New Homeowner Resource
Set up your utilities before move-in day
Pick your county below and use the direct links to start or transfer service. Electric, gas, water, and trash, sorted before the keys are even in your hand.
Nobody wants to walk into their new home on moving day and find the power off. Utilities are simple to set up, but they are easy to forget in the rush of closing, and a couple of them run on your city's timeline, not yours.
Start a few business days before you take possession. Electric and gas you can turn on online in minutes. Water and trash go through your city, so those are the ones to handle first, not last. Find your county below and start clicking.
Water and trash first, because the city controls the timeline. Electric and gas next, since those you can often start same day. Internet last, but book the install appointment early because those slots fill up.
Start or transfer service by county
Tap your county to open the direct provider links. Have your new address, move-in date, and a photo ID ready.
Los Angeles County
Electricity
Most of LA County is Southern California Edison. If your new home is inside the City of Los Angeles, it is LADWP instead. A few cities run their own utility, so if neither applies, check your city.
SCE: start or transfer LADWP: start serviceNatural gas
SoCalGas covers virtually all of LA County.
SoCalGas: start or transferWater and trash
Local to your city. In the City of Los Angeles, water is LADWP. Elsewhere, check your city's water and sanitation department. Not sure? Send us the address.
Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino)
Electricity
Most of the Inland Empire is Southern California Edison. The City of Riverside uses Riverside Public Utilities, and parts of eastern Riverside County are served by Imperial Irrigation District.
SCE: start or transfer Riverside Public Utilities: start IID: start or stopNatural gas
SoCalGas serves the Inland Empire.
SoCalGas: start or transferWater and trash
Handled by your city or a local water district, which varies widely out here. Check your city's website, or ask us and we will point you to the right office.
Orange County
Electricity
Most of Orange County is Southern California Edison. The City of Anaheim uses Anaheim Public Utilities.
SCE: start or transfer Anaheim Public Utilities: startNatural gas
SoCalGas covers Orange County.
SoCalGas: start or transferWater and trash
Local to your city or water district. Check your city's water and sanitation page, or send us the address and we will find it for you.
Transfer or start new?
As a buyer moving in, you are usually starting new service in your name. Transfer applies when you already have an account with that provider and you are moving within their territory, so you carry it over. With SCE and SoCalGas you can do either online in a few minutes. Both may ask for a photo ID, and in some cases a deposit depending on your history with them.
Internet and the rest
Internet and cable are open market, so you have choices. Compare plans for your exact address and book the installation window early, because the first opening is often a week or more out. While you are at it, update your address with the postal service, your bank, your employer, and your insurance so nothing important goes to the old place.
Not sure who serves your address?
Water and trash are the two that change block to block, and electricity has those city-run pockets. If you tell us the address, we will tell you exactly who to call. One text saves you an afternoon of hold music.
That is the kind of thing we are here for, before and after closing.
This page is for general information only. Providers, fees, deposits, and processing times vary by address and can change. Confirm current details directly with each utility and your city.
Common Questions
Utilities, answered
When should I set up utilities for my new home?
Start a few business days before move-in, right after your closing date is confirmed. Electric and gas can usually be started online in minutes, but water and trash go through your city and may take a day or two, so handle those first.
Who provides electricity and gas in LA, the Inland Empire, and Orange County?
Gas across all three is almost always SoCalGas. Electricity is usually Southern California Edison, with city-run exceptions: LADWP in the City of Los Angeles, Anaheim Public Utilities in Anaheim, Riverside Public Utilities in the City of Riverside, and Imperial Irrigation District in parts of eastern Riverside County.
Who handles water and trash service?
Water and trash are local and depend on your city. Some cities run their own departments, others use a regional water district or a contracted hauler. Check your city's official website, or ask us and we will point you to the right one for your address.
Do I need to transfer utilities or start new service?
As a buyer moving in, you are usually starting new service in your name. Transfer applies when you move within the same provider's territory and carry the account over. SCE and SoCalGas both let you do either online with the property address and your start date.
New Homeowner Resources
Everything after closing, in one place
The full set of guides we keep for our buyers. Start with the checklist, then work through the rest as you settle in.
Still in your corner
Tell us the address, we will tell you who to call.
Water and trash change from city to city, and electricity has its pockets. If you are not sure who serves your new home, reach out and we will save you the guesswork.
Part of our new homeowner resources.