Setting Up Utilities in Seattle: Complete Guide for New Homeowners

Complete Seattle utilities setup guide with specific providers, contact info, costs, and timelines for electricity, gas, water, internet, and more.

Tags:utilities, seattle, setup, washington, real-estate, post-purchase, homeownership, spu, city-light, pse, internet
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You got the keys. You're moving in this weekend. But when you flip the light switch, nothing happens. The water's off. The internet isn't working. You forgot to set up utilities. Now you're scrambling to get everything turned on while living out of boxes.

Setting up utilities is one of the first tasks after closing. Some services transfer automatically, others require you to initiate. Some take days to activate, others are instant. This guide provides specific provider information, contact details, costs, and timelines for all major utilities in the Seattle area.

Table of Contents

Utilities Checklist

Essential Utilities (Must Have)

1. Electricity:

  • Provider: Seattle City Light (Seattle) or Puget Sound Energy (suburbs)
  • When to set up: 1–2 weeks before closing
  • Activation time: Same day to 3 business days
  • Deposit: $0–$200 (depends on credit)

2. Natural Gas:

  • Provider: Puget Sound Energy
  • When to set up: 1–2 weeks before closing
  • Activation time: 1–3 business days
  • Deposit: $0–$150 (depends on credit)

3. Water/Sewer:

  • Provider: Seattle Public Utilities (Seattle) or local utility district
  • When to set up: At closing or immediately after
  • Activation time: Immediate to 1 business day
  • Deposit: Usually none

4. Garbage/Recycling:

  • Provider: Seattle Public Utilities (Seattle) or private company (suburbs)
  • When to set up: Within first week
  • Activation time: Next scheduled pickup
  • Deposit: Usually none

5. Internet:

  • Providers: Xfinity, CenturyLink, Wave, Ziply Fiber
  • When to set up: 1–2 weeks before closing
  • Activation time: 3–14 days (installation required)
  • Deposit: Usually none
  • Installation fee: $0–$100

6. Home Security/Alarm:

  • Providers: ADT, SimpliSafe, Ring, local companies
  • When to set up: After closing
  • Activation time: 1–7 days
  • Deposit: Varies
  • Monthly cost: $20–$60

Optional Utilities

7. Cable TV:

  • Providers: Xfinity, Wave
  • When to set up: After closing
  • Activation time: 3–7 days
  • Deposit: Usually none
  • Monthly cost: $50–$150

8. Streaming Services:

  • Providers: Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, etc.
  • When to set up: Anytime
  • Activation time: Immediate
  • Monthly cost: $10–$80 per service

9. Landline Phone:

  • Providers: CenturyLink, Xfinity
  • When to set up: After closing
  • Activation time: 3–7 days
  • Monthly cost: $20–$40
  • Note: Most people skip landline now

Electricity

Seattle City Light (City of Seattle)

Service area:

  • City of Seattle
  • Shoreline
  • Lake Forest Park
  • Parts of Renton, Tukwila, Burien

How to set up:

What you need:

  • Property address
  • Move-in date
  • Government-issued ID
  • Social security number (for credit check)
  • Previous address

Timeline:

  • Set up: 1–2 weeks before closing
  • Activation: Same day if service already on, 1–3 days if off

Costs:

  • Deposit: $0–$200 (based on credit, refunded after 12 months)
  • Connection fee: $0 if service already on, $50–$100 if off
  • Average monthly bill: $80–$150 (depends on home size, usage)

Payment options:

  • Online
  • Auto-pay
  • Phone
  • Mail
  • In person

Budget billing:

  • Available
  • Averages your bill over 12 months
  • Avoids seasonal spikes

Seattle City Light tips:

  • Publicly owned utility (not-for-profit)
  • 90% hydroelectric (clean energy)
  • Lower rates than private utilities
  • Excellent customer service

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) – Suburbs

Service area:

  • Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish
  • Issaquah, Renton, Kent, Auburn
  • Everett, Lynnwood, Bothell
  • Most of King, Snohomish, Kitsap counties

How to set up:

  • Online: pse.com
  • Phone: (888) 225-5773
  • Mobile app: PSE app

What you need:

  • Property address
  • Move-in date
  • Government-issued ID
  • Social security number
  • Previous address

Timeline:

  • Set up: 1–2 weeks before closing
  • Activation: 1–3 business days

Costs:

  • Deposit: $0–$200 (based on credit)
  • Connection fee: $0–$50
  • Average monthly bill: $90–$180 (depends on home size, usage)

