- 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 and natural gas utility in San Jose is PG&E.
- You have the right to choose the best natural gas provider and plan for your home.
- Most homes have the choice between Xfinity and AT&T Fiber for internet service.
- The cheapest internet plan in San Jose is $30.00/month from Xfinity.
- Depending on your address, water service is provided by either San Jose Water Company, San Jose Municipal Water, or Great Oaks Water.
- Trash and recycling services are provided by the City of San Jose.
Top 2 Electric Providers in San Jose
Electricity across the Capital of Silicon Valley is delivered through a partnership between San José Clean Energy (SJCE) — the city’s Community Choice Aggregation program operated directly by the City of San José — and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). New residential accounts are automatically enrolled in SJCE’s default GreenSource tier (sourcing 62 percent renewable energy) with the option to upgrade to TotalGreen for 100 percent renewable power, while PG&E continues to maintain the physical power lines, read meters, and manage outage restoration. Electricity is billed on a single consolidated PG&E statement where SJCE generation savings are applied against PG&E’s delivery charges. Standard residential tariffs default to Time-of-Use plans (such as Plan E-TOU-C), where electricity consumed during peak evening hours (4:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily) carries significant surcharges. Because Northern California electricity rates sit well above national averages, pre-cooling living spaces earlier in the day and shifting heavy chores like running laundry, dishwashers, and electric vehicle charging to off-peak morning or overnight hours is essential for managing monthly power costs.
Top 10 Natural Gas Providers in San Jose
- $0.849 /THM
- 12 Months
- $0.449 /THM
- 1-24 Months
- $0.799 /THM
- $0.894 /THM
- $1.42 /THM
- $1.49 /day
- $1.49 /THM
- $1.99 /day
- $40.00 /month
- $0.6385 /THM
See Top Plans In Your Area
Natural gas service across San Jose is delivered physically by PG&E, which owns, operates, and maintains the regional underground pipeline network 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 framework allows you to contract your natural gas supply through an independent third-party Core Transport Agent (CTA) or remain on PG&E’s default state-regulated core procurement tariff. Regardless of whether you select a CTA or buy default gas from PG&E, the utility continues to deliver the fuel through its pipeline grid and charges a mandatory fixed monthly customer service fee alongside distribution rates and state safety riders. Because natural gas is primarily used for winter forced-air heating, domestic water heaters, and cooking ranges, fuel consumption drops dramatically in the summer; however, PG&E’s fixed monthly access fee ensures your natural gas account maintains a persistent baseline cost year-round, even when your heating system is turned off completely.
Top 10 Internet Providers in San Jose
- 2 Gbps
- Cable & Fiber
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 98.31%
- $30.00/mo
- Lock in Your Price for 5 Years
- 5 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 86.53%
- $35.00/mo
- Get a $200 Reward Card*
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 97.97%
- $35.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Great for Renters
- 498 Mbps
- 5G
- 1.2 TB
- Mobile
- 91.15%
- $35.00/mo
- Wireless Internet
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 93.94%
- $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**
- Cable & Fiber
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 7.44%
- $30.00/mo
- Most Affordable Plans
- 7 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Phone
- 3.72%
- $29.99/mo
Getting internet set up in San Jose is fast, but your best option depends heavily on your specific street. Your two main wired choices are symmetrical multi-gigabit fiber from AT&T Fiber and widespread cable internet from Xfinity, alongside local fixed wireless from Sail Internet and 5G home internet from T-Mobile and Verizon. If you are moving into one of the city’s classic neighborhoods — like a historic Craftsman in the Rose Garden, a mid-century Eichler in Willow Glen, or an established home in Cambrian or Berryessa — check whether fiber has already been pulled to the house, as older overhead lines can occasionally require a quick service drop. If you are settling into a newer condo tower in Downtown San Jose or near Santana Row, high-speed fiber is often pre-wired, though some buildings have exclusive agreements with a single internet provider.
