Setting Up Utilities in Lawndale: Who to Call

Moving into a new home in Lawndale and not sure who handles power, water, trash, and internet? You are not alone. Getting utilities lined up early saves time, avoids surprises, and makes day one smoother. This quick guide tells you exactly who to call, what to prepare, common timelines, and local tips specific to Lawndale. Let’s dive in.

Start here: who to call first

• Electricity: Southern California Edison (SCE). SCE serves Lawndale and most South Bay cities. You can start or transfer service online or by contacting SCE. SCE confirms service in the South Bay.
• Natural gas: Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas). Use their mover tools to start or transfer service. SoCalGas highlights its mover services program.
• Water: Golden State Water Company (GSWC). New customers can register online or by phone. Use the Golden State Water customer contact page.
• Trash, recycling, organics: Republic Services under the City’s exclusive franchise. See the City’s Trash & Recycling information for service details.
• Internet/TV: Spectrum and Frontier are common in Lawndale. Availability varies by address. Check providers using the City’s Cable TV page.

Electricity: Southern California Edison

SCE is the electric utility for Lawndale. You can start, stop, or transfer service through SCE’s customer tools. Same-day or next-business-day activation is often possible when the meter is already connected, and SCE has recently modernized its billing and customer systems to support smoother moves. See SCE’s update on system improvements for context on scheduling and billing changes in the region: SCE customer billing system upgrades.

If your home is new construction or needs meter work, timelines are longer and may require an on-site visit. SCE provides guidance for expansion and new facilities, which can help you plan ahead: SCE expansion and new facilities overview.

Natural gas: Southern California Gas Company

SoCalGas is the gas provider in Lawndale. You can open or transfer service using their mover services tools, which are designed to streamline new starts and transfers. A one-time start or transfer fee may apply in some situations. Learn more from SoCalGas’ mover services program.

Water: Golden State Water Company

Golden State Water serves Lawndale as part of its regional service territory. Most single-family homes are billed directly by Golden State Water, but some multifamily properties may be submetered or billed through a property manager. To open or verify your account, use the Golden State Water customer contact page.

Trash, recycling, and organics: Republic Services

Lawndale has an exclusive franchise with Republic Services for curbside trash, recycling, and organics. The City provides service rules, organics guidance, bulky item pickup details, and contact information on its Trash & Recycling page.

Rates are posted by the City and updated periodically. You can review current residential cart sizes, quarterly rates, and any senior discounts on the City’s Refuse Collection Rates page. If you need a different cart size or extra containers, contact Republic Services to update the account.

Sewer and wastewater

Sewer service in the South Bay is managed by regional sanitation authorities and is not something you set up like electric or gas. Charges often appear on your water bill or through a municipal billing arrangement. Ask the seller, landlord, or property manager how sewer is billed for your address and who to contact for maintenance questions.

Internet and TV: check by address

Spectrum and Frontier are common options in Lawndale, and some addresses may also have AT&T or other providers. Availability and speeds vary by block. Run your full street address on provider sites and use the City’s Cable TV page for local references and contacts.

What you need to set up service

Have these items handy when you start or transfer utility accounts:

• Full name, phone, email, service address, and billing address.
• Government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license.
• Proof of occupancy, like a lease or closing statement, if requested.
• Payment method for setup fees or auto-pay, if desired.
• SSN or TIN, since some utilities may run a credit check and request a deposit.

Timing, deposits, and fees

• Activation windows: If the meter is active, many services can start same-day or next business day. SCE highlights modernization of its systems that support smoother start and transfer processes, which can help with quick turn-ons. See SCE’s billing system update for context.
• Deposits: Electric and gas utilities may require a deposit based on credit history.
• Service fees: SoCalGas may charge a one-time start or transfer fee, depending on your situation. See their mover services update for general guidance.
• Construction or meter work: New construction or inactive meters can take several days to weeks. Review SCE’s new facilities guidance if you expect installation work.

Renters vs. homeowners: who calls what

• Renters: Confirm with your landlord or property manager which utilities you must open yourself. In some properties, water or trash stays in the owner’s name and is billed back. Ask how submetered water, sewer, or trash charges appear on your rent or utility statements.
• Homeowners: Plan to open accounts for electricity, gas, water, and trash in your name to start on your closing or move-in date. If you are changing cart sizes or adding containers, contact Republic Services through the City’s site.

Local Lawndale tips

• Organics recycling is required. Use your green organics cart for food scraps and yard trimmings. The City’s Trash & Recycling page explains what goes where and how to request carts.
• Bulky items: Lawndale curbside customers typically receive several free bulky item pickups each year. Details and scheduling are on the City’s trash and recycling pages.
• Utility tax: Lawndale levies a utility users tax, and some residents may qualify for exemptions. Review the City’s Utility Tax Exemption page for eligibility and how to apply.
• Schedule early: Aim to schedule SCE and SoCalGas 48 to 72 business hours before move-in to avoid any gap in service.

Need local help planning your move?

If you are buying or renting in Lawndale or anywhere in the South Bay, we are happy to share practical move-in timelines, help you coordinate key dates, and connect you with trusted local resources. Reach out to the Steve and Helen Nimeh Real Estate Group to make your transition smooth.

FAQs

In Lawndale, CA, who provides electricity, gas, water, and trash service?

• Electricity is through Southern California Edison, gas through SoCalGas, water through Golden State Water, and trash, recycling, and organics through Republic Services under the City’s franchise.

How far in advance should I schedule Lawndale utility turn-ons?

• Schedule electricity and gas 48 to 72 business hours before move-in for the best chance at same-day or next-business-day activation when the meter is active.

Who handles bulky item pickup in Lawndale, and how many are included?

• Republic Services provides bulky item pickup for Lawndale curbside customers, and the City indicates several free pickups per year; check the City’s Trash & Recycling page for current limits and scheduling.

How do I find internet options at my Lawndale address?

• Run your full street address on provider sites for Spectrum, Frontier, or others, and use the City’s Cable TV page to confirm local contacts and options.

Do I need to set up sewer service in Lawndale?

• Sewer and wastewater are managed regionally and are not customer-selectable; charges usually appear on your water bill or via a municipal billing arrangement, so ask the seller or property manager how it is billed for your address.