Payment options:

  • Online
  • Auto-pay
  • Phone
  • Mail

Budget billing:

  • Available
  • Averages bill over 12 months

PSE tips:

  • Private utility (for-profit)
  • Serves most of Puget Sound region
  • Higher rates than Seattle City Light
  • Good customer service

Electricity Tips

1. Set up early:

  • Don't wait until move-in day
  • Service may take 1–3 days to activate
  • Avoid being without power

2. Transfer vs new service:

  • If you're moving within same utility area, transfer service
  • If new to area, start new service
  • Transfer is usually faster

3. Check for deposits:

  • Good credit: No deposit
  • Poor credit or no credit history: $100–$200 deposit
  • Deposit refunded after 12 months of on-time payments

4. Budget billing:

  • Smooths out seasonal variations
  • Helpful for budgeting
  • Recalculated annually

5. Energy efficiency programs:

  • Both utilities offer rebates for energy-efficient appliances
  • Free energy audits
  • Weatherization assistance

Natural Gas

Puget Sound Energy (PSE)

Service area:

  • Most of Puget Sound region
  • Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, etc.

How to set up:

  • Online: pse.com
  • Phone: (888) 225-5773
  • Can set up electricity and gas together

What you need:

  • Property address
  • Move-in date
  • Government-issued ID
  • Social security number
  • Previous address

Timeline:

  • Set up: 1–2 weeks before closing
  • Activation: 1–3 business days
  • May require technician visit to turn on gas

Costs:

  • Deposit: $0–$150 (based on credit)
  • Connection fee: $0–$50
  • Technician visit: $50–$100 (if required)
  • Average monthly bill: $40–$120 (depends on usage, season)

Payment options:

  • Online
  • Auto-pay
  • Phone
  • Mail

Budget billing:

  • Available
  • Averages bill over 12 months

Natural Gas Tips

1. Schedule technician visit:

  • If gas is off, technician must turn it on
  • Schedule in advance
  • Be home for appointment

2. Check pilot lights:

  • After gas is turned on, check pilot lights
  • Furnace, water heater, fireplace, stove
  • Relight if necessary (or call technician)

3. Seasonal usage:

  • Higher bills in winter (heating)
  • Lower bills in summer
  • Budget billing helps smooth this out

4. Energy efficiency:

  • PSE offers rebates for high-efficiency furnaces
  • Free energy audits
  • Weatherization assistance

5. Safety:

  • Know how to shut off gas in emergency
  • Gas shut-off valve usually near meter
  • If you smell gas, leave immediately and call PSE: (888) 225-5773

Water and Sewer

Seattle Public Utilities (City of Seattle)

Service area:

  • City of Seattle

How to set up:

What you need:

  • Property address
  • Move-in date
  • Government-issued ID
  • Closing documents (proof of ownership)

Timeline:

  • Set up: At closing or immediately after
  • Activation: Immediate (water usually stays on)

Costs:

  • Deposit: Usually none (homeowners)
  • Connection fee: Usually none
  • Average monthly bill: $100–$200 (includes water, sewer, drainage, solid waste)

Billing:

  • Billed every 2 months
  • Includes: water, sewer, drainage, solid waste (garbage/recycling)
  • Can't separate services

Payment options:

  • Online
  • Auto-pay
  • Phone
  • Mail
  • In person

Seattle Public Utilities tips:

  • Water usually stays on during sale
  • Set up account at closing or immediately after
  • Bill includes multiple services (water, sewer, drainage, garbage)
  • Can't choose different garbage provider in Seattle

Suburban Water Districts

Common providers:

  • Northshore Utility District (Bothell, Kenmore, Woodinville)
  • Sammamish Plateau Water & Sewer District
  • Lakehaven Utility District (Federal Way)
  • Soos Creek Water & Sewer District (Kent, Covington)
  • Many others (depends on location)

How to find your provider:

  • Check with previous owner
  • Check your closing documents
  • Call your city/county
  • Check your property tax statement

How to set up:

  • Contact your specific district
  • Each has different process
  • Usually online or phone

Costs:

  • Vary by district
  • Average: $50–$150/month
  • Usually no deposit for homeowners

Water and Sewer Tips

1. Set up immediately:

  • Water usually stays on during sale
  • But you need account in your name
  • Avoid getting bill in previous owner's name

2. Locate water shut-off:

  • Know where main water shut-off is
  • Usually near street or in basement
  • Important for emergencies

