Moving to California: utilities and your first-month checklist
Which company serves your new address depends on where in California it is. Each link below goes to that company's own page for starting service. Start it two to three weeks ahead, from the day you get the keys.
Electric companies in California
Northern and central California, incl. San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, FresnoSouthern California Edison (SCE)
Much of Southern California outside the city of Los AngelesSan Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
San Diego and southern Orange CountyLos Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)
City of Los Angeles (public; also water)Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)
Sacramento area (public power)
Natural gas in California
Most of Southern California and the southern Central ValleyPacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)
Northern and central CaliforniaSan Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
San Diego CountySouthwest Gas
Lake Tahoe area, Victorville and parts of San Bernardino County
Water in California
Dozens of districts statewide (phone varies by district)Golden State Water
Many Southern California communitiesCalifornia American Water
Monterey Peninsula, Sacramento suburbs, parts of Los Angeles and San Diego countiesSan Jose Water
San Jose and nearby Santa Clara County cities
Help with the bills
If deposits or bills are a stretch, California runs energy assistance: official assistance page. Ask the utility about deposit waivers too; many waive the deposit with a good payment letter from your old company.
Problems with a utility
The California Public Utilities Commission regulates utilities in California and takes complaints.
New-resident deadlines in California
- Driver's license: within 10 days of moving. Official page
- Car registration and title: within 20 days of moving. Official page
- Inspection: Smog Check required to register a vehicle in California for the first time. Official page
- California driver license office
- Register to vote in California
From the state's own websites, checked October 2026. Deadlines can change; check the official page before you rely on one.
Your first month in a new state
- USPS: change your address: Start mail forwarding up to 30 days early. The real site is usps.com.
- Your new state's motor vehicle office: Driver's license, registration and title. Most states set a short deadline after you move, so check yours first.
- Register to vote: Routes you to the official registration for the new state.
- Medicaid, if you have it: Medicaid doesn't move with you. You apply again in the new state.
- Health insurance: A permanent move can open a special enrollment period.
- Social Security: Change your address once here; Medicare gets it from Social Security.
Utility companies and service areas checked October 2026. Service areas follow addresses, not county lines exactly: confirm with the company before you book.