- Free modem and anti-virus software
- No contracts and unlimited data
- Bundle with TV to save more
- Speeds up to 2 Gbps**
Quick Utility Facts
- The electric utility in Riverside is RPU. Call them if you experience a power outage.
- The natural gas utility is SoCalGas, but you have the right to choose a different provider and plan.
- Most homes have a choice between Spectrum and AT&T Fiber for high-speed internet.
- The cheapest internet plan is $30.00/month from Spectrum.
- The City of Riverside provides water, trash, and recycling.
Electric Providers in Riverside
Electricity across the city is delivered by Riverside Public Utilities (RPU), a municipally owned electric utility governed locally by the City of Riverside rather than investor-owned power giants like Southern California Edison. Because RPU is a public power provider, residential electricity rates sit significantly lower than the California state average, typically running around 20 to 22 cents per kWh. However, operating in the Inland Empire means summer temperatures routinely exceed 100°F, making central air conditioning your single largest household expense. RPU offers optional Time-of-Use rate plans that incentivize energy conservation during high-demand summer peak afternoon hours (typically 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM). To keep summer statements manageable, residents rely on smart thermostats to pre-cool living spaces during the cooler morning hours and shift heavy electric loads—such as laundry, dishwashers, and EV chargers—to off-peak overnight windows.
Top 3 Natural Gas Providers in Riverside
- $0.579 /THM
- 12 Months
- $0.899 /THM
- $0.32467 /THM
Natural gas service across Riverside is delivered physically by the Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), which owns, operates, and maintains the regional underground pipeline infrastructure and responds to emergency gas leaks. Under California’s retail energy choice framework, residential natural gas supply is deregulated through the Core Gas Aggregation Service (CGAS). This means you have the legal right to purchase your gas commodity through an independent third-party Core Transport Agent (CTA) or remain on SoCalGas’s default state-approved core procurement tariff. Regardless of which supply option you choose, SoCalGas continues to transport the fuel through its pipeline network and bills a mandatory fixed monthly customer service fee alongside distribution rates and pipeline safety riders. Because gas in the Inland Empire is primarily used for water heaters, furnaces, and cooktops during chilly winter nights, summer gas consumption is minimal; however, SoCalGas’s fixed monthly connection fee ensures your account carries a baseline charge year-round, even when your space-heating furnace is completely shut down.
Top 10 Internet Providers in Riverside
- 2 Gbps**
- Cable
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 90.86%
- $30.00/mo
- Most Affordable Plans
- 5 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 77.93%
- $35.00/mo
- Get a $200 Reward Card*
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 100%
- $35.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Great for Renters
- 498 Mbps
- 5G
- 1.2 TB
- Mobile
- 99.94%
- $50.00/mo
- Wireless Internet
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 100%
- $40.00/mo
- Wireless Internet
- 150 Mbps
- Satellite
- 150-850 GB
- Phone
- 100%
- $39.99/mo
- 400 Mbps
- Satellite
- Unlimited
- 100%
- $55.00/mo
- Varies
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Varies
- 95%
- $39.95/mo
- 7 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Phone
- 47.03%
- $29.99/mo
- 1 Gbps
- Cable
- 400GB-2TB
- 2.28%
- $49.99/mo
Getting internet set up in Riverside is relatively easy, but the best connection type depends on which part of town you call home. Your primary wired choices are symmetrical multi-gigabit fiber from AT&T Fiber and wide-coverage cable internet from Spectrum, alongside 5G home wireless plans from T-Mobile and Verizon. If you are moving into one of Riverside’s classic historic neighborhoods — like the Wood Streets, Downtown historic flats, or Victoria Avenue estates — older overhead utility lines and mature tree canopies can occasionally require a line tech to route drops carefully into the house. In newer master-planned communities like Orangecrest, Mission Grove, or Canyon Crest, high-speed fiber is often pre-wired directly to the junction box.
Water & Sewage Providers in Riverside
Water, sewer, and urban stormwater drainage are managed in a coordinated municipal setup where potable water is supplied by Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) and wastewater collection is handled by the City of Riverside Public Works Department. Drawing high-quality raw water almost entirely from local underground aquifers in the Bunker Hill and Riverside groundwater basins, RPU bills water using a tiered volumetric rate structure alongside a fixed base meter charge. Clean water intake, wastewater processing, electric service, and trash fees are all bundled together onto a single consolidated monthly RPU utility statement. Because sewer treatment fees scale directly with your metered water consumption, unaddressed running toilets, hidden irrigation pipe breaks, or summer swimming pool refills will artificially inflate both the water and sewer portions of your city bill.