3. Check for leaks:

  • After closing, check all faucets, toilets, pipes
  • Small leaks waste water and money
  • Fix immediately

4. Conservation:

  • Seattle has tiered rates (more you use, higher rate)
  • Fix leaks
  • Install low-flow fixtures
  • Water lawn efficiently

5. Sewer line responsibility:

  • You're responsible for sewer line from house to street
  • Consider sewer line insurance or service line coverage
  • See Homeowners Insurance Basics

Garbage and Recycling

Seattle Public Utilities (City of Seattle)

Service area:

  • City of Seattle

How it works:

  • Included in water/sewer bill
  • Can't choose different provider
  • Set up when you set up water account

What's included:

  • Garbage pickup (weekly)
  • Recycling pickup (weekly)
  • Compost/food waste pickup (weekly)
  • Yard waste pickup (weekly in summer, biweekly in winter)

Costs:

  • Included in utility bill
  • Based on garbage can size
  • Micro can (12 gallons): ~$35/month
  • Small can (32 gallons): ~$50/month
  • Medium can (64 gallons): ~$70/month
  • Large can (96 gallons): ~$90/month

How to choose can size:

  • Start with small can
  • Adjust if needed
  • Recycling and compost are unlimited (no extra charge)

Pickup schedule:

Seattle tips:

  • Recycle and compost to reduce garbage
  • Smaller garbage can = lower bill
  • Recycling and compost are free (unlimited)
  • Yard waste pickup included

Suburban Garbage Service

Common providers:

  • Waste Management
  • Republic Services
  • Recology
  • Local companies

How to find your provider:

  • Check with previous owner
  • Check your city website
  • Some cities have exclusive contracts (no choice)
  • Some cities allow you to choose

How to set up:

  • Contact provider directly
  • Online or phone
  • Usually starts within 1 week

Costs:

  • $30–$60/month
  • Depends on can size and services
  • May have setup fee

What's included:

  • Garbage pickup (weekly)
  • Recycling pickup (weekly or biweekly)
  • Yard waste pickup (optional, extra cost)

Suburban tips:

  • Ask previous owner who they used
  • Compare providers if you have choice
  • Ask about discounts (annual prepay, senior, etc.)

Internet

Providers in Seattle Area

Major providers:

1. Xfinity (Comcast):

  • Coverage: Most of Seattle area
  • Technology: Cable
  • Speeds: 50 Mbps to 1200 Mbps
  • Cost: $30–$100/month (promotional rates)
  • Pros: Fast, widely available, reliable
  • Cons: Price increases after promo, data caps, customer service

2. CenturyLink:

  • Coverage: Most of Seattle area
  • Technology: DSL or fiber (depends on location)
  • Speeds: 20 Mbps to 940 Mbps (fiber)
  • Cost: $50–$65/month (price for life)
  • Pros: No price increases, no data caps, no contracts
  • Cons: Slower speeds in some areas, availability varies

3. Wave (Astound Broadband):

  • Coverage: Parts of Seattle, Kirkland, Everett
  • Technology: Cable
  • Speeds: 100 Mbps to 1000 Mbps
  • Cost: $30–$80/month
  • Pros: Fast, good customer service, no data caps
  • Cons: Limited availability

4. Ziply Fiber:

  • Coverage: Growing (parts of Seattle, suburbs)
  • Technology: Fiber
  • Speeds: 100 Mbps to 5000 Mbps
  • Cost: $20–$300/month
  • Pros: Very fast, no data caps, no contracts, good customer service
  • Cons: Limited availability (but expanding)

5. T-Mobile Home Internet:

  • Coverage: Where T-Mobile 5G available
  • Technology: 5G wireless
  • Speeds: 50–200 Mbps (varies)
  • Cost: $50–$60/month
  • Pros: No installation, no data caps, no contracts
  • Cons: Speeds vary, not as reliable as wired

6. Starlink:

  • Coverage: Everywhere
  • Technology: Satellite
  • Speeds: 50–200 Mbps
  • Cost: $120/month + $599 equipment
  • Pros: Available anywhere
  • Cons: Expensive, weather affects signal, high latency

How to Choose Internet Provider

Check availability:

  • Not all providers available at all addresses
  • Check each provider's website
  • Enter your address

Consider your needs:

  • Basic browsing/email: 50–100 Mbps
  • Streaming (1–2 devices): 100–200 Mbps
  • Streaming (3–4 devices): 200–400 Mbps
  • Gaming, 4K streaming, large household: 400+ Mbps
  • Work from home (video calls): 100+ Mbps upload

