Los Angeles

1. Water Services

Provider:

• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the primary provider of water services in Los Angeles.

How to Set Up:

1. Visit the LADWP website (www.ladwp.com) or call their customer service at 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397).
2. Create an account online or in person at a LADWP customer service center.
3. Provide the following information:
   • Address of the property.
   • Start date for service.
   • Government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
   • Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
   • Proof of residency (e.g., lease agreement or property deed).

Costs:

• Monthly Average: $50–$100, depending on usage and household size.
• LADWP charges a deposit for new accounts, which is typically refundable after 12 months of on-time payments.

Tips:

• Water conservation is a priority in LA due to frequent droughts. Be mindful of water usage and consider installing water-efficient fixtures.

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2. Electricity Services

Provider:

• LADWP also provides electricity services for most of Los Angeles.
• In some areas, Southern California Edison (SCE) may be the electricity provider.

How to Set Up:

1. For LADWP:
   • Follow the same process as setting up water services (water and electricity are often bundled under LADWP).
2. For SCE:
   • Visit the SCE website (www.sce.com) or call 1-800-655-4555.
   • Provide similar documentation as required by LADWP.

Costs:

• Monthly Average: $50–$150, depending on household size, season, and energy efficiency.
• LADWP and SCE offer tiered pricing, meaning higher usage results in higher rates.

Tips:

• Consider signing up for energy-saving programs or rebates for energy-efficient appliances.
• If you’re renting, check with your landlord to confirm which provider services your area.

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3. Gas Services

Provider:

• Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) is the primary provider of natural gas in Los Angeles.

How to Set Up:

1. Visit the SoCalGas website (www.socalgas.com) or call 1-877-238-0092.
2. Create an account and provide:
   • Address of the property.
   • Start date for service.
   • Government-issued ID.
   • Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
   • Proof of residency (e.g., lease agreement or property deed).

Costs:

• Monthly Average: $20–$50, depending on usage (higher in winter due to heating needs).

Tips:

• Gas is commonly used for heating, cooking, and water heating in LA homes. Be aware of seasonal fluctuations in your bill.
• SoCalGas offers budget plans to help spread out costs evenly throughout the year.

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4. Internet and Cable Services

Major Providers:

• Spectrum (www.spectrum.com)
• AT&T (www.att.com)
• Frontier Communications (www.frontier.com)
• Xfinity (Comcast) (www.xfinity.com)

How to Set Up:

1. Check which providers service your specific address (availability varies by neighborhood).
2. Visit the provider’s website or call their customer service to set up an account.
3. Provide:
   • Address of the property.
   • Start date for service.
   • Government-issued ID.
   • Payment information (credit/debit card or bank account).

Costs:

• Monthly Average:
  • Internet: $50–$100 (depending on speed and provider).
  • Cable TV: $50–$150 (depending on package).
  • Bundled services (internet + TV): $100–$200.

Tips:

• Compare plans and promotional offers from multiple providers to get the best deal.
• Many providers require a contract, so read the terms carefully before signing.
• If you’re renting, confirm with your landlord if the property is pre-wired for specific providers.

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5. Trash and Recycling Services

Provider:

• Trash and recycling services in Los Angeles are managed by the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation (LASAN).

How to Set Up:

1. Trash services are typically included in your water and electricity bill if you’re using LADWP.
2. If you’re renting, trash services are often handled by the landlord or property management company.

Costs:

• Monthly Average: $36–$50 for single-family homes (included in LADWP bill for most residents).

Tips:

• LA has a robust recycling program. Familiarize yourself with the city’s recycling guidelines to avoid fines.
• Bulky item pickups (e.g., furniture, appliances) are free but must be scheduled in advance through LASAN.

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6. Additional Considerations

Documents Needed for Most Utility Setups:

• Government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport).
• Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
• Proof of residency (e.g., lease agreement, property deed, or utility bill in your name).
• Payment method (credit/debit card or bank account).

Payment Options:

• Most providers offer online payment portals, autopay options, and paperless billing.
• Some providers may charge a small fee for credit card payments.

Local Tips:

• Plan Ahead: Set up utilities at least 1–2 weeks before your move-in date to ensure services are active when you arrive.
• Energy Efficiency: LA offers rebates and incentives for energy-efficient appliances and solar panel installations. Check with LADWP or SoCalGas for details.
• Emergency Preparedness: LA is prone to earthquakes. Consider signing up for emergency alerts and keeping a backup power source (e.g., portable generator) if possible.

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By following this guide, you should be able to set up all essential utilities and services in Los Angeles with ease. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to contact the service providers directly for assistance. Welcome to LA!