Top 6 Trash and Recycling Providers in Riverside
Trash and recycling in Riverside are handled directly by the City of Riverside Public Works Solid Waste Division, with monthly service fees billed straight onto your combined RPU municipal statement. Single-family homes use a standard three-barrel automated system: a black barrel for trash, a blue barrel for recyclables, and a green barrel for yard trimmings and food scraps (under California’s SB 1383 organic waste recycling mandate). Place food scraps and lawn trimmings directly into the green barrel loose or wrapped in paper bags — plastic bags are strictly prohibited in both the blue and green barrels. The city also offers free curbside bulky item pickups throughout the year for large items like furniture, mattresses, and old water heaters, which you can easily schedule by calling Riverside 311 or submitting a request online. Just make sure your barrels are rolled to the curb by 5:30 AM on collection morning with three feet of clearance from cars and mailboxes.
Utilities Summary for Riverside, CA
| Electric Companies: | 1 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 3 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 3 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 6 |
| Municipal Electricity: | Yes |
Explore Utility Providers in Riverside
Riverside, nestled in the heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire, Riverside blends rich history, a thriving arts scene, and beautiful views of the San Bernardino Mountains. Whether you’re settling into a quiet neighborhood near the historic Mission Inn or closer to the University of California, Riverside, getting your home’s utilities set up is a key first step. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about electricity, gas, water, trash, internet, green energy options, and available financial assistance.
Electricity in Riverside
Electric service in Riverside is provided by Riverside Public Utilities (RPU), a city-owned utility known for offering reliable service and strong sustainability initiatives. As a public utility, RPU tends to offer competitive rates and reinvests revenue into infrastructure and community programs. RPU was one of the first utilities in California to implement a Green Power Premium Program, allowing residents to voluntarily opt in to receive power from 100% renewable sources for a small fee.
What to Know About RPU
- RPU serves over 110,000 electric customers within the city.
- Their electric grid is powered by a growing portfolio of renewable energy sources, including solar and hydroelectric.
- They offer an online portal where you can manage bills, enroll in programs, and monitor usage.
Energy Efficiency Rebates
RPU offers an impressive lineup of residential rebates to help customers conserve energy and reduce costs:
- Smart Thermostat Rebate: Up to $100
- Energy Star Appliance Rebates: Rebates on refrigerators, clothes washers, and ceiling fans
- HVAC Upgrade Incentives: Rebates for replacing older A/C units with energy-efficient models
- Whole House Fan Rebate: Up to $125
Natural Gas in Riverside
Natural gas service in Riverside is provided by SoCalGas (Southern California Gas Company), the largest natural gas utility in the United States. They deliver natural gas for heating, water heating, cooking, and more.
Rebates & Incentives
SoCalGas has a range of rebates to encourage energy efficiency:
- High-Efficiency Furnace Rebate: Up to $350
- Smart Thermostat Rebate: $75
- Tankless Water Heater Rebate: Up to $1,000
- Insulation Rebates: For wall and attic insulation improvements
Deregulated Natural Gas Market
California has a partially deregulated natural gas market, which means that while SoCalGas owns and maintains the pipelines, residents can choose their gas supplier. You’ll still receive one bill from SoCalGas, but you may opt to purchase gas from an independent gas service provider.
Tips for Choosing a Gas Provider
- Compare rates and term lengths carefully (watch for early termination fees).
- Look for providers offering fixed rates to avoid seasonal fluctuations.
- Ensure the company is registered with SoCalGas and offers service in your area.
Water and Trash Services
Water and trash services are both provided by the City of Riverside’s Public Works and Riverside Public Utilities (RPU). These essential services are bundled and managed at the city level.
Water Service
- Riverside’s water comes from groundwater sources and is treated to high standards.
- RPU customers are automatically set up for water service when they register for electricity.
- Conservation programs include free water-wise landscaping classes and rebates for turf removal and efficient irrigation.
Trash, Recycling & Green Waste
- Trash pickup is handled by the City of Riverside Public Works Solid Waste Division.
- Weekly curbside pickup includes trash, recycling, and green waste.
- Bulky item pickup is available by request at no additional cost (up to 4 times per year).
