- Free modem and anti-virus software
- No contracts and unlimited data
- 30 day money-back gurantee
- Speeds up to 2 Gbps**
- Plans starting at $30/month
Electric Providers in Bakersfield
Electricity in Bakersfield is delivered by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). You should establish your account online or by calling at least three business days before moving in. Given that Central Valley summers are notoriously brutal, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F, you will benefit from the 2026 California utility billing restructure. This structure introduces a flat monthly “Base Services Charge” (around $24 for standard households) that directly lowers the per-kilowatt-hour rate, providing a bit of financial relief when running your air conditioner during peak heatwaves.
Top 10 Natural Gas Providers in Bakersfield
Natural gas is delivered by PG&E, some outlying pockets of Kern County may transition to Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), but this is where the “Power to Choose” comes into play. Under California’s Core Gas Aggregation Service, residential customers can shop for an independent supplier known as a Core Transport Agent (CTA). While PG&E will always maintain the physical lines, handle leak emergencies, and deliver the fuel to your home, you have the freedom to contract with a CTA to lock in a competitive fixed rate and shield your budget from volatile market spikes before the winter heating season begins.
- $1.42 /THM
- $1.49 /THM
- $0.899 /THM
- $1.99/day
- $40.00/month
- $0.549 /THM
- $0.894 /THM
- $1.49/day
Top 9 Internet Providers in Bakersfield
Internet options in Bakersfield provide excellent high-speed coverage, led by a competitive race between AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, and Frontier. Symmetrical fiber networks have expanded heavily throughout newer suburban developments in the Northwest and Southwest regions of the city. We suggest checking specific address availability maps two weeks before your move-in date to coordinate installation, especially if an older property requires a new line drop from the street pole.
- 2 Gbps**
- Cable
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 91.71%
- $30.00/mo
- Most Affordable Plans
- 5 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 76.72%
- $34.00/mo
- Best For Speed
- 415 Mbps
- 5G
- 1.2 TB
- Mobile
- 100%
- $20.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 100%
- $65.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 99.97%
- $35.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 400 Mbps
- Satellite
- Unlimited
- 100%
- $50.00/mo
- 150 Mbps
- Satellite
- 150-850 GB
- Phone
- 100%
- $39.99/mo
- Varies
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Varies
- 95%
- $39.95/mo
- 7 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Phone
- Limited%
- $29.99/mo
Water & Sewage Providers in Bakersfield
Water and sewer services are primarily managed by the California Water Service (Cal Water) Bakersfield District, reachable at (661) 837-7200, though specific neighborhoods might be under the City of Bakersfield Municipal Water system. Your water is sourced directly from a mix of the Kern River and deep underground aquifer systems, keeping local water rates relatively low. However, because of the regional geology, the water is naturally “hard,” meaning you will likely want to plan for routine mineral scaling maintenance.
Top 23 Trash and Recycling Providers in Bakersfield
Trash and recycling collection is a city-directed service provided by the City of Bakersfield Solid Waste Division or through specialized Waste Management (WM) residential contracts depending on your specific zip code. Carts must be rolled out to the curb by 6:00 AM on your designated collection day. To remain compliant with California’s strict state environmental mandate (SB 1383), all food scraps, leftovers, and food-soiled paper products must be separated from your standard trash and placed directly into your green organic waste container.
Utilities Summary for Bakersfield, CA
| Electric Companies: | 1 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 10 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 5 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 23 |
| Municipal Electricity: | No |
Smart Choices for Your Home: Navigating Utilities in Bakersfield
Bakersfield is a vibrant city located in California’s southern Central Valley, known for its agricultural roots, warm climate, and strong sense of community. It’s a hub for oil and energy production and has grown rapidly in recent years due to its relative affordability compared to coastal cities. Popular neighborhoods include Seven Oaks (with its upscale homes and golf course), Oleander-Sunset (a historic district with charming older homes), and Rosedale (great for families seeking suburban living). Whether you’re drawn by job opportunities, outdoor recreation, or a quieter lifestyle, Bakersfield has something to offer.
Electricity
Electricity in Bakersfield is primarily provided by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), one of the largest utility providers in the nation. PG&E delivers electricity through its extensive grid and offers residential customers a variety of energy management tools and incentives. The PG&E mobile app allows users to view usage, set energy goals, report outages, and pay bills with ease.
