Setting Up Utilities in Chino Hills: A Quick Guide

Moving to Chino Hills and not sure how to start utilities? You are not alone. Between water, trash, power, and gas, it can feel like a lot when you just want to unpack and settle in. This quick guide walks you through each provider, what to do and when, and how to avoid common surprises on your first bills. Let’s dive in.

Utilities at a glance

Water and sewer: City of Chino Hills

Water and sewer service is managed by the City of Chino Hills. You open or transfer your account directly with the city. Expect to provide your service address, move-in date, a government ID, and proof of ownership or a lease. Start here on the City of Chino Hills official site to find the utility billing page and current forms.

What to know:

• Billing is typically monthly or bimonthly, with base charges plus usage.
• First bills are often prorated if you start mid-cycle.
• New construction or properties missing a meter require extra lead time and city coordination.

Trash and recycling: Waste Management (WM)

Trash, recycling, and green waste collection in Chino Hills is serviced through Waste Management under a city contract. You can confirm service days, request cart delivery, change cart sizes, and schedule bulky item pickup through Waste Management or the city’s website.

What to know:

• Pickup days and cart sizes can vary by neighborhood.
• Bulky item pickup often requires a scheduled request.
• Billing may appear on a separate WM invoice or on your city utility bill. Verify how your address is billed with the city.

Electricity: Southern California Edison (SCE)

Southern California Edison provides electric service throughout Chino Hills. You can start or transfer service online before you move. Begin on SCE’s website to set your start date, verify deposit requirements, and review rate options.

What to know:

• SCE may require a deposit based on credit history.
• Time-of-use rates and budget billing are available.
• SCE offers programs like CARE, FERA, Medical Baseline, and energy-efficiency rebates.
• Use SCE’s outage tools for real-time status and reporting.

Natural gas: Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas)

SoCalGas handles natural gas service in Chino Hills. Open or transfer your account online or by phone, and schedule activation at least a few days ahead. Start with SoCalGas to see start-service steps and safety guidance.

What to know:

• Ensure clear access to the gas meter for activation.
• If you smell gas or suspect a leak, evacuate and call the emergency number on the SoCalGas site immediately.
• CARE discounts, Medical Baseline, and energy-efficiency programs are available for eligible customers.

Oversight and assistance: CPUC

California’s investor-owned utilities are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. You can review consumer protections, rate-assistance programs, and complaint options on the CPUC website.

Your setup timeline

Two weeks before move

• Identify providers for your specific address. Confirm water/sewer with the city, trash with WM, electricity with SCE, and gas with SoCalGas.
• Gather documents: government ID, proof of residency or lease, contact info, and billing details. Some utilities may ask for a Social Security number for credit review.
• Confirm responsibilities. Your lease should specify who pays water, trash, sewer, gas, and electric. If unclear, clarify with your landlord.
• Schedule activation. Aim for a few business days in advance for SCE, SoCalGas, and the city. Allow more time for new construction or meter issues.

Move-in day checklist

• Photograph all meters with timestamps. Record electric, gas, and water readings as soon as you arrive. Share these when opening or confirming accounts to avoid being billed for the prior occupant.
• Check access and condition. Make sure meters are visible and not blocked. Note any damage or open lids/valves.
• Confirm trash carts and pickup day. If carts are missing, request delivery from WM or the city. Verify the correct collection day.
• Prioritize safety. If you smell gas or see signs of a leak, evacuate and call the emergency number posted on the SoCalGas site. For power issues, use SCE’s outage tools and follow their guidance.

First month follow-up

• Review your first bills. Expect a prorated first bill if you started mid-cycle. Confirm your billing cycle dates going forward.
• Enroll in online accounts. Set up autopay and paperless billing if you prefer.
• Explore savings programs. Review SCE and SoCalGas assistance programs and rebates.
• Solar or separate meters. If the property has solar or separate meters for an ADU, confirm any special SCE interconnection or net metering steps.

Water and sewer specifics

• Start or transfer service with the city. Use the City of Chino Hills site to find the utility billing or finance department page. You will provide identification, your service address, and your start date. The city may request proof of ownership or a lease.
• Deposits. A deposit may be required depending on credit history. Ask about deposit alternatives if available.
• Billing cadence. Expect either monthly or bimonthly bills with base and usage charges. Partial-period bills are common at move-in.
• New meters or construction. Coordinate early if the property is new or lacks a meter. Permits and inspections can extend timelines.

Trash and recycling essentials

• Confirm service and carts. Check pickup day and cart sizes via Waste Management or the city site. Some addresses keep carts at the property, while others receive delivery after account setup.
• Bulky items and special pickup. Most bulky pickups require scheduling through WM. Plan ahead if you have large items after unpacking.
• Hazardous waste. For electronics, paints, and household hazardous materials, review county programs on the San Bernardino County website to find drop-off events and guidelines.
• Billing format. Confirm whether trash shows up on your city bill or comes from WM directly. This helps you avoid duplicate payments.