Water & Sewage Providers in San Jose
Water and sewer services in San Jose depend on which neighborhood you move into, operating under a split-provider municipal map. Approximately 80 percent of the city is served by San Jose Water (SJW), an investor-owned water utility, while the San Jose Municipal Water System (Muni Water) provides clean water to North San Jose, Alviso, Evergreen, Edenvale, and Coyote Valley (with Great Oaks Water Company serving pockets of South San Jose). SJW and Muni Water bill drinking water on a tiered volumetric scale alongside a fixed monthly meter charge. Meanwhile, wastewater collection and sewer processing are managed by the City of San José Environmental Services Department (ESD), routed to the San José-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility. Because sewer fees scale directly with your metered water intake, unaddressed indoor plumbing leaks, running toilets, or summer landscape overwatering will rapidly multiply your monthly water and wastewater charges.
Top 10 Trash and Recycling Providers in San Jose
Trash and recycling in San Jose are managed by the City of San José Environmental Services Department through contracted haulers like GreenWaste Recovery and California Waste Solutions. You get a standard black or gray cart for garbage and a blue cart with a yellow lid for clean recyclables. The single biggest surprise for new residents is San Jose’s unique compost rule: food scraps and food-soiled paper go directly into your garbage cart, NOT with your yard trimmings! San Jose uses high-tech backend sorting facilities where food waste is mechanically extracted from regular trash and turned into compost. Yard trimmings (leaves, lawn clippings, pruned branches) can either be placed loose in the street in piles up to 5×5 feet or inside an optional green yard cart for a small fee. San Jose also offers a Free Junk Pickup Program for large household items like couches, mattresses, and appliances, which you can schedule anytime through San Jose 311. Just make sure your carts are rolled to the curb by 6:00 AM on your collection day with three feet of clearance.
Utilities Summary for San Jose, CA
| Electric Companies: | 2 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 10 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 5 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 10 |
| Municipal Electricity: | No |
Explore Utility Companies for Your Home in San Jose
San José is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, home to a rich mix of innovation, culture, and nature. From bustling downtown hubs to peaceful neighborhoods shaded by redwoods, San José strikes a beautiful balance between urban convenience and suburban charm. As you settle in, you’ll enjoy sunny weather, world-class amenities, and a strong community spirit. Now, let’s get your utilities squared away so you can thrive in your new space!
Electricity in San Jose
PG&E (Pacific Gas & Electric) and San José Clean Energy (SJCE) together power your home with clean, affordable, and locally controlled electricity.
Providers Overview
- PG&E handles electricity distribution (the poles, wires, meter) and billing.
- San José Clean Energy (SJCE) is San José’s community choice energy provider that generates electricity. Since 2019, SJCE has delivered power that is approximately 92% carbon-free through solar and hydro sources, while PG&E handles the delivery.
SJCE Programs & Rebates
SJCE offers fantastic clean-energy-focused programs to help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint:
- EcoHome Rebate: You can receive rebates of up to $2,000 toward electric panel upgrades (200 A service minimum) when paired with new heat pump systems, water heaters, or HVAC installations.
- EcoHome Battery Storage Rebate: If you already have or install solar panels, SJCE’s EcoHome program includes rebates up to $14,900 for battery storage systems, boosting your energy resilience.
- Peak Rewards: Earn credits for reducing your energy usage during peak demand periods (e.g., summer afternoons between 4–9 pm)—both behavioral and smart-device-managed options are available.
- Solar Access: Low-income customers enrolled in CARE/FERA and living in qualified neighborhoods can receive 100% solar power at a 20% discount, stacking on top of CARE/FERA savings for up to ~55% off electricity charges.
- GreenSource Default: Most SJCE customers receive this service, which exceeds state average renewable content, meaning your power is greener by default.
Why SJCE Matters
- Local control & transparency: SJCE is governed by your City Council and guided by a Climate Advisory Commission, decisions are public and community-driven.
