- Free Xfinity Mobile Line for 1 year
- Free Peacock Premium*
- Free WiFi Equipment for 24 months
- $100 Visa Prepaid Cards for students
Quick Utility Facts
- The electric utility in Sacramento is SMUD.
- PG&E is the natural gas utility, but you have right to choose a different plan and provider that best fits your home.
- Most homes have the choice between AT&T Fiber and Xfinity, some homes can also choose Fidium.
- The cheapest internet plan is $30.00/month from Xfinity.
- Drinking water, trash, and recycling is provided by the City of Sacramento.
Electric Providers in Sacramento
Electricity across the capital city is delivered by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), a community-owned, not-for-profit electric utility governed by an elected board of directors rather than investor-owned power giants. Because SMUD is a public power provider, residential electricity rates sit significantly lower than neighboring PG&E territories across Northern California. However, Central Valley summers bring intense triple-digit heatwaves that make central air conditioning your primary seasonal expense. SMUD operates on a default Time-of-Day (5–8 p.m.) rate structure. During the summer season (June 1 through September 30), electricity consumed during weekday peak hours (5:00 PM to 8:00 PM) jumps to roughly 37.65 cents per kWh — more than double the off-peak rate of 15.50 cents per kWh. To keep summer bills low, residents pre-cool homes in the early afternoon, bump the thermostat up during the 5–8 PM window, and shift high-draw chores like laundry, running the dishwasher, and electric vehicle charging to off-peak morning or late-night hours.
Top 9 Natural Gas Providers in Sacramento
- $0.849 /THM
- 12 Months
- $0.894 /THM
- $0.899 /THM
- $1.42 /THM
- $1.49 /day
- $1.49 /THM
- $1.99 /day
- $40.00 /month
- $2.408 /THM
See Top Plans In Your Area
Natural gas service across Sacramento is delivered physically by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), which owns and maintains the city’s underground pipeline mains and responds to gas leak emergencies. Under California’s retail energy choice framework, residential natural gas supply is deregulated through the Core Gas Aggregation Service (CGAS). This grants you the option to buy your natural gas commodity from an independent third-party Core Transport Agent (CTA) or remain on PG&E’s default state-regulated core procurement rate. Regardless of which supply path you choose, PG&E continues to handle physical delivery through its pipe network and charges a mandatory fixed monthly customer service fee alongside distribution rates and safety riders. Because natural gas in Sacramento is primarily used for winter forced-air heating, water heaters, and cooktops, fuel consumption drops sharply in the summer; however, PG&E’s fixed monthly access fee ensures your statement carries a baseline maintenance charge year-round, even when your furnace is turned off.
Top 11 Internet Providers in Sacramento
- 2 Gbps
- Cable & Fiber
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 98.67%
- $30.00/mo
- Lock in Your Price for 5 Years
- 5 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 90.15%
- $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
- 100%
- $50.00/mo
- Wireless Internet
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 99.66%
- $40.00/mo
- Wireless Internet
- 400 Mbps
- Satellite
- Unlimited
- 100%
- $55.00/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
- 5.73%
- $29.99/mo
- 2 Gbps**
- Cable
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 2.89%
- $30.00/mo
- Most Affordable Plans
- 8 Gbps
- Cable & Fiber
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 1.3%
- $30.00/mo
Getting your internet set up in Sacramento is easy, with solid high-speed options across the metro area. Your main wired choices are symmetrical multi-gigabit fiber from AT&T Fiber, widespread cable internet from Xfinity, and Fidium Fiber, which has a heavy fiber footprint across the region, alongside 5G home wireless from T-Mobile and Verizon. If you are moving into one of Sacramento’s classic tree-lined neighborhoods — like Midtown, East Sacramento, Land Park, or Curtis Park — massive sycamores and older alley utility easements can occasionally require a technician to route lines carefully to the house. In newer master-planned developments out in North Natomas or Delta Shores, homes are generally pre-wired for high-speed fiber right out of the box.
