Utility Providers in Riverside, AL

Most of California has “Energy Choice,” but Riverside is a bit different. Because Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) is a community-owned municipal utility, they handle everything from the generation of power to the lines on your street. This usually means more reliable service and lower rates than the big private utility companies nearby, though it means you won’t be shopping for a different electric supplier.

We recommend giving RPU at least one full week of lead time. You can set up your electricity and water at the same time through their online portal. Since these are bundled, it’s one of the easiest “start service” processes in the state!

Yes! Living in a semi-arid climate means we have to be water-wise. Riverside typically has a “permanent” water conservation policy. While specific days can change based on the drought level, a good rule of thumb is to avoid watering between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to prevent evaporation. Check the RPU website for the most current schedule for your specific neighborhood.

Yes! While SoCalGas owns the pipes and handles the billing, California’s gas market is deregulated. This means you can choose a Core Transport Agent (CTA) to supply your actual gas. If you’re looking for a fixed-rate plan to avoid price spikes in the winter, shopping for a CTA is a great move. Otherwise, you’ll automatically receive “bundled” service from SoCalGas.

If your new home’s gas has been shut off, you must be present for the appointment. A SoCalGas technician needs to enter the home to inspect your appliances and relight pilot lights to ensure everything is safe. We suggest booking this appointment 7 to 10 days before you move in.

Safety first, neighbor! If you smell a “rotten egg” odor, stop what you’re doing and leave the house immediately. Don’t use your phone or flip any switches. Once you’re at a safe distance, call 911 or the SoCalGas emergency line at (800) 427-2200.

Once you’ve unpacked, you can break down your cardboard and place it in your blue recycling bin. If you have a “mountain” of boxes, you can use one of your two free bulky item pickups per year. Just call 311 or use the Riverside 311 app to schedule a curbside collection.

Think of 311 as your personal concierge for the city. From reporting a missed trash pickup to requesting a new recycling bin or reporting a streetlight that’s out, the Riverside 311 app is the fastest way to get things fixed in your new neighborhood.

Yes, per California law (SB 1383). You should have a green “Green Waste” bin for yard clippings and food scraps. The city turns this waste into high-quality compost, which helps keep our local parks and gardens beautiful!

AT&T Fiber and Frontier have been expanding their high-speed fiber networks rapidly across the city, while Spectrum offers widespread cable coverage. We recommend checking availability for your specific address about two weeks before you move to snag those “new customer” introductory rates.

Definitely. Riverside Public Utilities offers the SHARE program, which provides emergency assistance to residents facing financial hardship. You can also look into the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program through SoCalGas for a 20% discount on your monthly gas bill if you qualify.