Compare Utility Providers in Los Angeles, CA

Electric Providers in Los Angeles

Top 3 Natural Gas Providers in Los Angeles

Top 9 Internet Providers in Los Angeles

*Not all internet providers and speeds available in all areas. **2 Gbps speed available in select markets.

Water & Sewage Providers in Los Angeles

Top 27 Trash and Recycling Providers in Los Angeles

Utilities Summary for Los Angeles, CA

Electric Companies:	1
Natural Gas Companies:	3
Water & Sewage Providers:	1
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers:	27
Municipal Electricity:	Yes

The Definitive Guide to Los Angeles Utilities (2026 Edition)

Moving to Los Angeles presents a unique infrastructure challenge. Unlike most major cities with a single set of providers, Los Angeles is a patchwork of municipal agencies, investor-owned monopolies, and deregulated markets. Your experience, and your monthly costs, will vary dramatically depending on whether your address falls within the City of Los Angeles or the surrounding Los Angeles County.

This guide breaks down every utility sector, including the complexities of water districts, the new 2025 trash rate hikes, and the deregulated natural gas market.

Electricity: The Jurisdiction Trap

The first step in setting up your home is determining your jurisdiction. This is not just about who sends the bill; it determines your rate structure and eligibility for thousands of dollars in rebates.

Who is My Provider?

Los Angeles is split between two primary providers. The boundary lines can be messy, sometimes splitting neighborhoods in half.

• LADWP (Los Angeles Department of Water and Power):
  • Territory: Strictly the City of Los Angeles. This includes Downtown, Hollywood, Venice, San Pedro, and the San Fernando Valley (Van Nuys, Northridge, etc.).
  • Structure: Municipal utility (owned by the city). Rates are set by the City Council.
  • Billing: Bundled. You will receive one bill that covers Electricity, Water, Sewer, and Trash (Solid Resources).
• SCE (Southern California Edison):
  • Territory: Most independent cities (West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Culver City, Long Beach) and Unincorporated LA County (Marina del Rey, East LA).
  • Structure: Investor-owned utility (regulated by the state CPUC).
  • Billing: Electricity only. You will receive separate bills for water and trash from other agencies.

Setting Up Service

LADWP Setup

• Sign up online or call 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397)
• Identity Verification: LADWP is strict. You must provide a Social Security Number (SSN) for a soft credit check. If you refuse or do not have one, you must apply in person at a Customer Service Center with two forms of ID (e.g., Passport and Lease Agreement).
• Deposits: If you are a new customer without a credit history, expect a deposit assessment (typically 2x the estimated monthly bill).

• Timeline: No same-day service. Requests must be made at least one business day in advance. Moving on a Friday? Call by Wednesday to ensure power for the weekend.

SCE Setup

• How to Start: Use the SCE Residential Move Center online. Their system links with Experian for instant identity verification.   
• Community Choice Aggregation (CPA): If you are in an SCE territory like Santa Monica or West Hollywood, you are likely automatically enrolled in the Clean Power Alliance (CPA).
  • What this means: SCE delivers the power and sends the bill, but CPA buys the energy. You will see a line item for “Clean Power Alliance” on your bill, this is not a duplicate charge; it replaces SCE’s generation fee.

2025 Rate Forecast

• LADWP: Tier 1 rates have increased by ~15.7% in 2025.
• SCE Fixed Charge: Starting late 2025, SCE bills will include a new “Base Services Charge” of approx. $24.15/month ($6/month for low-income CARE customers) to cover grid maintenance, while the per-kWh rate will decrease.

Solar in Los Angeles

Installing solar panels on your home in Los Angeles is a smart move for many homeowners thanks to the city’s year-round sunshine and high electricity rates. Solar helps lower your monthly electric bill, increases your home’s value, and reduces your carbon footprint, all big wins. Plus, local programs from LADWP, California state incentives, and the federal tax credit make going solar more affordable than ever. Even with the shift to NEM 3.0, which reduces how much you’re paid for excess energy sent back to the grid, LA residents can still see strong long-term savings, especially if they include battery storage.

That said, there are a few things to consider before diving in. The upfront costs can be significant,often $15,000 or more depending on your system size, though many companies offer financing, leases, or power purchase agreements (PPAs) with $0 down to help. You’ll also want to make sure your roof is in good shape before installing panels, and it’s worth understanding how battery backup or time-of-use rates might affect your savings. Finally, with NEM 3.0 now in place, your solar strategy may need to focus more on self-consumption rather than selling energy back to the grid.