Water & Sewage Providers in Sacramento
Water, sewer, and storm drainage utilities are managed by the City of Sacramento Department of Utilities (DOU), sourcing clean tap water from the American River, the Sacramento River, and municipal groundwater wells. The city combines clean drinking water, sewer treatment, storm drainage, and curbside trash services onto a single consolidated monthly City of Sacramento Utility Bill. Potable water is billed on a metered volumetric tier system alongside a base meter charge. Storm drainage and flood protection fees fund the city’s extensive pump stations and levee infrastructure. Because wastewater treatment fees correlate with water consumption, promptly fixing running toilets, addressing lawn irrigation leaks, or managing summer pool refills is essential to avoid compounding charges on your monthly municipal statement.
Top 8 Trash and Recycling Providers in Sacramento
Trash and recycling in Sacramento are run by the City of Sacramento Recycling and Solid Waste Division (SacRecycle), with fees billed directly onto your monthly city utility statement. You get a three-cart setup: a gray or brown cart for garbage, a blue cart for recycling, and a green cart for organics and yard waste. Under California’s SB 1383 mandate, all food scraps, coffee grounds, and food-soiled paper must go into the green cart along with yard trimmings (placed in loose or wrapped in paper bags — never use plastic bags). Sacramento also has two unique waste perks: the famous street “Claw” leaf pickup program, which scoops large yard-waste leaf piles off the street between November and January, and two free Household Junk Pickup appointments per year (available February through October) for large furniture and bulky items. Just make sure your rolling carts are out by 6:00 AM on collection morning with three feet of clearance.
Utilities Summary for Sacramento, CA
| Electric Companies: | 1 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 9 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 3 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 8 |
| Municipal Electricity: | Yes |
Connect Your Home to Vital Utility Services in Sacramento
Sacramento, California’s capital city, a place rich with history, cultural diversity, and access to both urban amenities and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re moving into a downtown apartment or a home in East Sacramento, getting your utilities set up is an important step in feeling at home. Fortunately, the city offers a streamlined mix of city-run and regional services for electricity, gas, water, trash, and internet.
Below is a detailed breakdown of each utility type, plus helpful information on rebates, green energy options, deregulated services, and assistance programs available to help you get started confidently.
Electricity in Sacramento
Electricity in Sacramento is provided by SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District), a not-for-profit electric utility known for its competitive rates and green energy initiatives. SMUD’s performance and innovation often earn high customer satisfaction scores. SMUD is working toward a zero-carbon electricity supply by 2030, one of the most aggressive goals in the U.S.
What to Know About SMUD
- SMUD serves more than 1.5 million customers in Sacramento County and small portions of adjacent counties.
- SMUD is a leader in clean energy, with over 30% of its electricity coming from renewable sources like solar and wind.
- They offer time-of-day pricing plans to help customers save money by using energy during off-peak hours.
Energy Efficiency Rebates from SMUD
- Home Rebates: Up to $13,750 in rebates for making your home more energy efficient through insulation, HVAC upgrades, smart thermostats, and more.
- Appliance Rebates: Discounts on ENERGY STAR® certified appliances such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators.
- EV Incentives: Rebates and charging equipment discounts for electric vehicle owners.
Natural Gas in Sacramento
Natural gas in Sacramento is delivered by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). While electricity is not deregulated, natural gas in California is deregulated, meaning you can choose an alternate gas supplier, though PG&E still handles delivery and billing.
PG&E Overview
- Serves most of Northern California with both electricity and gas, although only gas in Sacramento.
- Offers energy efficiency tools, leak detection, and safety services.
- Bills can be bundled with other PG&E services for convenience.
Energy Efficiency Programs from PG&E
- Home Upgrade Program: Rebates for sealing leaks, improving insulation, or installing efficient furnaces.
- Smart Thermostat Rebate: Get up to $75 for installing a qualifying smart thermostat.
- Income-Qualified Programs: Free weatherization services through programs like Energy Savings Assistance (ESA).
Tips for Choosing a Deregulated Natural Gas Supplier (for Businesses in Sacramento)
While most residential customers stick with PG&E, business customers in Sacramento can choose a third-party natural gas supplier. PG&E still handles delivery, but you can shop around for potentially better pricing or contract terms.
What to Consider When Choosing a Supplier:
- Compare Rates: Fixed-rate plans offer price stability; variable rates may be cheaper short-term but carry more risk.
