Moving or switching your utilities to a new address? Having changed utilities is probably the hardest part of any moving project. But if you research Philadelphia utilities before you move forward, you may find a way to make it more convenient.
If you are moving to a new neighborhood in Pennsylvania, the transfer of utilities to a new address will require a few days in advance or higher payment. Upon relocation to Philadelphia, customers must open a Philadelphia utility account involving credit checks and deposits.
PPUC (PENNSYLVANIA PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION)
All utility companies in Philadelphia are regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PPUC), which ensures PA consumers have safe, reliable access to utilities at reasonable rates. The PPUC offers programs on utilities and provides financial assistance and also compares Philadelphia electricity and energy rates and chooses the top utility company, electricity supplier, top energy supplier, or top electricity supplier, through Pennsylvania Power Switch.
Can I choose my electric company in PA?
In Pennsylvania, you can choose the company generating your power – also known as an electrical distributor. You have the ability to change suppliers to provide cheaper prices, and the best prices, and provide the specific services you desire like green/renewable power.
What ELECTRIC company serves Philadelphia? PECO
Philadelphia Electric Company known better as PECO is a utility company - one of the largest electricity and natural gas service providers to consumers in the country. You can easily start or transfer service with PECO, free, and takes only 8 to 10 minutes if you have a new business address. Keep in mind that PECO requires a deposit for new customers based on your credit score or payment history. PECO does cover some areas for gas but is not the primary service provider for gas, which is coming up next.
To pay your electricity bill, simply go to the PECO website and hover over "My Account." Then, click "My Bill & Usage." If you enroll in paperless billing, you'll receive your bill through email instead of through the mail.
What GAS company serves Philadelphia? PGW (Philadelphia Gas Works)
PGW stands as the natural gas supplier for the majority of Philadelphia. It all started in February 1836 when Philadelphia Gas Works serviced 46 lamps in the city, and now they are the suppliers of natural gas to over 500,000 customers. On the other hand, PECO only provides natural gas service to select addresses in Philadelphia, PA.
As a PGW customer or business, you have certain rights and responsibilities. You need to keep your meter easily accessible at all times and pay your electricity or bill on time. The free PGW start service can be completed by providing the gas or electric utility company with your Social Security number, Philadelphia address, and contact information.
To stop PGW internet service, you need to call the utility company at (215) 235-1000 at least seven days before the shutoff of electricity to avoid additional fees. Alternatively, you can disconnect internet service online by logging into your PGW account regarding your gas price.
PGW bill pay and payment options include paying online with your PGW account or as a guest with your account number. You can also pay by phone, post, in person at a customer service center or alternate payment center, or even with cash at select retailers like CVS, Dollar General, and Family Dollar.
PGW also offers renewable energy, homeowners, and utility companies an optional Budget Billing program for predictable renewable energy and bills without seasonal energy price spikes, so you can save money and won't have to waste energy and ring the liberty bell.
Contact
PGW: (215) 235-1000
Emergency hotline: (215) 235-1212
Do I need PECO and PGW?
Unlike PECO, PGW delivers natural gas throughout Philadelphia. Having an account with PGW carries responsibilities as well. PGW requires your company to keep the meters easily accessible to customers. A lot of people have both, but the decision is yours if PECO can service your gas and electric.
How to Open a PGW Account & PGW Moving Services
Typically PGW mover services can be found online. PGW service starts are easily completed via the web. You must supply a Social Security number or contact number. If you can't complete this online process, please go to any of our Philadelphia Gas Works locations to register. PGW mover services may be purchased online via your account once registered. You can call Philadelphia Gas Works at 216.253.2001 or you may be billed additional charges. Alternatively, the PGW accounts may be logged in for offline service interruptions.
What WATER company serves Philadelphia? PWD
(The Philadelphia Water Department)
Responsible for providing water, wastewater, and stormwater services to more than 1.7 million people in the City of Philadelphia and some PA communities in Montgomery, Delaware, and Bucks counties. Your water bill also includes in your sewage bill.
The department was established in 1801, following a deadly yellow fever outbreak that prompted the city to create a source of clean water. Setting up a deed of service or existing deed of account with PWD is a simple process. If you are a business or a homeowner, you will start receiving statements once the deed is recorded automatically.
If you are renting, you can apply for a water service new address as in your lease or name the new address by completing the Philadelphia tenant water customer application and emailing it to the Water Revenue Bureau (wrb.contactintake@phila.gov).
You will need to submit a government-issued ID, written consent from the owner, a valid street address, proof of residency, current utility bills in your name, and a water meter reading.
There are multiple ways to pay your Philly water bill, including online, in person, by post, credit check, or by phone. Late fees of 5% are added to the price of all water bills that are not paid on time, and an additional charge of 0.5% to water bills paid is added every month the bill remains outstanding.
Seniors and homeowners with household incomes of $32,200 or less can qualify for a 25% water bill discount from PWD.
If you need to contact PWD
Customer Service: (215) 685-6300, and payments can be made in person at the Municipal Services Building or by mail to the Water Revenue Bureau.
What about TRASH and how do I get rid of it? The Sanitation Division of the Department of Streets
Responsible for providing Philadelphia sanitation services, along with being responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining the city's streets and roads.
You can access the Philadelphia trash pickup schedule to determine your trash day and note any Philadelphia trash holidays when service may not be provided.
Be aware of Philadelphia trash pickup rules to avoid potential fees for improper trash disposal. They will leave any trash that is not disposed of and left out in accordance with their rules.
There are 6 Sanitation Convenience Centers
Recycling bins can be obtained at no cost to new customers at any of the six Philadelphia sanitation convenience centers, with a limit of two recycling bins per year.
If you miss trash day or need to bring bigger items you can bring them to one of the 6 locations across the city. Be prepared to show your ID that you live in the city.
Your City of Philadelphia trash collection fee is included in your water bill so it's no charge to use these centers. Any commercial rubbish needs to be disposed of at a private facility.
Who provides the INTERNET access?
Verizon Fios
Verizon Fios is the largest fiber internet provider in Philadelphia, though Xfinity also has a small fiber presence in the area. Verizon Fios plans come with equipment and unlimited data included at no extra cost whereas you may be paying for both with Xfinity. Don't just take my word for it, though, check out our breakdown of Verizon versus Xfinity.
Xfinity
Xfinity will be the faster Philadelphia internet provider (not Fiberoptics) whether your address is eligible for fiber service or not. Xfinity's fastest plan, Gigabit Pro, advertises max download and upload speeds of up to 6,000Mbps over a 100% fiber connection in the Philly area. Serviceability is limited (and the plan is expensive), but even over a cable connection, Xfinity is the fastest provider in the area, with download speeds up to 1,200Mbps.
T-Mobile
Another major 5G home internet provider, T-Mobile offers speeds ranging from 33 to 182Mbps starting at $50 per month ($30 for qualifying T-Mobile customers). Like Verizon 5G, equipment and unlimited data are included, and no contracts are required, but T-Mobile doesn't quite deliver the same speed potential for the price as Verizon. T-Mobile home internet coverage is also somewhat spotty throughout Philadelphia, covering only about a third of homes in the area.