Moving into Cheval should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Still, turning on utilities can be confusing when you are juggling movers, closings, and gate access. You deserve a simple, local guide that tells you exactly who to contact, what it costs, and when to schedule each step. Below you will find the essential process for Cheval East and Cheval West, with direct links and a practical timeline. Let’s dive in.
Know your Cheval providers
Most Cheval addresses use the same core providers. Always confirm by exact street address before you schedule service.
- Electricity: Tampa Electric (TECO) is the primary utility for the area. You can start, stop, or transfer service online. Start service with TECO.
- Natural gas: Many homes that have gas use TECO Peoples Gas. Confirm availability for your address before you apply. Start service with Peoples Gas.
- Water and sewer: Unincorporated Hillsborough County customers use Hillsborough County Water Resources. Start or move water service.
- Trash and recycling: Curbside service is managed by Hillsborough County Solid Waste. Use the County’s address lookup to see pickup days. Find your trash and recycling schedule.
- Internet and TV: Availability is address specific. Spectrum and AT&T are common, and fixed wireless or satellite can fill gaps. Run each provider’s address check before you decide.
- HOA and gate access: Cheval is gated. Confirm gate credentials, guest registration, and any included services through the community portal or management. Visit the Cheval West site.
Set up electricity with TECO
Starting electric service is usually fast and fully online.
- Apply online to start or transfer service. You will provide your service address, move-in date, and contact info. Use TECO’s start service page.
- Be prepared for a credit check. A deposit may be required based on credit or usage history. Review options and waiver criteria on TECO’s policy page. See TECO deposit options.
- If anyone in your household relies on electrically powered medical equipment, enroll in TECO’s Medical Watch program. Physician certification is required. Learn about Medical Watch.
Set up natural gas with Peoples Gas
Not every home in Cheval has gas service. Confirm first, then schedule.
- Check availability for your address and complete the online start or transfer form. Start service with Peoples Gas.
- Expect a credit check and deposit. Peoples Gas calculates deposits based on expected use and payment history.
- For emergencies, use the provider’s instructions and phone number immediately. Find Peoples Gas emergency contacts.
Start water and sewer with Hillsborough County
Most Cheval homes are served by Hillsborough County Water Resources.
- Submit the County’s request form to start, stop, or move service. Start or move water service.
- The County publishes a 25 dollar setup charge for new service. A deposit may also apply based on credit screening.
- If your property uses a septic system instead of central sewer, check permitting and maintenance rules. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough has details. Review septic system guidance.
Arrange trash, recycling, and yard waste
Hillsborough County Solid Waste oversees curbside service in Cheval.
- Look up your address for pickup days and holiday changes. Find your pickup schedule.
- For missed service, damaged carts, or bulky item options, use the County’s Solid Waste resources.
- Check your HOA rules for cart storage and placement times.
Get internet and TV service
Internet availability can vary by street, so run each provider’s address search before you choose.
- Common wired options include Spectrum and AT&T when fiber or DSL is available. Some addresses use 5G fixed wireless or satellite as alternatives.
- Schedule early if you work from home or need low latency. Installation windows can range from same day to several weeks.
- Consider a temporary mobile hotspot for move-in day.
HOA and CDD items to confirm
Cheval East and Cheval West have community associations, and Cheval West also has a Community Development District.
- Confirm who manages common-area lighting, gate access, stormwater facilities, and irrigation. Some services may be handled by the HOA or CDD rather than the County.
- Ask whether any utilities or services are included in your HOA dues.
- Arrange resident portal access for gate credentials, guest registration, and community contacts. Cheval West community site.
A simple timeline and checklist
Use this quick plan to stay on track.
Two weeks out
- Confirm providers by address for electric, gas, water, trash, and internet.
- Gather your photo ID, lease or proof of ownership, and SSN or last 4 for credit checks.
- Compare internet options and schedule installation if needed.
One week out
- Schedule electric, gas, and water start dates for the morning of move-in.
- Request trash and recycling carts if the home does not have them.
- Ask your HOA for gate access credentials and any move-in instructions.
Move-in day
- Photograph electric, water, and gas meters, plus main shutoffs.
- Test power, water, and internet. Keep utility emergency numbers handy.
- If you plan outdoor projects that require digging, contact Sunshine 811 at least two full business days before you dig. When to contact Sunshine 811.
After move-in
- Enroll in paperless billing and autopay.
- Store account numbers and emergency contacts in your phone.
- If eligible, complete TECO’s Medical Watch enrollment.
For sellers: stop or transfer service cleanly
Avoid overlap fees and last-minute surprises by coordinating dates with your buyer and your agent.
- Schedule stop dates for electric, gas, water, and internet effective the day after closing.
- Provide buyers with account numbers for a smooth transfer when appropriate.
- Share final meter photos and forwarding addresses to catch any trailing bills.
Cheval offers a smooth start when you know who to call and what to expect. If you want a local point person to keep your move aligned with closing timelines, connect with Derek Mcdonald for hands-on guidance and trusted vendor referrals.
FAQs
How do I start electric service in Cheval?
- Use TECO’s online portal to start or transfer service, be ready for a credit check and possible deposit, and schedule activation for your move-in date. Start with TECO.
What water setup fee should I expect in Hillsborough County?
- The County lists a 25 dollar setup charge for new service and may require a deposit based on credit screening. Start or move water service.
Who handles trash and recycling in Cheval?
- Hillsborough County Solid Waste manages curbside collection; use the address lookup to confirm your pickup days and holiday changes. Find your schedule.
Is natural gas available at my Cheval address?
- Many homes use Peoples Gas, but availability is address specific; check and start service online. Peoples Gas start page.
How do I get gate access when I move into Cheval?
- Contact your HOA or community management to set up resident portal access, request gate credentials, and review guest registration steps. Cheval West site.
What if my Cheval home uses a septic system?
- Follow Hillsborough County and Florida Department of Health guidance for permitting and maintenance of onsite systems. Septic system guidance.
