Anyone who moves in Zurich has more on their minds than just packing boxes. A very crucial point on the to-do list is re-registering with the Zurich city electricity company, or ewz for short. If you have yourReport ewz move, you not only secure seamless electricity in your new apartment, but also avoid unpleasant surprises when it comes to the final bill.
Moving to Zurich: Why the ewz re-registration is so important
Moving house involves a lot of organization. The power supply must not be lost between the transport of furniture and the change of address at the post office. In Zurich, ewz is your contact for this.
The re-registration is more than just a formality. It ensures that your old electricity contract ends on time when you move out and the new one starts exactly on the day you hand over the keys. Without a proper sign-off, you run the risk of inadvertently paying for the electricity consumption of your new tenants. A costly mistake that can easily be avoided.
At TIXPI, we accompany countless moves every day and know from experience how crucial a smooth process is. A well-planned move also takes into account the small administrative details. That's why we always advise tackling the topic of electricity early on - a point that is also discussed in our largeChecklist for moving in Switzerlandshould not be missing.
The process at a glance
Fortunately, re-registering with ewz is not rocket science and can be divided into three logical steps that build on each other.
The graphic makes it clear: first log out, then give the meter reading and finally register the new address. This guarantees correct billing.
By the way, even if moving is a big deal, mobility in Switzerland is tending to decline. In 2024 the relocation rate was9.3%at an all-time low. Since 2020, the number of people moving has even increased by around10%sunk. This shows how important it is to make the moves that take place as efficient and stress-free as possible.
This is how you can deregister from ewz at the old address
Before the electricity can flow in the new apartment, it must first be properly deregistered in the old one. This step is extremely important so that you don't suddenly have to be responsible for your new tenant's electricity consumption after you move out. Timely termination is the be-all and end-all here.
The best thing to do is to report the move to ewzat least 14 days before the move-out date. This deadline gives the ewz team enough time to prepare everything administratively and guarantee a smooth handover. Anyone who puts off “reporting a move” to ewz will end up risking unnecessary costs and paperwork.
What data does ewz need from you?
In order to keep the process as lean and quick as possible, it is best to have the following information ready before contacting ewz:
- Your customer number:This is on every invoice from ewz.
- The full old address:Don't forget the floor and door number if available.
- The exact move-out date:This is usually the day of the official handover of the apartment.
- Your new address:This is important so that the final invoice reaches you.
With this information, ewz can process your deregistration quickly and without errors. Your final bill is then based on the meter reading that you read on the day of handover.
The crucial moment is the handover of the apartment. On this day you must note down the meter reading of your old apartment and pass it on to ewz. This value is the basis for your final electricity bill and officially ends your obligation to pay for this connection.
By the way, did you know that the type of apartment has a strong influence on the frequency of moving? Residents of apartment buildings move significantly more often than homeowners. Most of these moves also take place over relatively short distances - the average moving distance in Switzerland is only about13.4 to 13.7 kilometers. You can find more exciting facts about this atin this analysis by the federal government.
A practical tip that has often saved me trouble: Be sure to take a photo of the meter on the day it is handed over. Make sure that the meter number and meter reading are easy to read. This image is your wildcard if there are later billing discrepancies. Better safe than sorry.
Registering with ewz for your new home – this is how it works
Finally arrived! To ensure that everything runs smoothly in your new home from day one, registering with ewz is just as important as deregistering from your old apartment. This is the only way to ensure that the electricity flows as soon as you hold the key in your hand.
Similar to deregistering, ewz also needs a few key details from you to register. It's best to have these ready and the matter can be done in just a few minutes.
By the way, moves are not uncommon in Switzerland. Young adults between the ages of 20 and 35 are particularly vulnerable, with a rate of20%most mobile. Interestingly, single people move with12.7%almost twice as often as married people. More about theCurrent moving trends can be found at realestatemove.ch.
You need this information to register
To ensure that registration with ewz goes smoothly, it is best to have the following information ready:
- Your new, full address:Don't forget the floor and apartment number, if available.
- The exact move-in date:This is usually the day the keys are handed over, which is stated in the rental agreement.
- Your personal data:Name, date of birth and how ewz can best reach you.
- The meter number of the new apartment:You can usually find these directly on the electricity meter or in the handover protocol.
Our tip from TIXPI practice:It is best to ask the administration for the meter number before handing over the apartment. This saves you searching in the basement on moving day and makes registering online child's play.
Remember: It's not just the electricity that needs to be re-registered. A good overview of all the important positions will help you with theChange of address when movingnothing to forget.
How to register and what to do if there is a problem?
The quickest and easiest way is to register using the online form on the ewz website. There you can enter all the data directly and receive an immediate confirmation. If you prefer to speak in person, you can of course also use telephone customer service.