- Equity-focused programs: SJCE’s Solar Access and CARE/FERA discounts are designed to help households facing economic or environmental burdens.
- Climate leadership: Active support of San José’s ambition to reach carbon neutrality by 2030 and a goal of 1 GW of solar citywide by 2040.
How to Enroll & Save
- Automatic enrollment: You’re already signed up for SJCE unless you choose to opt out when given the chance.
- Explore rate tiers: You can select GreenSource (default) or increase your renewable mix.
- Check your eligibility: Tools and neighborhood access maps are available online for EcoHome, Solar Access, and Peak Rewards programs.
- Act early: Many rebates require you to reserve funds before starting upgrades, early application ensures you don’t miss out.
Natural Gas
Natural gas in San José is delivered by PG&E, but California’s deregulated energy market allows you to choose a different company to supply the gas itself. This means you can shop for potentially better rates, fixed-price plans, or renewable gas blends while PG&E continues to maintain the pipelines and infrastructure.
How Deregulated Gas Works
- PG&E still handles gas delivery, safety, emergency services, and billing.
- You can select a third-party supplier (also called a Core Transport Agent (CTA) or Renewable Natural Gas Provider (RNGP)) for the gas you consume.
- Your bill from PG&E will include both delivery and supply charges, even if you switch gas suppliers.
Choosing a Natural Gas Supplier
When comparing suppliers, consider:
- Price structure: Look for fixed-rate plans if you want protection from seasonal fluctuations.
- Length of contract: Some suppliers require contracts, others allow month-to-month.
- Green gas options: A few providers offer renewable natural gas (biogas or carbon-offset programs).
- Reputation: Stick with suppliers certified by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
Rebates & Energy Efficiency
Whether you stay with PG&E or choose a new supplier, you can take advantage of PG&E’s energy efficiency programs:
- High-efficiency appliance rebates: For gas furnaces, tankless water heaters, and dryers.
- Home Upgrade Program: Combines rebates for insulation, air sealing, and duct work with gas savings.
- Switch to electric incentives: Silicon Valley Clean Energy and San José Clean Energy offer thousands in rebates to switch from gas to electric appliances, including induction ranges, heat pump water heaters, and HVAC systems.
Sustainable Alternatives
- Electrification incentives: Going fully electric reduces your reliance on fossil fuels, SJCE and SVCE offer rebates for disconnecting from gas entirely, including covering the cost of panel upgrades and appliance swaps.
- Renewable gas programs: Some independent suppliers offer a blend of renewable natural gas or allow you to purchase offsets.
Water & Trash
San José Water Company (SJWC) and Great Oaks Water Company serve different parts of the city, most residents are SJWC customers.
Waste (trash, recycling, compost) is handled by the City of San José, typically contracted through providers like GreenWaste.
Conservation & Green Programs
- SJWC encourages conservation with tiered pricing, rebates for high-efficiency appliances, and water-saving programs (e.g., turf removal, smart irrigation controllers).
- City compost/organic waste programs: Many neighborhoods offer curbside green bin service to compost food scraps, helpful for reducing landfill waste and creating soil-enriching compost.
Internet & Connectivity in San Jose
San José boasts fantastic internet options! The top providers include:
| Provider | Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber-optic | Speeds up to 5 Gbps; no data caps; high satisfaction; offers promos like reward cards |
| Xfinity | Cable | Widely available (98% of city); up to 2 Gbps; low-priced starter plan from around $30 |
| T-Mobile or Verizon | 5G Home Internet | Wireless Connection; speeds up to 1 Gbps; bundle with mobile phone to save |
Choosing the Right Plan
- Fiber (AT&T): fastest and most reliable, great for large homes or heavy users.
- Cable (Xfinity): excellent availability and value, suitable for most households.
- 5G Home Wireless: offers easy setup with no contracts, T-Mobile and Verizon plans typically offer $50–100/mo.
