- Call 1‑888‑544‑4877 or text OUT to 544487. You can also use your online account for outage reporting and alerts see customer contact options.
I am building or upgrading service. What is the process?
- Submit an Establish or Upgrade Service request with technical details. Complete township permits and pass electrical inspection before energizing. Typical company construction lead times start around 4 to 8 weeks for residential work after requirements are met project steps and timelines and Customer Guide.
Do I need permits or inspections in Lehman Township?
- Yes. Zoning and building permits are required for new builds and many alterations. Electrical work must pass inspection by the township or a certified third‑party inspector before Met‑Ed will energize see township permit info and inspection requirements.
What if my home is in a gated community?
- Provide gate codes and access instructions in your start request and keep pets secured. Lack of access can delay activation or field work per FirstEnergy’s service expectations.