A classic that happens again and again: The previous tenant has not yet signed out. No need to panic. In this case, simply call ewz. With your rental agreement as proof, you can still start registration without any problems and ensure that the electricity is in your name from the start.
Record and transmit the meter reading without errors
The meter reading is the be-all and end-all when reporting the move to ewz. If the number is incorrect, an incorrect final invoice is almost certain - and unfortunately so is the administrative hassle afterwards.
First, take a look at your meter. Is it an older, mechanical model with a rotating disc? Or a modern digital meter with an LCD display? No matter which type you have, the rule is always the same:Only write down the numbers before the decimal point.The digits after that, often in the red area, do not play any role in the billing.
Documentation is your best friend
A very simple but crucial tip from our many years of TIXPI practice: Take a photo! Take a picture of the meter reading both when you move out of the old apartment and when you move into the new one. It is important that the meter number and meter reading are clearly visible in the picture.
This photo is your incontrovertible proof. If there are ever any discrepancies with ewz, you can provide proof of the correct status at any time. This saves you an incredible amount of time and stress.
You usually enter the meter reading directly in the online form for re-registration. The corresponding field is hard to miss. Simply type in the value read. If there is an option to upload the photo directly – all the better.
Sometimes the meter is not that easy to access, for example in a locked basement. The following applies here: act with foresight! Clarify access in good time with the property management, the caretaker or the previous tenant. Under no circumstances should you wait until moving day itself, as this will only cause unnecessary stress. A short consultation in advance ensures that you have all the numbers ready on the day of handover.
Practical tips for a smooth process
As moving experts at TIXPI, we know from countless moves: It's often the small, well-planned details that make the big difference in the end. Simply re-registering with ewz is just one piece of the puzzle. With a few smart tips in advance, you can take the stress out of the whole thing.
One piece of advice that has proven itself over and over again: create a digital moving checklist. The point“Report ewz moving”It should be high up so that it doesn't get lost in the hustle and bustle. This way you can always keep track of things.
What has also proven to be extremely helpful is a digital folder for moving. Here you can collect everything that is important and have it immediately to hand:
- Rental contracts (for the old and new apartment)
- The handover protocols
- Photos of the meter readings of both apartments
Plan ahead and communicate clearly
Another insider tip: Don't exhaust the 14-day reporting period until the last day. It is better to submit the report a good week in advance. This gives you a buffer in case there are questions or something is unclear.
Be sure to discuss in advance with your administration or the previous tenant who exactly will transmit the meter reading on the day of handover. A short, clear agreement prevents duplication and ensures that everything runs smoothly on moving day.
By cleverly incorporating these administrative tasks into your planning, you create valuable freedom. This means you can fully concentrate on setting up and arriving on the big day. And remember, also theHaving mail redirected when moving, so that no bills or important letters end up in the old mailbox.
Once the formalities are completed, you can relax and explore your new surroundings. If you're looking for inspiration, here are someinteresting places in Zurichto really enjoy arriving in the city.
What else you should know about the ewz move
When re-registering with ewz, the same questions often arise. No wonder, you don't rein in every day. Here we have collected the most common concerns that we atTIXPIin everyday life so that you don't have any insecurities.
What happens if I forget to report the move?
Honestly? This can be quite inconvenient and expensive. If you forget to deregister at the old location, your electricity contract will simply continue. In the worst case, this means: you unknowingly pay for your new tenant's electricity consumption.
And vice versa: If you miss the registration process for your new apartment, you may find yourself in the dark when you move in. So a few clicks or a call at the right time will save you a lot of potential hassle and unnecessary costs.
A small administrative step with a big impact: re-registering with ewz in a timely manner not only secures your power supply, but also protects you from unexpected financial burdens. It is a fundamental part of a well-organized reining operation.
How do I find my meter number?
The meter number is the unique ID for your electricity connection - without it, the change of registration will not work. Fortunately, it is usually easy to find. Just look at these places:
- Directly on the electricity meter:As a rule, the number is printed there in large size or noted on a label. You can hardly miss them.
- On old ewz invoices:Take a look at one of your recent utility bills. The meter number is always listed there.
- In the apartment handover protocol:The meter number is often recorded here both when moving out and when moving in. That's basically the standard.
If you still can't find it, it's not the end of the world. A quick call to the property manager or a query to the previous tenant usually solves the problem quickly.
Do I have to log in and out of ewz?
Yes, absolutely. These are two separate processes, but they go hand in hand. TheDeregistrationends the contract for your old apartment and stops billing for you.
TheRegistrationIn turn, the new contract for your new home starts, exactly on the move-in date. Only if you do both can a seamless transition of your power supply be guaranteed.
Are you planning your move in Zurich or another Swiss city?TIXPIorganizes everything for you – from the transport of individual pieces of furniture to the complete household move. Get a transparent price immediately and leave the stress to us.Book your smooth move now at tixpi.ch.