- Get upto a $300 Reward Card
- $10 off Fiber for 12 Months
- Reliable Fiber Speeds up to 5 Gbps
- Plans starting at $34/month
Top 2 Electric Providers in San Jose
Electricity is delivered and billed by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), but most residents are automatically enrolled in San Jose Clean Energy (SJCE) for their power generation. Because of California’s Community Choice Aggregation deregulation, you have the “power of choice” to stay with SJCE for renewable energy or opt-out and return to PG&E for generation.
Top 9 Natural Gas Providers in San Jose
Natural gas is managed by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), and you should schedule your start date at least a week in advance via their website or by calling. Since natural gas is deregulated in California, you also have the option to purchase your gas supply from a third-party Core Transport Agent (CTA) while PG&E remains responsible for the physical delivery and safety of your lines.
- $1.42 /THM
- $1.49 /THM
- $0.899 /THM
- $1.99/day
- $40.00/month
- $0.799 /THM
- $0.894 /THM
- $1.49/day
Top 9 Internet Providers in San Jose
Internet options are understandably robust here, with major players like AT&T Fiber and Xfinity competing alongside local favorites like Sonic for high-speed dominance. We suggest checking availability for your specific address about two weeks before your move to lock in “new neighbor” promotions and secure a preferred installation window.
- 5 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 82.17%
- $34.00/mo
- Our Recommended Provider
- 2 Gbps
- Cable & Fiber
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 98.27%
- $40.00/mo
- 415 Mbps
- 5G
- 1.2 TB
- Mobile
- 91.06%
- $20.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 94.34%
- $47.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 96.77%
- $35.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 400 Mbps
- Satellite
- Unlimited
- 100%
- $50.00/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
- 0.18%
- $29.99/mo
Water & Sewage Providers in San Jose
Water service in San Jose is neighborhood-specific, with the San Jose Water Company serving about 80% of the city, while the remaining areas are covered by San Jose Municipal Water or Great Oaks Water. We recommend checking your address on the city’s service map and contacting your specific provider at least five business days before move-in to ensure your taps are active.
Top 11 Trash and Recycling Providers in San Jose
Trash and recycling services are managed by the City of San Jose and are usually bundled into your property taxes or municipal water bill, depending on your housing type. If your new home is missing bins or you want to downsize your cart to save on your monthly fee, you can easily request changes through the San Jose 311 website or mobile app.
Utilities Summary for San Jose, CA
| Electric Companies: | 2 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 9 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 5 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 11 |
| 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber | 5 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Xfinity | Cable & Fiber | 2 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | 5G | 415 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| AT&T Air | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Verizon 5G Home Internet | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Starlink | Satellite | 400 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Earthlink | Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite | Varies Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Frontier | Fiber | 7 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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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: 0.01 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.