Compare costs:

  • Promotional rates vs regular rates
  • Installation fees
  • Equipment rental fees
  • Data caps
  • Contract requirements

Read reviews:

  • Check customer service ratings
  • Check reliability ratings
  • Ask neighbors what they use

How to Set Up Internet

Timeline:

  • Set up: 1–2 weeks before closing
  • Installation: 3–14 days (depends on provider and availability)
  • Self-install: 3–7 days (equipment shipped)
  • Professional install: 7–14 days (schedule appointment)

How to order:

  • Online: Provider's website
  • Phone: Call provider
  • In person: Provider's store (Xfinity has stores)

What you need:

  • Property address
  • Move-in date
  • Government-issued ID
  • Payment method

Installation options:

Self-install:

  • Provider ships equipment
  • You install yourself
  • Instructions included
  • Usually free
  • Takes 30–60 minutes

Professional install:

  • Technician comes to your home
  • Installs equipment
  • Tests connection
  • Fee: $0–$100 (sometimes waived)
  • Takes 1–2 hours

What's included:

  • Modem (usually rental, $10–$15/month)
  • Router (usually rental, $10–$15/month)
  • Or: Gateway (modem + router combo)

Buy your own equipment:

  • Can save $10–$30/month
  • Modem: $80–$150
  • Router: $50–$200
  • Pays for itself in 6–12 months
  • Check provider's approved equipment list

Internet Tips

1. Schedule early:

  • Installation can take 1–2 weeks
  • Don't wait until move-in day
  • Schedule for day after closing or move-in day

2. Negotiate:

  • Ask for promotional rates
  • Ask for waived installation fee
  • Ask for free equipment rental
  • Threaten to go to competitor

3. Avoid contracts:

  • Choose no-contract plans if possible
  • Easier to switch if unhappy
  • No early termination fees

4. Buy your own equipment:

  • Saves $10–$30/month
  • Pays for itself quickly
  • Better performance

5. Check for data caps:

  • Xfinity has 1.2 TB/month cap (can pay for unlimited)
  • CenturyLink, Wave, Ziply: No caps
  • Monitor usage if you have cap

6. Bundle carefully:

  • Internet + TV bundles may save money
  • But often have contracts
  • Calculate total cost over contract period

Home Security/Alarm

Do You Need Home Security?

Consider:

  • Neighborhood crime rate
  • Home value
  • Personal comfort level
  • Insurance discount (5–20% off homeowners insurance)

Options:

1. DIY systems:

  • SimpliSafe, Ring Alarm, Wyze
  • Self-install
  • Self-monitor or professional monitoring
  • Cost: $200–$500 equipment + $0–$30/month monitoring

2. Professional systems:

  • ADT, Vivint, Brinks
  • Professional install
  • Professional monitoring
  • Cost: $0–$500 equipment + $30–$60/month monitoring
  • Usually requires contract (1–3 years)

3. Smart home security:

  • Ring doorbell, Nest cameras, smart locks
  • Self-install
  • Self-monitor via app
  • Cost: $100–$500 equipment + $0–$10/month cloud storage

How to Set Up

Timeline:

  • Set up: After closing
  • Installation: 1–7 days (DIY) or 1–2 weeks (professional)

DIY systems:

  • Order online
  • Equipment ships in 3–7 days
  • Install yourself (1–2 hours)
  • Activate monitoring (optional)

Professional systems:

  • Call for quote
  • Schedule installation
  • Technician installs (2–4 hours)
  • Activate monitoring

What you need:

  • Property address
  • Government-issued ID
  • Payment method
  • Emergency contacts

Security Tips

1. Change alarm code:

  • If previous owner had alarm
  • Change code immediately
  • Don't use obvious codes (1234, birthdate)

2. Test system:

  • Test all sensors
  • Test monitoring (if applicable)
  • Know how to arm/disarm

3. Notify monitoring company:

  • If you're going on vacation
  • If you're doing construction
  • Reduces false alarms

4. Insurance discount:

  • Tell your insurance company you have alarm
  • Get discount (5–20%)
  • May require professional monitoring

5. Smart home integration:

  • Many systems integrate with Alexa, Google Home
  • Control with voice or app
  • Convenient

Cable TV (Optional)

Do You Need Cable TV?