- The city also operates a compost giveaway and hazardous waste drop-off center.
Best Internet Providers in Riverside
Staying connected is easy in Riverside, with several top-tier internet service providers offering a variety of plans to meet different household needs. Here’s a look at the top options:
1. Spectrum
- Available to about 90% of homes in the city
- Cable internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps
- No contracts and free modem
- Bundle options with TV and phone service
2. AT&T Fiber
- Coverage of about 75% of Riverside
- Offers both DSL and fiber-optic service
- Speeds up to 5 Gbps in fiber areas
- Affordable fiber plans make it ideal for streaming and gaming
- Wireless internet with speeds between 100–300 Mbps
- No annual contracts or equipment fees
- Great for renters and mobile users
- Ultra-fast wireless internet where available
- No data caps, and includes setup with price lock
Conservation & Green Energy Options
Riverside is a leader in sustainability and offers several ways for residents to go green. Whether you’re interested in using less water or powering your home with clean electricity, there are city-supported options.
Green Programs & Opportunities:
- Green Power Premium Program (via RPU): Opt into 100% renewable energy for a small monthly premium.
- Tree Power Program: Get up to 5 free shade trees to reduce cooling costs and beautify your home
- Water-Wise Landscaping Rebates: Earn money for converting turf to drought-tolerant landscaping
Bonus Tip: RPU also offers free home energy surveys and kits to help residents identify easy ways to lower consumption.
Financial Assistance for Utility Bills in Riverside
If you need help paying utility bills, there are several city, state, and provider programs that may be able to help. These programs support both one-time emergency assistance and ongoing affordability.
City of Riverside Programs:
- Share Program (RPU): Offers up to $150 annually in bill credits for low-income households
SoCalGas Assistance:
- California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE): 20% monthly discount for income-qualified households
- Energy Savings Assistance Program: Free home weatherization and energy-efficient appliance installation
Statewide Programs:
- LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Offers one-time assistance for gas or electric bills
- California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP): Helps pay down past-due electricity bills
How to Apply:
- Most programs require proof of income or participation in public benefits (like CalFresh, Medi-Cal).
- Applications can typically be submitted online through the utility provider or local community action agency.
Final Tips for New Residents
- Start setting up utilities about 1–2 weeks before moving in.
- Use Riverside’s One Stop Utility Services Portal to sign up for electricity, water, and trash all at once.
- Consider enrolling in autopay and paperless billing to stay organized and potentially qualify for small discounts.
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.
Riverside Internet Connectivity
Fastest Internet Providers in Riverside
| Provider | Connection Type | Download Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Cable | 2 Gbps |
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber | 5 Gbps |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | 5G | 300 Mbps |
| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | 5G | 498 Mbps |
| AT&T Air | 5G | 300 Mbps |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps |
| Starlink | Satellite | 400 Mbps |
| Earthlink | Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite | Varies |
| Frontier | Fiber | 7 Gbps |
| Mediacom | Cable | 1 Gbps |
*Not all speeds available in all areas
Riverside 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.
Riverside's Primary Drinking Water Source: Surface Water
Drinking Water Contaminant Levels
Legal limit: 15 ppb
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: 100 ppb
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: 60 ppb
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: 0.004 ppb
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) electric rates lower than neighboring cities?
Unlike neighboring cities in Riverside County that are powered by Southern California Edison (SCE), the City of Riverside owns and operates its own municipal power utility (RPU). Because RPU is a community-owned non-profit entity governed by the local city council, residential rates are generally 25% to 35% lower than SCE’s investor-owned rates.
How far in advance should I set up my RPU account?
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!
Are there specific watering days in Riverside?
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.
Can I choose who supplies my natural gas?
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.
What should I do if the gas is off when I move in?
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.
What if I smell gas?
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.
How do I get rid of all my moving boxes?
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.
What is "Riverside 311" and why do I need it?
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.
Does Riverside have mandatory composting?
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!
Which internet provider is best in Riverside?
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.
Are there programs to help with my utility bills?
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.
How does California's Core Gas Aggregation (natural gas choice) work with SoCalGas?
Under California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) rules, you can buy your natural gas commodity from an independent Core Transport Agent (CTA) under a private contract or purchase default gas directly through SoCalGas. In either scenario, SoCalGas remains responsible for maintaining the physical pipelines, delivering the gas to your home, and providing 24/7 leak and emergency support.