Power service tips with SCE

• Start online before move-in. Use SCE’s website to set your start date, review deposits, and enroll in online account tools.
• Rate plans and programs. Explore time-of-use plans and consider budget billing if you want steadier monthly payments. Check eligibility for CARE or FERA discounts and Medical Baseline if someone in the household qualifies.
• Outage resources. Bookmark SCE’s outage map and reporting tools so you can track updates if service is disrupted.

Gas service tips with SoCalGas

• Schedule ahead. Set up service through SoCalGas a few days before you arrive. Technicians may need meter access to turn service on.
• Safety first. If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate and use the emergency number listed on the SoCalGas site. Do not use open flames or electrical switches when you suspect a leak.
• Savings and assistance. Review CARE and Medical Baseline eligibility, and look into efficiency rebates for appliances and weatherization.

Billing, deposits, and savings

• Keep meter photos. Your timestamped photos at move-in are your best proof if a billing dispute arises about prior usage.
• Expect a prorated first bill. If your start date falls mid-cycle, your first bill will only cover that partial period.
• Deposits. Utilities may require deposits based on credit or if there is prior unpaid debt at the address. Ask about alternatives when available, such as autopay authorization.
• Autopay and paperless. Setting both up reduces the risk of missed payments and service interruptions.
• Budget billing and payment plans. Consider levelized billing if your usage swings seasonally. Both SCE and SoCalGas list plan options on their sites.
• Assistance programs. Review CARE, FERA, and Medical Baseline options on SCE and SoCalGas sites. If you need more detail about consumer protections or want to file a complaint, visit the CPUC’s consumer page.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Unclear utility responsibility. Confirm with your landlord or property manager who pays for water, sewer, trash, gas, and electric before you move. Get it in writing.
• Skipping meter photos. Without photos, you may be billed for the prior occupant’s final usage. Take clear, timestamped photos on day one.
• Locked or blocked meters. A locked gate or obstructed meter can delay activation. Ensure access before the technician arrives.
• Duplicate trash billing. Some addresses see trash charges on the city bill, others receive a separate WM invoice. Confirm your setup when you open your city account.
• New construction delays. New meters or service connections need permits and inspections. Start early with the city and utilities to keep your move on track.

Special situations to plan for

• Solar and net metering. If your home has solar, check SCE’s net energy metering process and interconnection steps.
• Separate meters or ADUs. Duplexes and ADUs may have multiple accounts. Confirm which meters serve your unit and who is responsible for each bill.
• Business or mixed use. If you are opening a home-based business with higher usage, review rate options and any required inspections with the utilities.

Quick links and local tools

• City water and sewer setup: City of Chino Hills
• Trash, recycling, and bulky pickup: Waste Management
• Electric start/stop and programs: Southern California Edison
• Gas start/stop and safety: SoCalGas
• Consumer protections and assistance: California Public Utilities Commission
• Hazardous waste and recycling events: San Bernardino County

Ready to make your Chino Hills move smoother from day one? If you are relocating to or from the Southern California foothills, our team can help you plan timelines, coordinate a seamless close, and plug into local resources so you can settle faster and with confidence.

Make a bold move: request a cash offer or strategic listing plan with Unknown Company.

FAQs

How do I start water and sewer service in Chino Hills?

• Open or transfer your account through the City of Chino Hills. Use the city’s website to find utility billing, provide your address and move-in date, and be ready with ID and proof of residency.

Who handles trash and recycling pickup for Chino Hills addresses?

• Waste Management services most homes under a city contract. Confirm pickup day, cart sizes, and bulky pickup scheduling through WM or the city website.

Which companies provide electricity and gas in Chino Hills?

• Southern California Edison provides electricity and SoCalGas provides natural gas. Start or transfer service through their online portals before you move.

What documents do I need to open utility accounts in Chino Hills?

• Have a government ID, proof of ownership or a lease, contact information, and billing details. Some utilities may request a Social Security number for credit review.

How can I avoid being billed for the previous occupant’s usage?

• Photograph electric, gas, and water meters with timestamps on move-in day. Share readings during account setup and keep the photos for your records.

Are there utility bill discounts available in Chino Hills?

• Yes. SCE and SoCalGas offer programs like CARE, FERA, and Medical Baseline for eligible households. Review details on each utility’s website and the CPUC site.

Where can I find guidance on utility consumer protections in California?

• The California Public Utilities Commission lists consumer protections, assistance programs, and complaint options on its website.