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Utility setup (electricity, water, internet)

Step 1) Gather what you’ll need

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  • Rental address & move-in date, landlord’s name/number.
     

  • ID (passport, EAD, state ID) and, if you have them, SSN (Social Security Number) and ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)

 

• If you don’t have an SSN yet, call the utility—some (e.g., SoCalGas) accept alternative ID or may ask for a deposit.
 

  • Proof you live there (lease or letter).
     

  • Phone number & email (for online accounts).
     

Step 2) Find your local utilities

Utilities vary by city/county. Use these to identify who serves your address:

 

Electricity (and sometimes water/trash):
Natural gas (SoCal):

SoCalGas — start service online; call if you don’t have an SSN. myaccount.socalgas.com

Water: Often city-run.

 

Trash: Often city-run.

 

Tip: If your landlord says utilities are “included,” confirm which ones and whose name the accounts are in.

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Step 3) Start each service (typical online flow)

  1. Create an online account → “Start/Move Service.”
     

  2. Enter address, move-in date, and ID (SSN if you have one).
     

  3. You might see a deposit (credit history/new customer). 

  4. Set up billing (autopay/paperless) and pick your language where available.
     

If you get stuck, the CPUC can help connect you with the utility to restart or initiate service. California Public Utilities Commission

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Step 4) Apply for bill discounts & one-time aid 

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  1. CARE (20–35% off) & FERA (18% off) electric rate discounts for income-qualified households. Apply through your electric utility or here. ​

  2. CAP: Qualifying customers receive a fixed monthly discount equal to 50% of the 5/8 x 3/4-inch meter service charge. Check eligibility and apply

  3. LIHEAP (one-time help with energy bills; can also fund weatherization). Apply via your local LIHEAP agency (ex. los angeles). check eligibility here

  4. Energy Savings Assistance (ESA): free efficiency upgrades (fridge, weather-stripping, etc.) via your utility. California Department of Social Services

  5. If you have past-due balances, ask about an Arrearage Management Plan (AMP) (debt forgiveness with on-time payments). Apply through your utility: south cal edison, socal gas, PG&E, and more.
     

Step 5) Internet

Low cost options

 

How to set it up

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1. Decide what kind of internet you need

  • Home broadband (wired connection — fastest and most reliable, good for video calls, streaming, online learning).
     

  • Mobile hotspot (through your cell plan — more portable but usually has data limits).
     

  • Public internet access (libraries, community centers — good temporary solution while waiting for installation).
     

2. Check which internet providers are available in your area

In California, providers depend on your address. Use these tools to check:

  • California Low-Cost Internet Plans search tool
    https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/lowcostinternet
    Enter your address to see available providers and low-cost options.
    (Good for finding refugee-friendly plans with lower monthly rates.)
     

  • BroadbandNow address search
    https://broadbandnow.com
    Shows all ISPs (Internet Service Providers) serving your location.
     

 

3. Choose a plan

When comparing plans, look at:

  • Monthly price (some plans are $10–$30/month for qualifying low-income households).
     

  • Speed (measured in Mbps — aim for at least 25 Mbps download for a small household; 100+ Mbps for families with multiple devices).
     

  • Data limits (unlimited is best; avoid low caps if possible).
     

  • Contract terms (some have 1–2 year contracts; others are month-to-month).
     

  • Equipment fees (some providers charge for modems/routers; others include them).
     

Low-cost options for low-income households:

4. Gather documents for application

Providers usually require:

  • Name & contact info (phone, email).
     

  • Service address.
     

  • Proof of identity (passport, state ID, or other photo ID).
     

  • Proof of eligibility for low-cost plan (e.g., Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI letter).
     

  • Payment method (credit/debit card, bank account, or sometimes cash at store).
     

5. Apply for service

You can:

  • Apply online via provider’s website.
     

  • Call customer service — ask for language assistance if needed.
     

  • Visit a local store (good if you need help with paperwork or payment in person).
     

6. Schedule installation

Most ISPs provide a modem and router.

  • Some providers send a technician (common for wired connections).
     

  • Others offer self-install kits you plug in yourself.
     

  • Installation usually takes 1–3 hours; you’ll need to be home.
     

7. Set up your equipment

If self-installing:

  1. Plug modem into wall outlet (or cable jack).
     

  2. Connect modem to router (if separate) with Ethernet cable.
     

  3. Plug router into power and wait for lights to turn solid.
     

  4. Connect phone/laptop to Wi-Fi using the network name (SSID) and password printed on the router.
     

  5. Change your Wi-Fi password to something secure.
     

8. Free/temporary internet while waiting
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