PG&E is also deeply involved in helping residents conserve energy and adopt more sustainable practices. Customers can sign up for time-of-use (TOU) rate plans, which reward you for shifting your energy use to off-peak hours. PG&E also supports solar adoption, smart thermostat rebates, and usage alerts to help you stay efficient.
PG&E Energy Efficiency Rebates
- Smart Thermostats: Up to $75 rebate
- High-Efficiency Washers: $50–$150
- Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters: Up to $300
- Central HVAC Replacement: Up to $500
- Insulation and Duct Sealing: Rebates vary based on project
Natural Gas
PG&E also provides natural gas service to Bakersfield homes. Like its electric service, PG&E offers tools via its mobile app to track usage, set alerts, and manage your bill. The gas infrastructure is robust and includes safety features like automatic shut-off systems and leak detection.
While California’s electricity market is partially deregulated, the natural gas market allows customers to choose third-party gas suppliers through the Core Gas Aggregation Service (CGAS) program. PG&E still delivers the gas and maintains the pipelines, but the price of the gas commodity may vary by supplier.
Top Third-Party Gas Suppliers
- Spark Energy: Known for fixed-rate plans and transparency
- Ambit Energy: Offers referral bonuses and variable plans
- IGS Energy: Focuses on carbon-neutral natural gas
- Xoom Energy: Offers both green and traditional gas plans
Tips for Choosing a Supplier
- Compare fixed vs. variable rates
- Check cancellation fees
- Look for carbon offsets or renewable options
- Consider length of contract and customer reviews
PG&E Gas Conservation Rebates
- Smart Thermostats: Up to $75
- Water Heater Blanket Kits: $10 rebate
- Low-Flow Showerheads and Faucet Aerators: Rebates vary or are free through direct installation programs
- High-Efficiency Gas Furnaces: Up to $350
Water
Water service in Bakersfield is split between two main providers: California Water Service (Cal Water) and the City of Bakersfield Public Works Department, depending on your address. Both pull from a combination of local groundwater and imported surface water from the Kern River and State Water Project. A few other providers service certain areas of the city, so make sure to check which is the correct provider for your address.
Other Providers
- East Niles Community Services District – Serving portions of east Bakersfield, this district offers residential and commercial water service.
- Vaughn Water Company – Vaughn Water Company provides water to the Rosedale area of Bakersfield.
Cal Water offers a comprehensive customer portal and app to manage usage, report leaks, and view water-saving tips. The City also provides online payment and conservation education tools.
Water Conservation Rebates (Cal Water)
- High-Efficiency Toilets: $40–$100
- Smart Irrigation Controllers: $125
- High-Efficiency Clothes Washers: Up to $200
- Lawn-to-Garden Program: $1 per square foot of lawn replaced with drought-tolerant landscaping
Both Cal Water and the City promote outdoor watering restrictions, especially during drought years, and offer free conservation kits by request.
Trash & Recycling
Trash, recycling, and green waste services in Bakersfield are managed by the City of Bakersfield Solid Waste Division. The City provides curbside pickup for trash, recycling, and organics on a weekly basis, with services varying slightly by neighborhood.
Residents can use the Bakersfield Recycle app to check collection schedules, set reminders, and learn how to properly dispose of specific items. Large item pickup (e.g., mattresses, furniture) can be scheduled through the city.
Recycling Program
- Commingled curbside recycling (plastic, paper, glass, aluminum)
- Separate green waste bin for yard trimmings and food scraps
- Free drop-off centers for electronics and household hazardous waste
Sustainability Highlights
- Organics collection helps reduce landfill methane
- Community composting efforts are expanding
- Educational programs available through Keep Bakersfield Beautiful
Best Internet Providers in Bakersfield
Bakersfield residents have several high-speed internet options, including fiber, cable, and 5G fixed wireless. Internet infrastructure is fairly well-developed, particularly in newer neighborhoods.
- AT&T Fiber: Offers ultra-fast gigabit speeds, ideal for streaming and remote work. Available to almost 77% of the city.
