New Market Utility Setup Guide: Water, Electric, Gas

Moving to New Market and need your utilities ready on day one? Getting water, electric, and gas set up can feel like a maze when you are juggling closing, movers, and boxes. You deserve a simple, local checklist that saves time and prevents surprises on your first bill. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide tailored to New Market and Frederick County so you can turn the lights and water on with confidence. Let’s dive in.

At a glance: Who serves New Market

Most New Market addresses get water and sewer through Frederick County’s Division of Water & Sewer Utilities (DWSU). Electric distribution for much of Frederick County is handled by Potomac Edison, a FirstEnergy company. Natural gas varies by neighborhood, so confirm your exact provider before you schedule service. See the county’s Water and Sewer Utilities page and FirstEnergy’s contact center directory. For gas territory, start with UGI’s service regions.

Water and sewer setup (Frederick County DWSU)

Start or transfer service

• Call DWSU customer service to open or transfer your account. You can also review forms and planning info on the county site’s Water & Sewer Utilities pages.
• Request your start date at least 72 hours before move-in.
• For new construction or capacity questions, contact the county’s Water & Sewer Planning team.

What to have ready

• Photo ID for the account holder.
• Service address and requested start date.
• Mailing address, phone, and email.
• Proof of ownership or lease if requested.

Billing, deposits, and fees

• Frederick County bills water and sewer quarterly. Your first bill may include prorated charges. See county billing info and FAQs here.
• Deposits and fees vary by meter size and account type. Ask the billing office what applies to your address.

Water and sewer emergencies

• DWSU main: 301-600-1825
• Billing office: 301-600-2354
• After-hours emergency: 301-600-2194
• If water was shut off for non-payment, call the billing office for next steps.

Electric service setup (Potomac Edison / FirstEnergy)

Confirm your electric utility

• Check the seller’s or current resident’s bill for the distribution utility name.
• If unsure, call Potomac Edison customer service at 1-800-686-0011 or use FirstEnergy’s contact center page to confirm service for your address.

Start or transfer service

• Provide your name, service address, start date, and contact info. Some utilities request an SSN or Tax ID for identity and deposit decisions.
• Submit requests at least 72 hours before move-in. Existing meters can often be activated within 1 to 3 business days. The Maryland PSC explains typical timelines in its start/stop service guidance.

Outages and emergencies

• Report outages to FirstEnergy at 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877).
• Potomac Edison customer service: 1-800-686-0011.
• Stay clear of downed wires, call 911 for immediate danger, then notify the utility.

Choosing an electricity supplier

• Maryland allows you to choose a competitive electricity supplier for the generation portion of your bill. Delivery and outages remain with the distribution utility. Learn more from FirstEnergy’s Maryland customer choice overview. Compare offers carefully.

Natural gas or propane setup

Find your gas provider

• Gas service in Frederick County varies. Some areas are served by UGI, others by different distributors, and many homes use propane.
• Check the current gas bill, the seller’s disclosures, or the county’s New Resident Checklist. You can also contact UGI or other likely distributors to confirm service for your exact address.

Start or transfer gas service

• Have your ID, service address, start date, and contact info ready. Some companies may ask for proof of occupancy and an SSN or Tax ID.
• If the home uses propane, open an account with a propane vendor, schedule a tank inspection if needed, and set up delivery.

If you smell gas

• Leave the building immediately, avoid using switches or phones inside.
• Call 911.
• Then call your gas utility’s emergency line. If UGI is your distributor, their published emergency number is 800-276-2722, which is listed on UGI’s safety resources page.

Seller handoff checklist

• Leave copies of the last 2 to 3 utility bills, account numbers, and any service agreements.
• Note meter locations for water, electric, and gas.
• Provide any permits or inspection records for recent utility work.
• For new construction, confirm what availability, tap, or connection fees were paid. See county Water & Sewer Planning.

Before you dig or landscape

• Call Miss Utility at 811 before any digging, fence posts, or irrigation work. Frederick County participates in the one-call marking system. County FAQs are available here.

Need a local ally for your move?

You should not have to guess who to call or what to prepare. If you want a smooth start in New Market, I can coordinate timelines with your closing, confirm providers by address, and make sure your utility setup does not delay move-in. Reach out to Myah C. Moxley for friendly, local guidance before, during, and after your purchase.

FAQs

Who provides water and sewer in New Market, MD?

• Frederick County’s Division of Water & Sewer Utilities serves the Town of New Market and surrounding county areas; see the county’s Water and Sewer Utilities page to confirm details for your address.

How far in advance should I request utility start dates?

• Aim for at least 72 hours before move-in for water, electric, and gas; the Maryland PSC outlines typical timelines in its start/stop service FAQ.

Who do I call if the power goes out in New Market?

• Report outages to FirstEnergy at 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) and use Potomac Edison customer service at 1-800-686-0011, listed on FirstEnergy’s contact center page.

How do I find my natural gas company for a New Market address?

• Check the current gas bill, then verify with the likely distributor; UGI lists Frederick County on its service regions, and the county’s New Resident Checklist is a helpful starting point.

How is water and sewer billed in Frederick County?

• Bills are issued quarterly and may include prorated charges on your first cycle; see county billing info in the FAQs.

Do I need to call before landscaping or installing a fence?

• Yes, call 811 to have utilities marked. Frederick County references the Miss Utility one-call system in its FAQs.