Setting Up Electricity Service

Scene: Diego just moved into a new apartment and needs to turn on the electricity. He’s calling the power company. Ashley answers.

ASHLEY: Thank you for calling PowerPlus. This is Ashley. How can I help you?

DIEGO: Hi, I just moved into a new apartment, and I need to set up electricity service.

ASHLEY: I can help with that. First, is this a new account, or are you transferring service from another address?

DIEGO: It’s a new account. This is my first apartment in this city.

ASHLEY: Welcome! I’ll need your full name, the service address, and your desired start date.

DIEGO: My name is Diego Fernandez. The address is 4520 Elm Street, Apartment 7. I need the power on by Friday.

ASHLEY: Got it. And what’s a good phone number and email for the account?

DIEGO: My phone is 555-392-7741, and my email is diego.f@email.com.

ASHLEY: Thank you. Now, we require a $150 security deposit for new customers. It will be returned after 12 months of on-time payments.

DIEGO: Okay. Can I pay the deposit with a debit card?

ASHLEY: Yes, debit or credit card both work. We can also split it into three monthly payments if that’s easier.

DIEGO: Splitting it sounds better for my budget. Let’s do that.

ASHLEY: Done. Now — do you want paper bills mailed to you, or paperless billing by email?

DIEGO: Paperless, please. And can I pay online each month?

ASHLEY: Absolutely. You can pay through our website or app. I’ll send you a setup link by email.

DIEGO: How long does it take to turn the power on?

ASHLEY: Since the meter is already installed, we can activate it remotely — usually within 4 hours on business days.

DIEGO: That’s fast! Do I need to be home for that?

ASHLEY: No, you don’t need to be there. Just make sure your main breaker is in the “on” position.

DIEGO: Where would I find the breaker box?

ASHLEY: It’s usually in a closet, hallway, or garage. It’s a gray metal box with switches inside.

DIEGO: Got it. Thank you, Ashley — you made this really easy.

ASHLEY: You’re welcome, Diego! Your confirmation number is P-P-8-8-3-1. Have a great day!

— THE END —

Vocabulary List

Set up /set ʌp/ (phr v.) to arrange a new service. Example: I need to set up electricity service.
Transfer /trænsˈfɜːr/ (v.) to move a service to a new address. Example: Are you transferring service?
Service address /ˈsɜːrvɪs əˈdres/ (n.) the address receiving the service. Example: I need the service address.
Security deposit /səˈkjʊrəti dɪˈpɑːzɪt/ (n.) money held as a guarantee. Example: We require a $150 security deposit.
On-time payments /ɑːn taɪm ˈpeɪmənts/ (n.) paying bills by the due date. Example: After 12 months of on-time payments.
Paperless billing /ˈpeɪpərləs ˈbɪlɪŋ/ (n.) bills sent by email, not mail. Example: Paperless billing by email.
Activate /ˈæktəveɪt/ (v.) to turn on or start a service. Example: We can activate it remotely.
Remotely /rɪˈmoʊtli/ (adv.) from a distance, without visiting. Example: We can activate it remotely.
Breaker box /ˈbreɪkər bɑːks/ (n.) the panel with electrical switches. Example: Find the breaker box in the closet.
Confirmation number /ˌkɑːnfərˈmeɪʃən ˈnʌmbər/ (n.) a code proving your request. Example: Your confirmation number is PP-8831.

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