- Review Contract Terms: Watch for early termination fees, contract lengths, and automatic renewal clauses.
- Verify Legitimacy: Choose suppliers registered with the CPUC and PG&E’s Core Transport Agent (CTA) program.
- Ask About Green Options: Some suppliers offer carbon-neutral gas or renewable energy offsets.
- Understand Billing: PG&E typically still sends the bill, combining supply and delivery charges.
- Avoid Scams: Don’t sign anything from unverified door-to-door reps; always read the fine print.
Water and Trash Services
Water, wastewater, and trash collection are handled by the City of Sacramento Department of Utilities. These services are bundled into your city utility bill and are based on the size of your water meter, household size, and type of service.
Water Services
- Source: Water comes from a mix of the American River, Sacramento River, and groundwater wells.
- Metered Billing: All Sacramento properties are metered. You pay based on consumption.
- Water Wise House Calls: Free service where city staff inspect your water use and offer conservation tips.
Trash and Recycling Services
- Weekly curbside pickup includes garbage, recycling, and organic waste.
- Bulky waste pickup is available up to two times per year upon request.
- Household hazardous waste can be dropped off at designated centers for free.
Rebates and Conservation Programs
- Toilet Rebate: Up to $125 for installing a WaterSense high-efficiency toilet.
- Lawn Conversion Rebate: Up to $1.50 per square foot for replacing grass with drought-tolerant landscaping.
- Rain Barrel Program: Rebates for rain barrels to encourage water capture and reuse.
Best Internet Providers in Sacramento
Whether you work from home, stream, or game online, Sacramento has a wide variety of internet options to fit your speed and budget needs.
Top Internet Providers:
- Xfinity
- Available to homes in almost 99% of the area
- Cable internet with speeds up to 2 Gbps.
- Bundling with TV and mobile available.
- Affordable Connectivity Program discounts for eligible households.
- AT&T Internet & AT&T Fiber
- Covering about 78% of the city
- Fiber-optic service available in many areas of Sacramento with speeds up to 5 Gbps.
- DSL service in areas where fiber isn’t yet available.
- No annual contracts with fiber plans.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Wireless home internet over the T-Mobile 5G network.
- No data caps, equipment fees, or contracts.
- Good choice for renters or areas without wired infrastructure.
Green Energy & Conservation Choices
Sacramento is one of California’s more eco-conscious cities, and utility providers make it easy to live sustainably.
Options from SMUD:
- Greenergy Program: For a small extra fee, you can opt into 50% or 100% renewable electricity.
- SolarShare: Buy solar energy from SMUD’s local solar farms, even if you can’t install panels at home.
- Battery Storage Incentives: Get rebates for installing home battery storage systems.
City-Wide Initiatives:
- Water efficiency outreach and incentives.
- Mandatory organic waste composting citywide to reduce landfill methane emissions.
- Electric lawn equipment rebates for residents switching from gas-powered tools.
Financial Assistance for Utility Bills in Sacramento
There are several programs to help Sacramento residents manage their utility bills, especially useful for lower-income households, seniors, or those experiencing financial hardship.
City of Sacramento Utility Assistance:
- Utility Rate Assistance Program (URAP): Discounts on water, sewer, and garbage for income-qualified residents.
- Leak Repair Program: Free repairs for qualified residents to fix high-consumption plumbing leaks.
State & Provider Programs:
- LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Federal funding administered through local community organizations to help pay for electric and gas bills.
- California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE): 20% discount on PG&E bills for eligible low-income households.
- Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA): For families slightly over CARE income limits—offers an 18% discount.
- SMUD EnergyHELP: Up to $500 annually for electric bill assistance through partner nonprofits.
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.
Sacramento Internet Connectivity
Fastest Internet Providers in Sacramento
| Provider | Connection Type | Download Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | Cable & Fiber | 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 |
| Starlink | Satellite | 400 Mbps |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps |
| Earthlink | Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite | Varies |
| Frontier | Fiber | 7 Gbps |
| Spectrum | Cable | 2 Gbps |
| Optimum | Cable & Fiber | 8 Gbps |
*Not all speeds available in all areas
Sacramento 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.
