San Francisco

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Utilities

Information about local utility services, including setting up water, electricity, internet, and garbage collection for homes or rentals.

Sections

1. Electricity

Key Service Provider:

  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E): PG&E is the primary electricity provider in San Francisco.

Typical Costs:

  • Residential electricity rates in San Francisco average $0.30โ€“$0.40 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is higher than the national average due to California's energy policies and infrastructure costs.
  • Monthly bills typically range from $60 to $150, depending on household size and energy usage.

How to Set Up Service:

  1. Visit the PG&E website (www.pge.com) or call their customer service at 1-800-743-5000.
  2. Provide your address, identification (e.g., Social Security Number or passport), and a deposit if required (waived for customers with good credit history).
  3. Choose a billing plan (e.g., standard or time-of-use rates, which charge less during off-peak hours).
  4. Service activation usually takes 1โ€“5 business days.

Local Considerations:

  • Energy Efficiency Programs: PG&E offers rebates and incentives for energy-efficient appliances and home upgrades. Check their website for programs like the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, which provides discounts for low-income households.
  • Solar Power: San Francisco is solar-friendly, and many residents install solar panels to reduce electricity costs. PG&E supports net metering, allowing you to sell excess solar energy back to the grid.

2. Water

Key Service Provider:

  • San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC): SFPUC manages water services in the city, sourcing water primarily from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.

Typical Costs:

  • Water rates are based on usage, with an average monthly bill of $50โ€“$80 for a small household.
  • Rates include charges for water, wastewater, and stormwater management.

How to Set Up Service:

  1. Contact SFPUC at (415) 551-3000 or visit their website (www.sfwater.org).
  2. Provide your address, move-in date, and identification.
  3. Service activation typically takes 1โ€“3 business days.

Local Considerations:

  • Water Conservation: San Francisco has strict water conservation policies due to California's history of droughts. SFPUC offers free water-saving devices like low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
  • Tiered Pricing: Water rates increase with higher usage, so conserving water can significantly reduce your bill.

3. Gas

Key Service Provider:

  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E): PG&E also provides natural gas services in San Francisco.

Typical Costs:

  • Gas rates are approximately $1.50โ€“$2.50 per therm (a unit of heat energy).
  • Monthly gas bills range from $30 to $100, depending on usage, especially for heating and cooking.

How to Set Up Service:

  1. Gas service is typically bundled with electricity through PG&E. Follow the same setup process as electricity.
  2. Ensure your homeโ€™s gas appliances (e.g., stove, water heater) are in good working condition before activating service.

Local Considerations:

  • Safety: San Francisco is in an earthquake-prone area, so ensure your gas lines are secure and consider installing an automatic gas shutoff valve.
  • Energy Efficiency: PG&E offers rebates for energy-efficient gas appliances like water heaters and furnaces.

4. Internet

Key Service Providers:

  • Xfinity (Comcast): Offers cable internet with speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
  • AT&T: Provides fiber and DSL internet with speeds up to 5 Gbps in some areas.
  • Sonic: A local provider offering fiber internet with competitive pricing and no data caps.
  • Google Fiber Webpass: Available in select apartment buildings, offering high-speed internet.

Typical Costs:

  • Basic plans start at $30โ€“$50 per month for speeds of 50โ€“100 Mbps.
  • High-speed plans (1 Gbps or more) cost $70โ€“$120 per month.

How to Set Up Service:

  1. Check availability for your address on the providerโ€™s website.
  2. Choose a plan based on your speed and budget needs.
  3. Schedule installation (usually within 1โ€“7 days). Some providers offer self-installation kits.

Local Considerations:

  • Public Wi-Fi: San Francisco offers free public Wi-Fi in many areas, including parks and libraries.
  • Bundling: Many providers offer discounts if you bundle internet with TV or phone services.

5. Waste Management

Key Service Provider:

  • Recology San Francisco: Recology handles garbage, recycling, and compost collection in the city.

Typical Costs:

  • Rates are based on the size of your garbage bin:
    • 20-gallon bin: ~$30 per month
    • 32-gallon bin: ~$40 per month
    • 64-gallon bin: ~$80 per month
  • Recycling and composting are included in the service fee.

How to Set Up Service:

  1. Contact Recology at (415) 330-1300 or visit their website (www.recology.com).
  2. Provide your address and select your bin size.
  3. Service typically starts within a week.

Local Considerations:

  • Mandatory Composting and Recycling: San Francisco has strict waste separation laws. All residents must separate garbage, recycling, and compost. Fines may be issued for non-compliance.
  • Zero Waste Goal: The city aims to achieve zero waste by 2030, so residents are encouraged to minimize landfill contributions.

Cost-Saving Tips for Utilities in San Francisco

  1. Energy and Water Efficiency: Use energy-efficient appliances, LED bulbs, and water-saving fixtures to reduce electricity and water bills.
  2. Time-of-Use Plans: Opt for time-of-use electricity plans to save money by using energy during off-peak hours.
  3. Paperless Billing and Auto-Pay Discounts: Many providers offer small discounts for enrolling in paperless billing and automatic payments.
  4. Low-Income Assistance Programs: Check if you qualify for programs like CARE (for energy) or Lifeline (for internet and phone services).
  5. Monitor Usage: Use apps or online portals provided by utility companies to track your usage and identify areas to cut back.

Final Notes

  • San Franciscoโ€™s utility costs are higher than the national average, but the city offers numerous programs to help residents save money and reduce environmental impact.
  • As a new resident, itโ€™s essential to set up utilities promptly to avoid service delays. Most providers allow you to schedule service activation in advance of your move-in date.
  • Be mindful of the cityโ€™s sustainability initiatives, as compliance is mandatory and contributes to San Franciscoโ€™s eco-friendly reputation.

If you need further assistance or have specific questions, feel free to ask!