Top Solar Companies in LA

Sunrun

• One of the largest solar installers in California, offering both leases and PPAs with little to no upfront cost
• Known for flexible financing options and offering battery storage through partnerships with brands like Tesla
• Some customers appreciate the hassle-free setup, though others have reported issues with long-term service and support

Momentum Solar

• A full-service solar provider that handles everything from permitting to installation
• Offers high-efficiency panels and a personalized, concierge-style approach
• Reviews often highlight helpful reps and smooth installations, though some note pushy sales tactics

Natural Gas: Monopoly vs. Deregulation

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) owns the pipelines and meters for almost the entire region. However, who you buy the gas from is a choice you can make.

Standard Service (SoCalGas)

For most residents, SoCalGas provides both the gas (procurement) and the delivery (transportation).

• Setup: Schedule at socalgas.com or call 1-877-238-0092.
• The Safety Stop: If gas is currently turned off at your new home, an adult (18+) must be present for the turn-on appointment. The technician will enter your home to inspect appliances and light pilot lights.
• Peak Season Warning: During August/September moves, appointment slots fill up 2 weeks in advance. Book early.

Deregulated Gas: The “Core Aggregation” Option

California allows residents to buy natural gas from third-party companies known as Core Transport Agents (CTAs).

• How it Works: You sign a contract with a CTA (e.g., Tiger Natural Gas, Spark Energy). They buy the gas; SoCalGas delivers it. You still get one bill from SoCalGas, but the “Commodity” line item changes.
• Why Do It? CTAs offer fixed-rate contracts. If you fear a price spike like the one in Winter 2023, a fixed rate offers stability.
• The Risks (Read the Fine Print):
  • Variable Rates: Some plans start low and then switch to a variable market rate that is higher than SoCalGas.
  • Early Termination Fees: Many CTA contracts have cancellation fees of $50-$100.
  • “Slamming”: Be cautious of door-to-door salespeople asking to see your gas bill. They may switch your provider without clear consent.

How to Switch

1. Contact the RNGP directly to get a quote and enroll.
2. They’ll notify SoCalGas on your behalf, no need to contact the utility separately.
3. You’ll still receive one bill from SoCalGas, with a separate line item showing your CTA charges.
4. You can switch back to SoCalGas at any time if you change your mind.

Water Service: The Fragmentation

Water is the most confusing utility in Los Angeles because there are over 200 different water purveyors. Your provider is determined by your specific municipal boundary, not your mailing address.

How to Find Your Water Provider

Do not assume it is LADWP. Use the LA County Service Locator. Enter your address to see your specific water district.

Common Scenarios

1. City of LA: LADWP. Service is established automatically when you set up electricity.
2. Unincorporated County/Smaller Cities: You likely have an Investor-Owned Utility (IOU) or a County Waterworks District.
   • Golden State Water Company
   • California Water Service (Cal Water)
   • Liberty Utilities
   • LA County Waterworks Districts (e.g., Malibu, Val Verde).

Setup & “Rule No. 7” (Deposits)

Private water companies (IOUs) are regulated by the state, specifically Rule No. 7, regarding credit establishment.

• The Deposit: If you cannot establish credit (via SSN check), these utilities are authorized to charge a deposit equal to twice the estimated monthly bill.
• Waiver: You can often waive this deposit if you sign up for Auto-Pay immediately or provide a bill from your previous water company showing 12 months of on-time payments.
• Lease Requirement: Private water companies strictly enforce “Right to Serve.” You must email or fax a copy of your lease agreement to prove tenancy before they will unlock the meter.

Trash & Recycling: The 2025 Rate Hikes

Waste management in LA is divided into two strict categories: Residential (City-run) and Commercial/Multifamily (Private Franchise).

Scenario A: Single Family Home or Small Multiplex (1-4 Units)

If you live in the City of LA in a house or small apartment (duplex/triplex/fourplex), you are served by LA Sanitation (LASAN).

