The 3-business-day timeline

PSEG LI asks for 3 business days when service is already active at the property. When the meter has been pulled (or the breaker locked off), expect up to 5 business days; there is no rush option.

Scenario A · Fast path

Service is still active at the property

The previous occupant left service on. PSEG LI runs an estimated meter read from the office, transfers the account into your name and emails a confirmation. Same-day or next-day activation.

Common when buying from a still-occupied seller or moving into a rental where the landlord keeps service active between tenants.

Scenario B · Slow path

Service has been disconnected

A field technician must visit to reconnect the meter or unlock the service. Schedule depends on crew availability. Up to 5 business days from your request; longer in storm-recovery periods.

Common when buying a vacant property or moving into new construction. There is no expedite option.

Plan for closing day, not move-in day. If the property is empty between close and move-in, ask PSEG LI to put service in your name on the close date. Refrigerators, sump pumps and security systems still draw power; you do not want a meter-off interruption while you finish unpacking.

What you need on the phone

Have these ready before you dial 1-800-490-0025. PSEG LI customer service is Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

  • Full name and contact details for everyone on the account, plus an email address (used for digital bills and outage alerts).
  • Social Security Number or passport number, for credit-check and deposit-waiver purposes. If you have neither, PSEG LI will ask for an alternative form of ID and may require a deposit.
  • The complete service address: unit number, street number, street name, town and ZIP code. Long Island has many duplicate street names across Nassau and Suffolk; the ZIP is what disambiguates.
  • Expected move-in date. If you are unsure, give the earliest plausible date; you can shift it later with one phone call.
  • If you rent: a copy of your lease and the landlord's name, address and phone number. PSEG LI may verify the lease before activating.
  • Optional, but useful: bank routing and account number if you want to enrol in DirectPay (Auto Pay) at the same time. Otherwise you can add it later from My Account.

Default supply or an ESCO?

When you open a PSEG LI account, you are automatically placed on LIPA-procured default supply. You can switch to an ESCO at any time without changing utility, billing or address.

Stay on default (LIPA SC-1)

  • ·One ¢/kWh that changes every month with the LIPA wholesale blend.
  • ·No contract, no cancellation fee, no separate supplier statement.
  • ·Best for: short-term renters, first year in the home, anyone unsure of usage shape.

Switch to an ESCO

  • ·Pick a DPS-licensed ESCO licensed to sell on Long Island; sign a contract directly with them.
  • ·Supply line on your PSEG LI bill is replaced with the ESCO's price; everything else stays identical.
  • ·Best for: customers who want a locked rate, green-content product or specific contract structure; compare against 12-month default before signing.

You must have an active PSEG LI account before an ESCO can take over the supply line. Open the account first, then switch.

Need gas too? Call National Grid separately

PSEG LI is electric only. If the new home uses natural gas for heat, cooking or a water heater, you must open a separate account with National Grid, the gas distribution utility for Nassau, Suffolk and the Rockaways.

National Grid (gas on Long Island)

Customer service: 1-800-642-5955 (Mon to Fri).

Gas emergency, 24/7: 1-800-892-2345. Never call PSEG LI for gas.

5 move-in mistakes on Long Island

Frequently asked questions

How much notice does PSEG LI need to start service?
Three business days is the minimum if service is already active at the address (transfer in name only). Up to five business days if a field technician must reconnect a disconnected meter. There is no expedite option, and storm-recovery weeks push the window out further.
Will I need to pay a deposit?
It depends on a credit check at the time of enrolment. Residential customers with established credit usually have the deposit waived. Customers without a Social Security Number, with prior PSEG LI arrears or with no credit history may be asked for a deposit equal to roughly two months of estimated usage; it is refunded after 12 months of timely payment.
Can I open the account online without calling?
Yes for straightforward transfers (Scenario A: previous occupant left service active). Use the Start Service form on psegliny.com. For Scenario B (disconnected meter, new construction, complex landlord situations), the phone line is faster because the rep can immediately schedule the field crew.
Do I have to choose an ESCO at move-in?
No. You are automatically placed on LIPA-procured default supply when you open the account. You can switch to an ESCO at any time without changing the utility, the billing process or the address; the supply line on your PSEG LI bill simply changes to reflect the ESCO's price.
What about gas service when I move in?
Set up gas service separately with National Grid, the gas distribution utility for Long Island. Customer service: 1-800-642-5955. For any gas smell or leak in the home, leave first, then call 1-800-892-2345 from outside. PSEG LI is electric only on Long Island.

Related PSEG LI guides

PSEGLINY PSEG Long Island LIPA-vs-PSEG split, Zone K, TOU. MOVE OUT Moving out of LI Close the account, final read, avoid ESCO fees. PAY Pay your bill Six channels; SpeedPay $2.95 fee. BILL Understanding your bill Line-by-line breakdown. SUPPLIERS LI-eligible ESCOs DPS-licensed competitive suppliers. NATIONAL GRID National Grid (gas on LI) Open the gas account separately.
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