Financial Assistance & Bill Support in San Jose
San José and state programs offer solid aid for those needing help with utilities:
- PG&E Financial Assistance: Includes medical baseline rates, CARE/FERA discounts, and ESA program for weatherization upgrades.
- City Energy/Water Efficiency Loans: Includes low‑interest REEL and On-Bill Financing to make upgrades more affordable.
- Xfinity Internet Essentials: Low-cost home internet (under $10/mo) for qualifying families.
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.
San Jose Internet Connectivity
Fastest Internet Providers in San Jose
| 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 |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps |
| Starlink | Satellite | 400 Mbps |
| Earthlink | Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite | Varies |
| Spectrum | Cable & Fiber | 7 Gbps |
| Frontier | Fiber | 7 Gbps |
*Not all speeds available in all areas
San Jose 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.
San Jose's Primary Drinking Water Source: Surface Water
Drinking Water Contaminant Levels
Legal limit: 15 ppb
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Legal limit: 100 ppb
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Legal limit: 60 ppb
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Legal limit: 80 ppb
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Legal limit: 0.01 ppb
Legal limit: 0.004 ppb
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Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is San Jose Clean Energy (SJCE) and why is it on my bill?
In San Jose, we have a Community Choice Aggregation program. This means San Jose Clean Energy is your default provider for electricity generation (the “source”), while PG&E handles the delivery and billing. Because the market is deregulated, you have the choice to stay with SJCE’s standard green plan, upgrade to “TotalGreen” for 100% renewable energy, or opt-out and return to PG&E for generation.
Can I choose who supplies my natural gas?
Yes! While PG&E owns the pipes and handles emergencies, the gas market in California is deregulated. You can choose a third-party Core Transport Agent (CTA) to supply your gas, which can sometimes provide more stable pricing or different contract lengths. If you don’t choose, PG&E remains your default supplier.
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 or the PG&E emergency line at (800) 743-5000.
Who provides my water?
It depends on your zip code! San Jose is unique because it is served by three different providers: San Jose Water Company (private), San Jose Municipal Water (city-owned), and Great Oaks Water Company (private). We recommend checking the city’s service map or asking your Realtor/Landlord to ensure you call the right office to start service.
Can I get a rebate for a "smart" garden?
Absolutely. Valley Water (the regional wholesaler) offers fantastic rebates for San Jose residents who replace their lawns with drought-tolerant landscaping or install smart irrigation controllers. It’s a great way to lower your water bill and make your new home “California-friendly.”
How can I lower my monthly trash bill?
In San Jose, you “pay as you throw.” Your bill is based on the size of your garbage cart. If your new home has a large bin and you don’t need it, you can swap it for a smaller 32-gallon cart to save money. Recycling and yard waste carts are included at no extra charge!
How do I get rid of all my moving boxes?
Welcome to the neighborhood! Once you’ve unpacked, you can break down your cardboard and place it in your recycling cart. If you have a mountain of boxes that won’t fit, you can schedule a Free Large Item Pickup through the San Jose 311 app. Every residential household gets free unlimited junk pickups (by appointment)!
What is San Jose 311?
This is your go-to app for city life. You can use it to report a missed trash pickup, request a new bin, report graffiti, or even find out your specific street-sweeping schedule. It’s the fastest way to get things done in your new neighborhood.
Which internet provider is best for tech workers?
Being in Silicon Valley, you have great options. While Xfinity and AT&T Fiber are common, many locals swear by Sonic, a California-based provider known for privacy and incredible fiber speeds. We suggest checking for “new neighbor” fiber deals at least two weeks before you move.
Is there help available for high utility bills?
Yes, we want to make sure all our neighbors stay comfortable. You can apply for the CARE or FERA programs through PG&E for a significant discount (up to 35%) on your monthly energy bill. Additionally, the San Jose Water Company offers its own Customer Assistance Program (CAP) for qualifying households.