Get Connected

While you’re undoubtedly excited about life in your new community, the mechanics of your physical residence do need to be addressed for seamless living. Here’s a quick and easy guide to the basics of setting up utilities, obtaining internet services and changing your address, so you can begin spending time in the wonderful Lake Martin area.

CABLE SERVICE/INTERNET

Local cable television services for business and residential customers in Alexander City and portions of the Lake Martin area is provided by Charter Spectrum. In selected areas, Troy Cable also provides residential service. Satellite television services are available in outlying areas, and there are flexible options for internet bandwidth and download speed to meet business and residential needs. DirecTV and Dish TV provide satellite service in the area. Check out the websites at directv.com or dish.com for packages and pricing.

PHONE SERVICES

All of the major cell service providers are available in Alexander City. Inquire online or at local offices to find a plan that fits your needs. Verizon, AT&T and Cricket maintain storefronts in the area. For landline connections, there are several options. AT&T provides local and long distance options, with bundled packages for internet and television service. Tele Circuit provides long distance and local options, as well as lifeline plans. To set up service, visit the website at telecircuit.com or call 877-835-3247.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Despite today’s mobile society, changing your mailing address is still an important step to take when moving to a new home. Fortunately, it’s a simple task that can be completed online at usps.com.

You also could change your address the old-fashioned way: by visiting the post office. Stop in at the Alexander City Post Office at 233 Lee St. as soon as possible after your move; or take care of this detail about a week prior to arrival to ensure mail is forwarded to the new address. The local post office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday. Post office boxes are accessible 24 hours a day. In addition, make sure to update your address with banks, credit card and investment companies, as well as family, friends and favorite charities.

CITY UTILITIES

The utilities associated with most residential buildings in Alexander City are provided by the city and billed on one monthly statement, but there are select areas in town that receive electrical service from Alabama Power Company. To activate city services, visit the municipal complex in person at 281 James D. Nabors Dr. You will need two forms of identification, including a copy of your lease or deed to verify the address. There also will be an associated deposit.

The municipal complex is open 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Utility bills can be paid at a 24-hour drop box that is located in the parking lot. Bills also can be paid by calling 256-329-6710; mailing payment to P.O. Box 552; paying at the office in person; or paying at alexandercityonline.com/onlinebill-pay. Please include account number or service address when paying your bill.

You can start Alabama Power service online at customerservice2.southerncompany.com or by calling 800-245-2244. This number can also be called to report power outages. Advanced Disposal provides curbside waste collection services for Alexander City. Call 866-252-0458 to set up service. The City of Alexander City provides brush pick-up service to residents in city limits. For pick-up routes and schedules, visit alexandercityonline.com.

DRIVER’S LICENSE & VEHICLE REGISTRATION

For new licenses or to surrender an out-of-state driver’s license and obtain an Alabama license, the C.J. Coley Courthouse Annex in Alexander City is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. Testing is conducted only on the third Tuesday and Wednesday of each month. The Dadeville office is located in the Tallapoosa County Courthouse at 125 N. Broadnax St. and is open on from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit tallaco.com.

VOTER REGISTRATION

Register to vote as soon as possible once you’ve arrived and established residency. You must be registered at least 10 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. To register, download and print the State of Alabama Postcard Voter Registration Application, which is available at tallaco.com. Complete the form and mail it to the voter registration office or hand deliver it to the Tallapoosa County Courthouse at 125 N. Broadnax St., Dadeville AL 36853. Call 256-825-1081 to learn your assigned polling place.

SOCIAL SECURITY

The Social Security Administration office in Alexander City can help answer questions concerning benefits and supplemental security income. The office is located at 63 Aliant Parkway and open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday or 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday.

To receive a new or replacement card, applicants must provide a valid driver’s license or identification card, insurance card, marriage certificate, divorce papers or school records. It takes about 10 days to receive the new Social Security card, but there is no charge. For basic issues, residents can call the automated Social Security line at 877405-0483. For residents 65 years and older, the staff can correct earning mistakes or help plan future funding. Visit socialsecurity.gov to apply directly for Medicaid, disability benefits or a Social Security card, check on an application status, plan for retirement or report fraud and abuse of the Social Security system.