Keep the lights on!

It's happened to my clients more than once, and I have heard about similar experiences from other agents in regards to utilities. Sellers in Alaska are contractually obliged to maintain the property until closing day.

If you are a planner and want to get ahead of things, I would plan for at least a day longer than closing just in case, generally the new buyer takes over on the day of recording.

You will want utilities to be on for all inspections and the appraisal process, most buyers will also do a final walk through before or morning of closing. Utilities need to be on so that proper working condition can be verified.