Consider:

  • Streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV) are cheaper
  • Most people are cutting cable
  • Cable: $50–$150/month
  • Streaming: $10–$80/month per service

If you want cable:

Providers:

  • Xfinity (most of Seattle area)
  • Wave (parts of Seattle, Kirkland, Everett)
  • CenturyLink (limited TV service)

How to set up:

  • Same as internet (see above)
  • Often bundled with internet
  • Installation required (3–7 days)

Costs:

  • Basic cable: $50–$80/month
  • Expanded cable: $80–$120/month
  • Premium channels: $120–$150/month
  • Equipment rental: $10–$20/month
  • Installation: $0–$100

Alternative: Streaming services:

  • YouTube TV: $73/month (live TV, unlimited DVR)
  • Hulu + Live TV: $77/month (live TV, Hulu library)
  • Sling TV: $40–$55/month (live TV, limited channels)
  • Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.: $10–$20/month each

Utility Costs: What to Expect

Average Monthly Costs (Seattle Area)

Single-family home (1,500–2,000 sq ft):

  • Electricity: $80–$150
  • Natural gas: $40–$120 (higher in winter)
  • Water/sewer/garbage: $100–$200 (billed every 2 months in Seattle)
  • Internet: $50–$100
  • Home security: $0–$60 (optional)
  • Cable TV: $0–$150 (optional)

Total: $270–$780/month

Condo (800–1,200 sq ft):

  • Electricity: $50–$100
  • Natural gas: $20–$60 (if separate, often included in HOA)
  • Water/sewer/garbage: Often included in HOA
  • Internet: $50–$100
  • Home security: $0–$60 (optional)
  • Cable TV: $0–$150 (optional)

Total: $120–$470/month (plus HOA fee)

Seasonal Variations

Winter (November–March):

  • Higher electricity (if electric heat)
  • Higher natural gas (heating)
  • Higher water (less conservation)
  • Total: 20–50% higher than summer

Summer (June–September):

  • Lower electricity (no heat)
  • Lower natural gas (no heat)
  • Higher water (lawn watering)
  • Total: 20–30% lower than winter

Spring/Fall:

  • Moderate usage
  • Average bills

How to Save Money on Utilities

Electricity:

  • LED light bulbs
  • Energy-efficient appliances
  • Programmable thermostat
  • Unplug devices when not in use
  • Weatherize home (insulation, weather stripping)

Natural gas:

  • Lower thermostat (68°F in winter)
  • Programmable thermostat
  • High-efficiency furnace
  • Weatherize home

Water:

  • Fix leaks
  • Low-flow fixtures
  • Efficient irrigation
  • Shorter showers
  • Full loads (dishwasher, laundry)

Internet:

  • Buy your own equipment
  • Negotiate promotional rates
  • Choose appropriate speed (don't overpay)
  • Avoid contracts

Overall:

  • Budget billing (smooths out seasonal variations)
  • Energy audits (free from utilities)
  • Rebates for energy-efficient upgrades
  • Compare providers (where you have choice)

Summary: Key Takeaways

  • Set up electricity and gas 1–2 weeks before closing (takes 1–3 days to activate)
  • Set up water/sewer at closing or immediately after (usually immediate)
  • Set up garbage within first week (starts at next pickup)
  • Set up internet 1–2 weeks before closing (installation takes 3–14 days)
  • Home security optional (set up after closing)
  • Cable TV optional (most people use streaming instead)
  • Average monthly utility costs: $270–$780 (depends on home size, usage, season)
  • Seattle City Light (electricity) and Seattle Public Utilities (water/sewer/garbage) serve City of Seattle
  • PSE (electricity and gas) serves most suburbs
  • Internet providers: Xfinity, CenturyLink, Wave, Ziply Fiber (availability varies)
  • Save money: energy efficiency, budget billing, buy your own internet equipment, negotiate rates

Next Steps

2 weeks before closing:

  1. Set up electricity (Seattle City Light or PSE)
  2. Set up natural gas (PSE)
  3. Order internet (schedule installation for move-in day)

At closing:

  1. Set up water/sewer (Seattle Public Utilities or local district)

First week after closing:

  1. Set up garbage (included with water in Seattle, or contact provider in suburbs)
  2. Set up home security (optional)
  3. Set up cable TV (optional) or streaming services

Ongoing:

  1. Monitor usage and adjust as needed
  2. Look for ways to save (energy efficiency, negotiate rates)
  3. Set up auto-pay for convenience

Related articles:

Additional Resources

Utility providers:

Internet providers:

Find your water/sewer provider:

Energy efficiency:

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Seattle utilities setup. Provider availability, costs, and requirements may change. Always verify current information with providers. This is not professional advice.

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