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Setting up utilities in Washington, DC

In Washington, DC, Pepco delivers electricity, Washington Gas delivers gas, DC Water runs water and sewer, and the DC Department of Public Works handles trash pickup.

Moving to Washington, DC? Public Grid can set up your electric for you.

Your utilities in Washington, DC

Who to call for each service in Washington, DC, and how to start it.

ServiceProviderHow to start

Electric

Pepco

The electric company for Washington, DC.

To start: Pepco doesn’t require a Social Security number. You can give your driver’s license number instead, along with your date of birth.

Or let Public Grid set it up →
Start or stop service1 (800) 424-8028Start on pepco.com (opens secure.pepco.com in a new tab)
Read our Pepco guide

Gas

Washington Gas

Washington Gas serves natural gas customers in DC and nearby areas.

To start: Call Washington Gas or submit the required information online, at least two business days before you need service on.

Customer service1 (844) 927-4427Start on washingtongas.com (opens washingtongas.com in a new tab)

Water & sewer

DC Water

DC Water provides drinking water and wastewater service in the District.

To start: If you rent, you share the owner’s existing account, and the owner or manager asks DC Water to add you to receive a bill in your name.

If you buy a home, your title agent starts your account through DC Water’s third-party portal.

Customer service1 (202) 354-3600Start on dcwater.com (opens dcwater.com in a new tab)

Trash & recycling

DC Department of Public Works

The District collects trash and recycling at homes of three or fewer units.

DPW collects only from single-family homes and buildings of three or fewer units; larger buildings must contract their own collection.

Customer service1 (202) 673-6833dpw.dc.gov (opens dpw.dc.gov in a new tab)

What Washington, DC homes pay for electricity

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

$137

Pepco’s average home bill, per month

23.2¢

Pepco’s average price per kilowatt-hour (kWh)

FAQ

Questions about moving to Washington, DC

Call Washington Gas or submit the required information online, at least two business days before you need service on. Someone has to give access to the home to start service.

It may, depending on your payment record. If your gas appliances have an electronic ignition, your electric service must be active before gas can be turned on.

Sources: Pepco, Washington Gas, DC Water, DC Department of Public Works, EIA.

Public Grid isn’t affiliated with these companies.

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