Sacramento'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: No Limit Set
Legal limit: 100 ppb
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: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: 0.01 ppb
Legal limit: 0.004 ppb
Legal limit: 0.004 ppb
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my electricity through SMUD and not PG&E?
Sacramento is unique! Most of the county is served by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), a community-owned, not-for-profit utility. Because it’s locally controlled, our rates are often 30% lower than neighboring cities served by private companies. While you won’t shop for a different electric supplier here, you can choose a 100% solar option through their “Greenergy” program.
Can I choose a different natural gas provider?
Yes! While PG&E manages the pipes and the billing for gas in Sacramento, the market is deregulated. This means you have the option to choose a Core Transport Agent (CTA) to supply your gas, which can sometimes offer more stable pricing or different contract terms than the standard PG&E rate.
What should I do if I smell gas in my new home?
Safety is the top priority. If you smell a “rotten egg” odor, do not turn on any lights or use your phone inside. Leave the house immediately and, once you are at a safe distance, call 911 and the PG&E emergency line at (800) 743-5000.
Are there specific days I can water my lawn?
Sacramento takes water conservation seriously. The city typically follows a “Two-Day-A-Week” watering schedule (based on your address) during the summer months. We recommend checking cityofsacramento.org/utilities for the current schedule to avoid a fine.
Can I get a rebate for making my yard more "California Friendly"?
Absolutely! The City of Sacramento offers a “River-Friendly Landscape” rebate, which can pay you for replacing your grass with drought-tolerant plants or installing a smart irrigation controller. It’s a great way to lower your bill and help the environment at the same time.
What is "The Claw" and when does it come?
In Sacramento, “The Claw” is our legendary seasonal yard waste service! From November to January, you can pile your leaves and yard trimmings in the street (keeping the gutter clear), and a specialized tractor will scoop them up. During the rest of the year, you should use your green yard waste bin.
Is composting mandatory here?
Yes, per California state law. Your green bin isn’t just for yard clippings anymore, it’s now for organic waste, including all food scraps and food-soiled paper. This helps keep organic material out of landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
How do I get rid of extra moving boxes?
Welcome to the neighborhood! Once you’ve unpacked, you can break down your cardboard and place it in your blue recycling bin. If you have too many to fit, you can schedule one of your two free “Household Junk” pickups per year through the City of Sacramento’s 311 service.
Which internet provider has the best fiber in Sacramento?
AT&T Fiber and Fidium Fiber (by Consolidated Communications) are locked in a friendly competition across many Sacramento neighborhoods, often offering speeds up to 2 Gigs. We recommend checking your specific address at least two weeks before you move to see if you qualify for “new neighbor” installation credits.
Are there any local apps I should download?
Definitely download the Sacramento 311 app. It’s the easiest way to report a missed trash pickup, request a new recycling bin, or even report a pothole on your new street. It’s like having a direct line to city hall right in your pocket!
Can I bundle my city utilities?
Yes! The City of Sacramento makes things easy by putting your water, sewer, and trash services on one single monthly bill. This means you only have one login to remember for all your municipal services.
Is there help available for high utility bills?
We want to make sure all our neighbors stay comfortable. SMUD offers the Energy Assistance Program Rate (EAPR) for low-income households, and the city offers a Utility Rate Assistance Program (URAP) for those who qualify. Both can provide a significant monthly discount on your bills.
Why are SMUD electric rates so much cheaper than PG&E?
Unlike investor-owned utilities that pay shareholder dividends and manage vast high-fire-risk transmission networks, SMUD is a customer-owned, non-profit municipal electric utility serving only Sacramento County. Because it operates locally at cost, residential electric rates are generally 30% to 50% cheaper than standard PG&E territories.
How does SMUD's 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM summer peak rate work?
Between June 1 and September 30, SMUD charges a peak rate (~37.65¢/kWh) for electricity used between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM on weekdays. Mid-peak rates apply from noon to 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM to midnight, while off-peak rates (~15.50¢/kWh) cover midnight to noon and all day on weekends and holidays. Pre-cooling your home before 5:00 PM and waiting until after 8:00 PM to run major appliances will keep summer bills low.