Compare Utility Providers in San Diego, CA

Electric Providers in San Diego

Top 4 Natural Gas Providers in San Diego

Top 10 Internet Providers in San Diego

*Not all internet providers and speeds available in all areas.

Water & Sewage Providers in San Diego

Top 14 Trash and Recycling Providers in San Diego

Utilities Summary for San Diego, CA

Electric Companies:	1
Natural Gas Companies:	4
Water & Sewage Providers:	2
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers:	14
Municipal Electricity:	No

Utility Services in San Diego

San Diego, a city that blends beachy vibes, vibrant neighborhoods, and a strong commitment to sustainability! In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything about utilities, electric, natural gas, water, trash, and internet, with helpful tips and green energy insights.

Electricity & Natural Gas

In San Diego, SDG&E (San Diego Gas & Electric) is the main provider you’ll deal with for electricity and natural gas. Owned by Sempra, SDG&E serves around 3.3 million electric customers and 840,000 gas customers in the region. They’re committed to clean energy and their operations have a major impact on local rates and green initiatives.

Electricity

SDG&E offers tiered rate plans, including options that favor renewable energy usage (like time-of-use plans). They sourced over 43% of their electricity from renewables in 2016 . Their priority is energy efficiency, particularly through programs targeted at homes and businesses.

Natural Gas Retail Choice in San Diego

What “deregulation” means here

California’s natural gas market is partially deregulated, since 1991, residential and small-business customers can choose a retail gas supplier separate from the distributor, SDG&E, though SDG&E still handles delivery and billing. This means you can opt out of SDG&E’s default supply and select from a retail natural gas provider (RNGP), often via bundled or fixed-rate plans.

Who qualifies

Every “core” residential home in San Diego qualifies to participate through SDG&E’s Customer Choice program. That means you can pick a provider based on rate, contract length, service perks, or green-energy options.

Top Retail Providers & Plan Types

Here are some of the key players active in California and likely available to you:

• XOOM Energy
  • Offers fixed‑rate plans (helps avoid spikes) or variable‑rate plans (you pay current market).
  • They also offer carbon‑offset or low-carbon plans using RNG portfolios.
• Commerce Energy, Spark Energy, IGS Energy, and Direct Energy
  • All offer competitive fixed, variable, and sometimes prepaid options.

Renewable and RNG Plans

Many retail providers increasingly offer renewable natural gas (RNG) or carbon-neutral options:

1. SDG&E’s RNG blend: default mix includes some biomethane from organic sources.
2. Third‑party retailers: XOOM and IGS frequently bundle carbon-offset options, though they rely on RNG credits or certificates rather than pipeline gas.

Tips for Choosing Your Supplier

• Compare total rates: look at commodity charges, not just the base rate.
• Contract flexibility: fixed-rate plans lock you in, variable gives freedom (and risk).
• Look for green options: carbon‑offset, fixed‑RNG percentage, or even 100% RNG plans.
• Check enrollment fees: or early termination terms, some plans have hidden costs.
• Bundle with electric or carbon offsets: providers like IGS and XOOM offer multi‑service discounts .

Water & Trash

San Diego’s water is managed locally, with wastewater provided through the City of San Diego Water Department. Trash and recycling services are handled by the city or contractors depending on your neighborhood.

Water

Most of your water will come through the City of San Diego Water Department, which sources from major state and Colorado River supplies. They’re working under the San Diego Climate Action Plan to reduce consumption (they already achieved a 13% drop).

Conservation & Green Initiatives:

• Rebates for low-flow fixtures and drought-resistant landscaping.
• Programs for rain barrels and reduced mains usage.

Trash & Recycling

San Diego enforces a recycling-first policy, mandatory sorting with regular pickup schedules. Most households use bins labeled for trash, recyclables, and organics. Some neighborhoods have food-waste collection. It’s all covered under the city’s waste-reduction ordinance .

Best Internet Providers in San Diego

San Diego offers a competitive choice of ISPs, from national giants to local providers, covering cable, fiber, and DSL. Choosing a provider depends on your needs; work-from-home speeds, streaming, gaming, or just casual browsing, and location; while AT&T covers most of the city Cox and Spectrum split the city for cable access.

Top ISPs

• Spectrum: dominant cable provider, speeds up to 1 Gbps.
• Cox Communications: cable with strong coverage in East County.
• AT&T Fiber: most available provider in San Diego, with fiber in many urban neighborhoods.
• T-Mobile Home Internet: good wireless LTE/5G-based alternative with unlimited data.

Tips for Choosing an Internet Provider

• Speed: 100–300 Mbps is plenty for most families. Gamers and streamers may want 500 Mbps+.
• Bundling: Combine services (Spectrum TV + internet) for discounts.
• Contract-free plans: Look for no-contract offers (T-Mobile).
• Data caps: Cable plans might have monthly usage limits.

San Diego Energy Conservation Initiatives

San Diego is leading in green initiatives. Under the Climate Action Plan, the city aims to be net-zero by 2035, making renewable energy and conservation a priority .

• Community Choice Energy: San Diego Community Power gives you an option for 100% renewable electricity options.
• SDG&E clean energy: Their renewables portfolio exceeded California’s state goals in past years .
• Smart communities: Developments like Civita feature EV chargers, solar panels, smart-grid tools.
• Street lighting: City is replacing old lamps with energy-saving, cyber-controlled ones.

Energy Saving Incentives and Rebates Available in Los Angeles

The San Diego Gas & Electric Golden State Rebate program offers rebates up to $900 on products like smart thermostats, water heaters, and room air conditioners. You can redeem your rebate coupons online at select retailers websites or in store at a local Home Depot, Best Buy or Lowe’s location. Check the website for eligibility and full details.

SDG&E also offers assistance for multifamily and manufactured housing customers through the Residential Zero Net Energy Transformation (RZNET) program. This program helps customers on their path to no-cost energy efficiency measures in a goal to reach zero net energy. The program will provide you with access to an Energy Advisor who can help you achieve your energy goals and connect you with a contractor to help you take no-cost energy saving measures.

The San Diego County Water Authority also offers rebates and incentives for many water saving technologies. Rebates are available for itesm such as high efficiency washers, high efficiency toilets, rain barrels, and more. San Diego County residents can also schedule a free Water Use Survey.

Financial Assistance for Utilities in San Diego

Qualifying San Diego residents can recieve assistance with their electric and gas bills through the Home Energy Bill Assistance Program through the California Services Department. Residents can only receive assistance once every 12 months and must be 18 years or older, be a legal US Resident and meet certain income requirements.

Discounts of up to 30% off your utilities bills are also available through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. To be eligible for the discount you must already be participating in certain public assistance programs or meet other income guidelines. The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program also offers discounts up to 18% for qualifying for certain income guidelines.

San Diego Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in San Diego

San Diego 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.