Setting up utilities in Durham
In Durham, electricity depends on your address, Enbridge Gas North Carolina delivers gas, Durham Water Management runs water, sewer depends on your address, and the City of Durham Solid Waste handles trash pickup.
Moving to Durham? Public Grid can set up Duke Energy for you.
Your utilities in Durham
Who to call for each service in Durham, and how to start it.
Electric
Depends on your address
Duke Energy
Most of Durham
To start: Duke Energy asks for your Social Security number and date of birth to start service online, because it runs a credit check on new customers. If you don’t have a Social Security number, you can call Duke Energy and start service with a driver’s license, passport or Mexican consular ID (matrícula consular) instead.
Or let Public Grid set it up →Piedmont Electric
Piedmont Electric is a not-for-profit electric cooperative.
Parts of north and northwest Durham
To start: Apply online if the home already has electric service; call instead if you need service within the next 2 days, excluding weekends and holidays.
Wake Electric
Wake Electric is a member-owned co-op that delivers electricity.
Parts of east and northeast Durham
To start: Go to Wake Electric’s SmartHub and choose “Start New Service” under the login.
Gas
Enbridge Gas North Carolina
Enbridge Gas provides natural gas service to customers in North Carolina.
To start: Give your complete address, driver’s license number and Social Security number, or fill out the identity verification form instead of giving your SSN.
Water
Durham Water Management
Durham Water Management delivers water and treats wastewater.
To start: Complete the online application with your Social Security or passport number and ID number, plus a lease signed by all parties if renting.
Sewer
Depends on your address
Durham Water Management
Durham Water Management delivers water and treats wastewater.
Most of Durham
To start: Complete the online application with your Social Security or passport number and ID number, plus a lease signed by all parties if renting.
Durham County Utilities
Durham County runs a wastewater treatment plant and sewer lines.
Parts of southeast Durham (check with the County)
Its treatment plant serves southeast Durham County, inside and outside Durham city limits.
Trash & recycling
City of Durham Solid Waste
The City of Durham picks up garbage and recycling carts at the curb.
To start: Submit a Durham One Call service request if you need a new cart; delivery is within the normal seven-day window.
Most apartment complexes and townhome communities are not serviced by the City.
What Durham homes pay for electricity
This is Duke Energy’s average for the homes it serves. Your own bill depends on your home’s size and how you heat it.
$140
Duke Energy’s average home bill, per month
14.0¢
Duke Energy’s average price per kilowatt-hour (kWh)
FAQ
Questions about moving to Durham
Sources: Duke Energy, Piedmont Electric, Wake Electric, Enbridge Gas North Carolina, Durham Water Management, Durham County Utilities, City of Durham Solid Waste, EIA.
Public Grid isn’t affiliated with these companies.
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