Compare Utility Providers in Charleston, SC

Electric Providers in Charleston

Natural Gas Providers in Charleston

Top 9 Internet Providers in Charleston

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

Water & Sewage Providers in Charleston

Top 6 Trash and Recycling Providers in Charleston

Utilities Summary for Charleston, SC

Electric Companies:	1
Natural Gas Companies:	1
Water & Sewage Providers:	1
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers:	6
Municipal Electricity:	No

A Complete Guide to Setting Up Utilities in Charleston

Charleston is a charming coastal city steeped in history, Southern hospitality, and scenic beauty. From its cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture to its world-class cuisine and vibrant arts scene, there’s so much to love. Popular neighborhoods like Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, James Island, and Downtown Charleston each offer their own unique flair, whether you’re looking for beachside tranquility or historic urban living. As you settle into your new home, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up and managing your utilities.

Electric Service in Charleston

Electricity in most of Charleston is provided by Dominion Energy South Carolina, a utility that serves over 700,000 electric customers in the state. Dominion offers a modern and reliable service with a strong focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. Their Dominion Energy mobile app (iOS and Android) allows users to pay bills, monitor energy usage, and report outages, making it easy to stay on top of your account.

Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Opportunities

Dominion supports sustainability through their Green Power Program, which allows customers to support renewable energy by paying a small premium on their bills. They also offer time-of-use rate options for those who want to reduce costs by using energy during off-peak hours.

Rebates & Incentives

Dominion Energy offers several energy efficiency rebates through their EnergyWise program:

• HVAC Replacement Rebate: Up to $500 for qualifying energy-efficient systems.
• Smart Thermostat Rebate: $75 incentive for installing eligible models.
• Home Energy Check-up: Free virtual or in-home assessments with personalized tips and rebate suggestions.
• Lighting Upgrades: Discounts on ENERGY STAR® LED bulbs through retail partners.

Natural Gas in Charleston

The primary natural gas provider in Charleston is Dominion Energy South Carolina (formerly SCE&G), which also supplies gas service to much of the surrounding Lowcountry. Their mobile app offers a unified experience for electric and gas customers, which is especially convenient if you use both services.

Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Opportunities

Dominion promotes the use of natural gas for high-efficiency home heating and cooking. They also encourage customers to conserve by offering seasonal energy tips and guides.

Rebates & Incentives

Dominion’s natural gas rebate programs include:

• Tankless Water Heater Rebate: Up to $200 for switching from electric to qualifying gas units.
• Natural Gas Furnace Rebate: Up to $300 rebate when replacing electric heating with a qualifying gas furnace.
• Appliance Rebate: Rebates for ranges, dryers, and fireplaces when converting from electric to gas.

Water Service in Charleston

Water services are managed by Charleston Water System, a not-for-profit utility that serves the Charleston peninsula, West Ashley, James Island, and parts of North Charleston and Daniel Island. The utility sources water from the Bushy Park Reservoir, which is fed by the Cooper River, and treats it at the Hanahan Water Treatment Plant.

• Charleston Water App (via MyWater account) for online bill pay and water usage tracking.
• Automatic leak alerts and high usage notifications.
• Tiered billing to reward lower water use.

Energy & Water Conservation Opportunities

Charleston Water encourages residents to conserve with resources like irrigation guidelines, leak detection tips, and water-wise landscaping education. While there are no direct rebates, they promote sustainability through education and outreach.

Trash & Recycling in Charleston

City of Charleston Public Service Department handles residential trash and recycling collection within city limits. Services include weekly trash pickup, bi-weekly recycling, and seasonal yard waste collection. Schedules vary by neighborhood and are available on the city’s website or the Charleston TrashTracker mobile app, which provides reminders and holiday schedules.

Trash Pickup Details

• Trash must be placed curbside by 6:30 AM on your scheduled day.
• Bulk waste (furniture, appliances) is picked up on a rotating basis.
• Yard waste should be in biodegradable bags or tied in bundles.

Recycling Program

Managed by Charleston County Environmental Management, the single-stream program accepts:

• Paper, cardboard
• Plastics #1 and #2
• Glass bottles and jars
• Aluminum and tin cans

Sustainability Initiatives

Charleston offers a Compost Curbside Pilot in select areas, a Green Business Challenge for sustainable business practices, and regular e-waste and hazardous material drop-off events.

Best Internet Providers in Charleston

Charleston enjoys strong internet connectivity across much of the city, with high-speed fiber and 5G home internet options available. Depending on your neighborhood, speeds can exceed 1 Gbps, and competition among providers means you’ll find frequent promotions and bundles.

1. AT&T Fiber
   • Available to about 72% of the Charleston area
   • Fiber internet with speeds up to 5 Gbps in some areas.
   • Symmetrical upload/download speeds.
   • No data caps on fiber plans.
2. Xfinity
   • Wide availability (over 90%) with cable and limited fiber.
   • Plans up to 2 Gbps.
   • Access to hotspots around the city and good bundling options with TV and mobile.
3. WOW! Internet
   • Limited Availability to about 37% of the city.
   • Competitive pricing with speeds up to 1.2 Gbps.
   • Good customer service reputation.
   • Equipment included in many plans.
4. T-Mobile & Verizon 5G Home Internet
   • Wireless home internet with simple self-installation.
   • No data caps or contracts.
   • Ideal for renters or areas without fiber.

Conservation, Sustainability & Green Energy Programs

Charleston has a growing reputation as a green city, with numerous community-led and government-supported sustainability programs. The City of Charleston’s Office of Sustainability leads many of these efforts and works closely with residents to reduce emissions, conserve resources, and promote resilience.

City or Community Programs

• Charleston RISES (Resilience Initiative for Sustainability & the Environment): A certification program for sustainable businesses.
• Charleston Parks Conservancy: Promotes native planting and community gardening.
• Electric vehicle charging stations: Growing network downtown and near popular public venues.
• Walk Bike BCD: Encourages low-carbon commuting and infrastructure improvements for cyclists and pedestrians.

Financial Assistance for Utility Bills in Charleston

If you need help covering utility costs in Charleston, there are several resources available from both providers and community programs.

Provider-Based Assistance

• Dominion Energy – EnergyShare Program: Helps with electric and gas bills during times of hardship, administered by local nonprofits.
• Charleston Water System – Customer Assistance Program: Offers payment plans and referrals to help agencies.

Local & Community Assistance

• Palmetto Community Action Partnership: Offers LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) funds for energy costs.
• Trident United Way: Connects residents to utility relief services and rental assistance.
• ECCO (East Cooper Community Outreach): Provides emergency financial help for utilities and other bills.

State Assistance

• South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS): Offers utility assistance through the LIHEAP and Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

Charleston Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in Charleston

Charleston 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.