• Setup: Automatic with your LADWP electric account.
• Cost Shock (2025): The City is removing subsidies. The “Solid Resources Fee” on your bill is increasing significantly.
  • Old Rate: ~$36.32/month.
  • New Rate (Nov 2025): $55.95/month.
• Extra Capacity Fees: Need a second black bin? Starting in 2026, the cost for extra bins rises to $15.65/month.
• Organics (Green Bin): SB 1383 Law requires you to put all food scraps (bones, meat, dairy, veggies) in the GREEN bin. Do not put food in the black trash bin.

Scenario B: Large Apartment (5+ Units) or Commercial

If you live in a larger complex, the City does not pick up your trash. It is handled by the RecycLA Franchise System.

• Provider: Your building is assigned a private hauler (e.g., Republic Services, Athens, Waste Management) based on your geographic zone. You cannot choose your provider.
• Cost: This is usually paid by the landlord/HOA, but check your lease for “Trash Valet” fees.
• Bulky Items: Unlike single-family homes, large apartments often do not get free bulky item pickup. You must ask your property manager to schedule it, or you may face fines for leaving furniture on the curb.

Internet: Fiber vs. Cable

Los Angeles has a competitive broadband market. Always check for Fiber availability first.

• AT&T Fiber: The gold standard in LA. Offers symmetric speeds (e.g., 1000 Mbps Upload / 1000 Mbps Download). Check for “Reward Card” promos (often $150) for new customers.
• Spectrum (Cable): The most widely available. Speeds are high (up to 1 Gbps), but upload speeds are slower than fiber. Spectrum offers a Contract Buyout (up to $500) if you are stuck in a contract with another provider.
• Starry (Fixed Wireless): Excellent for renters in high-density areas (Downtown, Hollywood). Low flat rates ($30-$50), no contracts, and no bulky equipment.

Moving Logistics: The Parking Permit

One “utility” people forget is the street space for their moving truck. If you are moving into a dense neighborhood (Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Koreatown), you cannot simply park a U-Haul on the street. LA Parking Enforcement is strict.

• Temporary No Parking Signs: If you need to park a moving truck on the street, you cannot just block spaces with cones. You must apply for “Temporary No Parking” signs.
• City of LA Cost: Approximately $250+ depending on the length of space needed.   
• Lead Time: You must apply at least 1 week in advance because the city needs to verify and post the signs 24-48 hours before your move to make them enforceable (i.e., to tow cars that ignore them).   
• Oversize Vehicles: If your truck is huge, you may need an “Oversize Vehicle Permit” to park overnight.   
• Apply online

Financial Assistance Programs

If you meet income requirements, you are entitled to significant discounts. These programs are funded by the state—use them if you qualify.

CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy)

• Benefit: ~30% discount on electric bills; ~20% on gas bills.
• Eligibility: You qualify if you participate in programs like Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or WIC, OR if your household income is below the limit.
• 2025 Income Limits (Effective June 1, 2025):
  • 1-2 Person Household: $42,300
  • 3 Person Household: $53,300
  • 4 Person Household: $64,300

FERA (Family Electric Rate Assistance)

• Benefit: ~18% discount on electric bills (for larger families who slightly exceed CARE limits).
• Eligibility: Households of 3 or more people only.
• 2025 Income Limits:
  • 3 Person Household: $53,301 – $66,625
  • 4 Person Household: $64,301 – $80,375

How to Apply: You can apply for both CARE and FERA online via your LADWP or SCE account portal.

Green Living & Rebates

Los Angeles offers some of the best incentives in the country for going green.

Free Trees (City Plants)

Through the City Plants program, LADWP will deliver up to 7 free shade trees to your door. Planting these on the west or south side of your home can reduce AC costs by up to 20%. You can even request street trees for your parkway.   

Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebates

• Used EVs: LADWP offers a rebate of $1,500 (standard) to $4,000 (low-income) for purchasing a used EV. Uniquely, this applies to private party sales, not just dealerships.   
• Home Charging:
  • LADWP: Up to $1,000 rebate for installing a Level 2 charger, plus $250 for a dedicated EV meter.   
  • SCE: The “Charge Ready Home” program offers up to $4,200 to upgrade your electrical panel (to 200 Amps) if needed to support a charger.   

Turf Replacement

If you replace your grass with California Friendly® landscaping, LADWP offers $5.00 per square foot in rebates. This project requires pre-approval, so apply before you kill your grass.   

SoCalGas Rebates:

• $1,500 for a high-efficiency central furnace.
• $1,500 for a high-efficiency tankless water heater.

Los Angeles Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Drinking Water Quality Information

Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.