Moving week can feel like a sprint. Between keys, boxes, and utility calls, it is easy to miss a step that delays service or a needed inspection. If you are settling into Rockdale County, a few local details can save you time and stress. This guide walks you through utilities, permits, and key first-week tasks so you can get connected fast and focus on enjoying your new home. Let’s dive in.
Utilities to set up first
Electricity service
Most Rockdale addresses are served by Georgia Power or Snapping Shoals EMC, depending on your exact location. If your home is in Georgia Power territory, you can request start, stop, or transfer online and often get next-day connection at existing service locations if you submit in time. Review requirements and schedule through Georgia Power’s start and stop page. If your address is served by Snapping Shoals, call their main line to start service and set up your account.
- Start or transfer with Georgia Power: Georgia Power start and stop
- Outages and safety at Georgia Power: Georgia Power outage information
Tip: If you see downed lines or a hazardous situation, call 911, then your electric provider.
Natural gas basics
Atlanta Gas Light operates the gas distribution system in Rockdale County. You choose a retail gas marketer for supply, while AGL handles emergencies and availability questions. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the area and call AGL’s emergency line right away.
- Gas emergencies and contacts: Atlanta Gas Light contact page
Water and sewer
Rockdale Water Resources provides water and wastewater service countywide, including addresses inside Conyers. For new service, submit your request at least two business days before your desired start date. Scheduling is during business hours Monday through Friday.
- Start or stop service: Rockdale Water Resources new service
Trash and recycling
If you are inside Conyers city limits, the City provides weekly curbside garbage and recycling with city-issued carts. If you are in unincorporated Rockdale County, most residents contract with a private hauler and can use the county recycling center for drop-off items.
- City curbside details: Conyers residential sanitation and recycling
Internet and TV
Xfinity and AT&T serve much of Rockdale County. Availability varies by street, and some addresses may use fixed wireless or satellite. Check service options and schedule your install early to avoid delays.
- Address-level availability example: Xfinity availability in Conyers
Permits and inspections
City vs. county jurisdiction
Permit rules depend on whether your property is inside the City of Conyers or in unincorporated Rockdale County. Each office issues its own building and trade permits and oversees inspections.
- County permits and inspections: Rockdale County permits
- City permits and inspections: City of Conyers permits
Projects that commonly need permits
Many electrical service changes, HVAC replacements, plumbing line work, additions, decks, some roof projects, fences, and land disturbance typically require permits. Always confirm the requirement for your exact address before work starts. Your contractor should pull permits and schedule inspections for trade work.
How inspections affect power reconnection
For projects that impact electrical service in Conyers, a licensed electrician must pull the electrical permit and schedule inspection. After you pass inspection, the city notifies the power company so reconnection can proceed. In the county, follow the Rockdale County inspection process for your address.
Expected permit timelines
Simple trade permits can often be issued quickly, but you still need to pass inspection before final approval or reconnection. Larger remodels and new builds require plans and multi-department reviews, which take longer. Call your permitting office to confirm current turnaround times.
Week-one admin checklist
- File a USPS Change-of-Address. Online filing includes ID verification. Forwarding typically begins in about 7 to 10 business days. Start here: USPS change of address
- Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration. New Georgia residents must transfer an out-of-state license within 30 days. In-state address changes must be updated within 60 days. Learn more: Georgia DDS address change
- Register to vote or update your voter registration with the Rockdale County Board of Elections. Check deadlines for any upcoming elections. Local info: Rockdale County election office
- Review property taxes and homestead exemption with the Rockdale County Tax Commissioner. If you own and occupy by January 1, ask about homestead eligibility and timelines. Office site: Rockdale Tax Office
A seven-day move-in plan
- Day 0 to 1: Confirm which electric provider serves your address and request start or transfer. Set up water service with two business days’ notice. File your USPS change-of-address and create online utility accounts. Use: Georgia Power start and stop and Rockdale Water Resources new service.
- Days 2 to 3: Check internet availability and book your install window. If you are inside Conyers, note your trash and recycling schedule. See: Xfinity availability in Conyers and Conyers sanitation.
- Days 3 to 5: Planning repairs or upgrades? Verify permit requirements for your address before work starts. County: Rockdale County permits. City: Conyers permits.
- Days 5 to 7: Update your license and vehicle registration, review voter registration, and note any property tax or homestead deadlines. Start at: Georgia DDS address change and USPS change of address.
Quick local contacts
- Rockdale Water Resources customer service: (770) 278-7400; emergencies: (770) 278-7500
- Georgia Power start or stop service: 1-888-660-5890; outages: 888-891-0938 or text OUT to 42797
- Snapping Shoals EMC main line: (770) 786-3484; automated outage reporting: (678) 814-4961
- Atlanta Gas Light gas emergencies: 877-427-4321
Settle in with confidence
You do not have to navigate move-in week alone. From address-specific utility questions to local permitting steps, you can lean on a team that knows Rockdale County and the surrounding communities. If you are buying or selling in the area, connect with The Legacy Real Estate Group for responsive, local guidance and a smooth transition to your next chapter.
FAQs
Who provides electricity in Rockdale County?
- Parts of Rockdale County are served by Georgia Power and others by Snapping Shoals EMC; confirm your address with the utility before you schedule start or transfer, and use Georgia Power start and stop for Georgia Power addresses.
How do I start water service in Rockdale County?
- Rockdale Water Resources handles water and sewer for most addresses; request new service at least two business days in advance using Rockdale Water Resources new service.
Who do I call for a gas leak in Conyers or Rockdale?
- Leave the area and call Atlanta Gas Light’s emergency line at 877-427-4321; more contacts are on the Atlanta Gas Light contact page.
Do I get city trash pickup at my new home?
- If your address is inside Conyers city limits, you receive weekly curbside garbage and recycling with city-issued carts; confirm details at Conyers residential sanitation.
Do I need a permit for common home projects?
- Many electrical, plumbing, HVAC, deck, fence, and land-disturbance projects require permits; check your address jurisdiction and start with Rockdale County permits or City of Conyers permits.