- Spectrum: Reliable cable internet with widespread coverage (about 92% of homes) and no data caps
- T-Mobile & Verizon 5G Home: Wireless internet using 5G technology, great for flexible setups and competitive pricing
Each provider may offer bundles that include TV or phone services, and introductory rates or discounts may be available for new customers.
City-Wide Sustainability and Conservation Programs
Beyond individual utility providers, Bakersfield and Kern County promote several local sustainability initiatives. The Kern Council of Governments (KernCOG) and the City of Bakersfield’s Planning Department actively work on long-term sustainability, air quality, and transportation plans.
Local Programs Include:
- Lawn-to-Garden Conversion Grants through city partnerships
- Free tree planting services via Tree Foundation of Kern
- Clean Cities Coalition supports EV adoption and alternative fuel use
- City Bicycle Master Plan encourages green commuting
You can also find community workshops on water conservation, composting, and drought-resistant landscaping.
Financial Assistance for Utility Bills in Bakersfield
Moving can be costly, but there are several local and state resources to help if utility bills become a burden. Bakersfield residents may qualify for help through provider-run, city, or statewide programs.
Provider Assistance Programs
- PG&E CARE/FERA Programs: 18–20% discount for income-qualified customers
- Cal Water Customer Assistance Program: 50% discount for eligible customers
- PG&E Medical Baseline Allowance: Additional energy at a lower rate for medical needs
City and Community Resources
- CAPK Energy Program: Administered by Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK), offers bill payment assistance and weatherization
- Kern County Aging & Adult Services: Help for seniors with utilities and home improvements
State-Level Programs
- LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Helps with heating/cooling bills and crisis assistance
- California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP): Helps pay off past-due utility bills accumulated during COVID
Most programs require proof of income and residency, so it’s a good idea to apply early if you think you may qualify.
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.
Bakersfield Internet Connectivity
Fastest Internet Providers in Bakersfield
| Provider | Connection Type | Download Speed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Cable | 2 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| AT&T Fiber | Fiber | 5 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | 5G | 415 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| AT&T Air | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Verizon 5G Home Internet | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Starlink | Satellite | 400 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Earthlink | Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite | Varies Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Frontier | Fiber | 7 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "Free Curbside Oil Recycling" program?
If you enjoy working on your own vehicle, a huge part of Bakersfield’s historic car and hot-rod culture, you don’t have to drive your used motor oil to a hazardous waste facility. Thanks to a specialized grant from CalRecycle, residents can call (661) 326-3114 to set up a free appointment. The city will provide you with a specialized oil container and filter bag to leave out on your regular collection day.
What is "Tule Fog" and does it change my utility habits?
From late November through February, the Central Valley experiences an incredibly thick, heavy ground fog known as Tule Fog. While it’s famous for causing major highway hazards, the dense humidity and drop in temperature cause a sudden spike in residential home heating. Keep an eye on your natural gas settings and ensure your furnace filters are swapped out before winter settles in.
Why are the trucks bypassing my trash bin?
Bakersfield’s automated collection trucks require space to operate their mechanical arms. Bins must be placed with their wheels directly against the curb and must maintain a strict three-foot clearance from obstacles like mailboxes, fences, and parked cars. If your bin is squeezed too close to a vehicle, the driver will skip your property.
Do I really need to buy a water softener?
While Bakersfield’s water is incredibly pure and consistently meets all health safety standards, it carries a very high mineral content due to its aquifer origins. Over time, this “hard water” creates a white, chalky scale on showerheads, faucets, and inside water heaters. Most local homeowners view a water softener as a necessary long-term investment to protect their appliances.
How strict are the "Organic Waste" sorting rules?
Under California law, food waste is completely banned from standard garbage landfills. You cannot throw away vegetable peels, meat scraps, or greasy pizza boxes in your dark gray trash bin. They must go into your green yard waste cart, where they are collected to be turned into clean regional agricultural compost.
What should I do with oversized moving boxes?
If you have an overwhelming mountain of cardboard after unpacking, do not jam them into your recycling cart. Instead, break the boxes down entirely, flat-pack them, and bundle them together using twine. Place the bundle neatly adjacent to your blue recycling cart on pickup morning, and the collection crew will manually throw them into the truck.