Closing on a home in Mokena and wondering how to get water, lights, heat, and trash ready for move‑in day? You’re not alone. Between final walkthroughs and packing, utility setup can feel like a maze. This guide walks you through what to do, when to do it, and what to have on hand so you avoid delays, deposits, and surprise fees. Let’s dive in.
Utility timeline: What to do when
Planning ahead keeps your move smooth. Here’s a simple schedule to follow.
2+ weeks before closing
- Contact the Village of Mokena to set up water and sewer billing.
- Start or transfer electric with ComEd.
- Start or transfer gas with Nicor Gas.
- Check the Village’s refuse and recycling info to confirm the official hauler and pickup details.
- Ask about deposits, required ID, and whether a meter reading will be scheduled on your closing date.
3–7 business days before possession
- Confirm activation dates and any required paperwork.
- Provide a closing statement or deed if requested by the Village for water/sewer.
- Request a meter reading for closing day to cleanly separate seller and buyer usage.
Closing day
- Verify that water, electric, gas, and trash service are active or scheduled for that day.
- Record meter readings and keep photo backups.
- Collect confirmation numbers for each account.
First 30 days after move‑in
- Set up online accounts and e‑billing or autopay.
- Review your first bills for prorated dates and accuracy.
- Note your pickup day and local rules for recycling, yard waste, and bulk items.
Water and sewer: Village of Mokena
Where to start
Water and sewer in Mokena are set up through the Village. Contact the Village’s Water Billing or Public Works team to open a new account or transfer service in your name. Ask for a meter reading or transfer reading on your closing date so your usage starts cleanly.
What to prepare
Have these items ready in case they’re requested:
- Property address and closing/possession date
- Your name, phone, email, and mailing address
- Government ID
- Proof of ownership, such as a closing statement or deed
- Social Security number if the Village requires a credit check
Billing and tips
- Confirm billing frequency and due dates with the Village.
- Ask whether water and sewer are combined on one bill and whether stormwater or refuse fees are included.
- Some villages require setup fees or deposits for new accounts. Confirm what applies in Mokena before closing.
If your home has an HOA or condo association
Some communities include water or sewer in association dues. Verify with the seller or HOA to avoid duplicate accounts or payments.
Electric: ComEd
Start or transfer service
Use ComEd’s “Start, Stop, Move” options online or by phone to start or transfer electric service to your name on your possession date. Have your service address, start date, and contact info ready.
What you may need
- Government ID
- Social Security number if ComEd requires a credit check
- Closing date and best contact information
Timing and options
Electric activation is often available within 1–3 business days. Same‑day activation may be possible if you submit early enough online. ComEd bills for delivery and supply; you can choose a retail supplier or remain on ComEd’s basic supply service. Review your options and decide what fits your needs.
Outage readiness
Save ComEd’s outage reporting information in your phone. If you experience a loss of power, report it right away and follow ComEd’s guidance.
Natural gas: Nicor Gas
Start or transfer service
Start or transfer natural gas service with Nicor Gas for your closing or possession date. You can request service online or by phone. Ask for a meter reading on the transfer date and confirm the meter is accessible.
What you may need
- Government ID
- Social Security number for a credit check, or proof of prior utility payment history
- Service address, contact info, and start date
Timing and safety
Activations generally take a few business days. If the property’s gas service is currently off, ask whether a technician visit or inspection is needed and schedule it before move‑in. Review Nicor’s safety guidance on what to do if you ever smell gas or suspect a leak.
Refuse and recycling: Village guidance
Find the official hauler and rules
The Village of Mokena provides the official information for trash, recycling, and yard waste. Check the Village’s refuse and recycling details to see the authorized hauler, your pickup day, recycling rules, yard waste season, and how bulk item pickups work.
Common variables to confirm
- Recycling method and accepted materials
- Yard waste season dates, containers, and sticker requirements
- Bulk item limits and whether you must schedule in advance
- Holiday pickup adjustments and special collection events
Billing
Some villages bill refuse through the municipal utility bill. Others have the hauler bill you directly. Confirm how Mokena handles billing and whether any refuse charges appear on your Village account.
Local Mokena and Will County notes
Municipal vs private billing
- Water and sewer are handled by the Village of Mokena. Refuse is either provided through a Village contract or billed by an authorized hauler. Start with the Village to confirm forms, procedures, and payment options.
HOA and condo coverage
- Some associations bundle water, sewer, or refuse in HOA dues. Ask the seller or management for a list of what is included before opening new accounts.
Assistance and budget billing
- ComEd and Nicor Gas offer assistance programs, budget billing, and payment arrangements for qualifying customers. Will County may publish local resources for energy assistance. If you’re asked for a deposit and have limited credit history, ask about alternatives.
Emergencies and service issues
- For electric outages, use ComEd’s outage reporting. For a suspected gas leak, follow Nicor Gas emergency procedures. For municipal water issues such as low pressure or main breaks, contact the Village of Mokena Public Works. For life safety issues, call 911.
Environment and disposal
- Will County often shares information on household hazardous waste and electronics recycling events. Check county resources for current schedules and accepted items.
Fees, deposits, and common pitfalls
Deposits and credit checks
Utilities may request a deposit for new customers without sufficient credit or utility history. Ask about deposit waivers, proof of prior on‑time utility payments, or payment plans.
Avoid double billing
Request a meter reading on your closing date for water, electric, and gas when possible. Keep confirmation numbers and photos of meter readings. This keeps seller and buyer usage separate and helps avoid overlaps.
If the seller is unresponsive
If you cannot get final readings or coordination from the seller, contact each utility directly. Provide your closing statement or your title company’s information to document your transfer date. Providers and municipal billing offices can work with you to set accurate start dates.
Quick checklist you can copy
Before closing (2+ weeks)
- Contact the Village of Mokena to open water/sewer billing.
- Start or transfer ComEd electric for your possession date.
- Start or transfer Nicor Gas for your possession date.
- Review the Village’s refuse and recycling details and note your pickup day.
- Ask about deposits, required ID, and meter readings on your closing date.
3–7 days before possession
- Confirm activation dates with each provider.
- Submit any missing documents to the Village.
- Request a transfer meter reading for closing day.
On closing day
- Verify utilities are on.
- Photograph all meter readings.
- Save account and confirmation numbers.
After move‑in
- Create online accounts and enable e‑billing or autopay.
- Review first bills for prorated dates and accuracy.
- Note recycling, yard waste, and bulk pickup rules for your address.
Getting utilities lined up early helps you focus on enjoying your new home instead of chasing paperwork. If you need local coordination or a sanity check on your timeline, reach out. Schedule a Consultation with Unknown Company and get move‑in ready with confidence.
FAQs
How do I set up water and sewer in Mokena?
- Contact the Village of Mokena’s Water Billing or Public Works to open an account or transfer service, provide your closing date, and request a meter reading for that date.
How fast can ComEd and Nicor Gas start service?
- Electric and gas often activate within 1–3 business days, and some online requests allow same‑day service if submitted early.
Will I need to pay deposits for utilities?
- You may be asked for a deposit based on credit or utility history; ask about waivers, proof of prior on‑time payments, or payment plans.
Who covers utilities on closing day in Mokena?
- Sellers usually keep service active through closing, and buyers start service on the possession date; request meter readings to separate final and initial usage.
How do I avoid double billing for water and power?
- Schedule meter readings on closing day, take photos of meters, and keep confirmation numbers from each provider.
Where do I find trash pickup rules and recycling info?
- Check the Village of Mokena’s refuse and recycling details for the authorized hauler, pickup schedules, recycling guidelines, yard waste dates, and bulk item procedures.
