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Setting up utilities in San Diego

In San Diego, SDG&E delivers electricity, San Diego Gas & Electric delivers gas, water depends on your address, the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department handles sewer, and the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department handles trash pickup.

Moving to San Diego? Public Grid can set up your electric for you.

Your utilities in San Diego

Who to call for each service in San Diego, and how to start it.

ServiceProviderHow to start

Electric

SDG&E

The electric company for San Diego and south Orange County.

To start: SDG&E asks for your Social Security number to start service online. If you can’t give one, you can call SDG&E to start service instead. SDG&E may also ask you to confirm who you are in person.

Or let Public Grid set it up →
Start or stop service1 (800) 411-7343Start on sdge.com (opens sdge.com in a new tab)
Read our SDG&E guide

Gas

San Diego Gas & Electric

SDG&E distributes natural gas and electricity in the San Diego area.

To start: SDG&E may ask you to verify your identity in person at an authorized payment location, often inside a store.

Customer service1 (800) 411-7343Start on sdge.com (opens sdge.com in a new tab)

Water

Depends on your address

City of San Diego Public Utilities Department

The City supplies drinking water and wastewater service.

Most of the city

To start: The City asks for a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Giving your Social Security number is your choice.

Customer service1 (619) 515-3500Start on sandiego.gov (opens sandiego.gov in a new tab)

California American Water

The company delivers safe, reliable water in California.

Part of the South Bay, south of San Diego Bay

Customer service1 (888) 237-1333Start on amwater.com (opens login.amwater.com in a new tab)

Otay Water District

The district provides water in southeastern San Diego County.

Otay Mesa, generally east of Heritage Road

To start: If you rent, the owner fills out an Owner Acknowledgement Form first, and the district charges renters a deposit.

Customer service1 (619) 670-2222Start on otaywater.gov (opens otaywater.gov in a new tab)

Sewer

City of San Diego Public Utilities Department

The City supplies drinking water and wastewater service.

To start: The City asks for a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Giving your Social Security number is your choice.

Customer service1 (619) 515-3500Start on sandiego.gov (opens sandiego.gov in a new tab)

Trash & recycling

City of San Diego Environmental Services Department

The City picks up residential trash, recycling and organic waste.

Buildings with five or more homes on a lot, and homes on private streets, use a City-approved private hauler.

Customer service1 (858) 694-7000sandiego.gov (opens sandiego.gov in a new tab)

What San Diego homes pay for electricity

This is SDG&E’s average for the homes it serves. Your own bill depends on your home’s size and how you heat it.

$183

SDG&E’s average home bill, per month

47.6¢

SDG&E’s average price per kilowatt-hour (kWh)

FAQ

Questions about moving to San Diego

It depends on your home. The City collects trash from homes with one to four residences on a lot, on a public street. Buildings with five or more residences, and homes on private streets or in gated communities, arrange service with a City-approved private hauler.

It depends on your lease. When one water meter serves several units, the City sets up the water account in the property owner’s name.

Sources: SDG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, City of San Diego Public Utilities Department, California American Water, Otay Water District, City of San Diego Environmental Services Department, EIA.

Public Grid isn’t affiliated with these companies.

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