Electric Providers in Charleston
EnergySage
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- Home solar
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Electricity in Charleston
Electricity in Charleston is provided by Dominion Energy. You can establish your account online or by calling. We recommend setting this up at least three business days before you move in. A helpful local feature to ask about is the Electric Weather Normalization Adjustment (eWNA); this program helps smooth out those inevitable spikes in your bill during the high-humidity summer months, making your cooling costs much more predictable.
Natural Gas Providers in Charleston
Natural Gas in Charleston
Natural gas is also managed by Dominion Energy but is handled as a separate service from your electricity. Because many of Charleston’s beautiful historic homes rely on gas for heating and water heaters, it’s best to schedule your start date at least a week in advance. Make sure an adult is home on move-in day so a technician can safely relight your pilot lights and give your appliances a quick safety check.
Top 11 Internet Providers in Charleston
Xfinity
- Speeds up to
- 2 Gbps
- Type
- Cable & Fiber
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 92.76%
AT&T Fiber
- Speeds up to
- 5 Gbps
- Type
- Fiber
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 84.88%
Starlink
- Speeds up to
- 400 Mbps
- Type
- Satellite
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 100%
Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Speeds up to
- 300 Mbps
- Type
- 5G
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 100%
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Speeds up to
- 498 Mbps
- Type
- 5G
- Data cap
- 1.2 TB
- Availability
- 93.24%
AT&T Air
- Speeds up to
- 300 Mbps
- Type
- 5G
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 94.32%
- Speeds up to
- 150 Mbps
- Type
- Satellite
- Data cap
- 150-850 GB
- Availability
- 100%
- Speeds up to
- Varies
- Type
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Data cap
- Varies
- Availability
- 95%
WOW!
- Speeds up to
- 1.2 Gbps
- Type
- Cable
- Data cap
- 3 TB
- Availability
- 40.58%
Spectrum
- Speeds up to
- 7 Gbps**
- Type
- Cable & Fiber
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 20.93%
TDS Telecom
- Speeds up to
- 8 Gbps
- Type
- Fiber
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 1.57%
What to Expect in Charleston
Internet in Charleston is a high-speed showdown between AT&T Fiber, Xfinity, and the local favorite Home Telecom (which is especially big on Daniel Island). Given the “Silicon Harbor” tech boom, you can find speeds up to 5 Gbps in many areas. Just a heads-up: if you’re moving into a historic downtown property, installation can take a bit longer as technicians navigate century-old walls.
Water & Sewage Providers in Charleston
CHARLESTON WATER SYSTEM (SC1010001)
- Service
- Water & sewage
- Contact
- Online & Phone
Charleston drinking water quality: 4 contaminants above health guidelines, 1 contaminant above the legal limit
Primary source: surface water. Levels are averages of EPA SDWA LCR and UCMR 3–5 samples. Health guidelines come from the EPA, WHO, or state health departments; legal limits are EPA regulations.
Water & Sewer in Charleston: What to Know
Water and sewer services are provided by the Charleston Water System (CWS), reachable at (843) 727-6800. If your new spot is in Mt. Pleasant, Daniel Island, or James Island, you might be served by Mt. Pleasant Waterworks or St. Johns Water Company instead. One thing to watch: CWS typically bills sewer at 95% of your metered water usage for single-family homes, assuming the rest goes to your garden.
Top 6 Trash and Recycling Providers in Charleston
City of Charleston Environmental Services
All 3 additional trash and recycling providers
Trash & Recycling in Charleston: What to Expect
Trash and recycling are managed by the City of Charleston Environmental Services. You’ll want to download the Charleston Trash & Recycle app immediately. The city is very specific about sorting: you’ll have separate pickups for garbage, bulk items like furniture, “white goods” (appliances), and yard waste.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
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.
Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the water taste "Earthy" sometimes?
In the spring and fall, you might notice a slight musty flavor in your tap water. This is a harmless local quirk caused by seasonal algae blooms in the Bushy Park Reservoir. It’s perfectly safe, but keeping a chilled pitcher in the fridge makes it much less noticeable.
What’s the "Paper Bag Rule" for yard waste?
Charleston is strict here: they will not pick up leaves or grass clippings in plastic bags. You have to use the large brown paper recyclable bags. Also, never rake leaves into the street; they’ll clog the storm drains and turn the next afternoon rainstorm into a private lake on your block.
How do "King Tides" affect my trash?
We occasionally get “sunny day flooding” from exceptionally high tides. If a King Tide hits on your trash morning, the trucks might be delayed because they can’t get through flooded streets. Check the Tide Alerts so you know when to keep your bins on higher ground so they don’t float away.
Will the BAR let me put an AC unit outside?
If you’re in the Historic District, the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) has a say in your exterior. You can’t just slap a satellite dish or a modern AC condenser anywhere visible from the street. You might need a Certificate of Appropriateness before your utility tech starts drilling.
What’s with the yellow barricades on clear days?
If you see barricades and the sun is out, a high tide is likely pushing water into the streets. Don’t drive through it! The saltwater is brutal on your car’s undercarriage, and the wake from your tires can push water right into the crawlspaces of historic homes.
Can I save money on watering my lawn?
Since sewer fees are tied to water use, a big garden gets pricey. A classic Charleston move is to install a separate irrigation meter. It costs a bit more upfront, but the water going to your lawn won’t be charged sewer fees, which saves a fortune during the hot summer months.