How to Set Up Utilities and Home Services in New York City

Setting up water

In New York City, setting up water is different depending on whether you are a property owner or tenant.

How do I set up water service?

For renters in New York City, you typically do not need to set up water service, as water is usually included in your rent unless your lease specifically states otherwise. Be sure to confirm with your landlord if water charges are covered in your monthly rent.

For property owners, setting up water service is handled by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Water is automatically connected for most properties, but if you’re a new owner, you need to transfer the account to your name:
1. Visit the DEP’s customer service website or call 718-595-7000.
2. Provide proof of ownership (such as a deed or closing documents) and property details.
3. Once confirmed, the DEP will transfer the account to your name, and you’ll receive bills based on your property’s water usage.

How do I set up trash collection?

In New York City, trash collection is handled by the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY), and residents do not need to set up service individually. Trash, recycling, and compost collection are automatically provided to residential buildings, and the service is funded through property taxes.

For renters, trash collection is typically managed by the building owner or landlord. Be sure to follow your building’s guidelines for trash disposal and recycling schedules.

If you’re a property owner, you just need to ensure that you follow the city’s guidelines for trash and recycling collection. You can check your neighborhood’s specific collection schedule on the DSNY website by entering your address.

How do I pay my water bill?

To pay your water bill in New York City, follow these steps:
1. Online: Visit the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) website and log in to your My DEP Account to view and pay your water bill using a credit card, debit card, or e-check.
2. By Mail: Send a check or money order payable to the “NYC Water Board” along with the payment slip to the address listed on your bill.
3. In Person: You can pay in person at a DEP borough office or at any NYC Department of Finance business center. Check the DEP website for locations.
4. By Phone: Call 866-622-8292 to pay by credit or debit card over the phone.Automatic payment plans are also available through the My DEP Account for recurring payments.

How do I cancel water service at my old address?

In New York City, you generally don’t need to cancel water service when moving out, as water service is tied to the property rather than the individual. However, if you’re a property owner and selling or transferring ownership, you should:

1. Contact the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to notify them of the property transfer by calling 718-595-7000.
2. Provide the new owner’s information and ensure that any outstanding water bills are paid.
3. Request a final meter reading to close your account for the old address and issue a final bill.

Renters typically don’t need to take any action, as water service is managed by the landlord or property owner. Be sure to check with your landlord if any specific steps are required.

Setting up internet

New York City has several internet service providers (ISPs) offering various connection types, including fiber, cable, DSL, and satellite.

How do I set up internet service?

Identifying what is available at your address can be a time consuming process. You can check with each ISP at their individual website or your can check the FCC Broadband Map (though it's less than 100% reliable). 2TurnItOn has a centralized availability tool - give us a call at 888-300-6961 and we can quickly present you with options available for your new home. You can also check with your landlord if you are a renter.

What are my options?

Your options are dependent on your address, as all options and ISPs are not available at every location. Generally speaking, you may be able to choose from fiber, cable, DSL and/or satellite. A 2TurnItOn specialist can help you identify the best options for your home.

What ISPs serve the New York City area?

A list of common providers includes:
1. Spectrum – Offers cable internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps across most of NYC.
2. Verizon Fios – Provides fiber-optic internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps and higher in many areas.
3. Optimum – Available in parts of NYC, offering cable and fiber internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps.
4. Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) – Provides fiber and cable internet with speeds up to 940 Mbps in select areas of NYC.
5. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet – A wireless home internet option using T-Mobile’s 5G network in certain parts of NYC.
6. Verizon 5G Home Internet – Provides wireless 5G home internet in select neighborhoods.
7. HughesNet – Satellite internet with speeds up to 25 Mbps, generally for more rural or less accessible areas.
8. Viasat – Another satellite provider offering speeds up to 100 Mbps in some locations.

What's the difference between the different kinds of internet?

The main difference between internet types lies in speed and reliability. Fiber uses light over fiber-optic cables, offering the fastest speeds and most reliable service. Cable uses coaxial cables and provides high speeds, though it can slow down during peak times. DSL delivers internet over phone lines and is slower but widely available. Satellite uses satellites to provide internet in remote areas but tends to have higher latency and lower speeds. 5G is a wireless option that uses cellular networks for fast speeds, though performance depends on proximity to 5G towers.

Can I choose from any ISP?

In New York City, the availability of ISPs can vary depending on your specific neighborhood or building. While there are several major providers, not all may be available at your address due to infrastructure limitations.

Spectrum and Verizon Fios are the most widely available options in NYC, but coverage can vary based on your building’s wiring.

Some buildings or areas may only have access to one provider, particularly older buildings that might not have fiber-optic installations.

If you’re in an area served by Optimum or Astound Broadband (formerly RCN), you may also have those as choices.

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet are becoming more widely available in select areas but are still somewhat limited by location.

Satellite services like HughesNet and Viasat are options in rural or hard-to-reach areas, though less common in most parts of the city.

The team at 2TurnItOn can help you find what's available in your area, or you can check with the ISPs directly or consult your building management to see which services are available at your specific address.

Setting up electricity

Most NYC residents are served by Con Edison, but you have choices.

How do I sign up for electricity in New York City?

In New York City, most residents receive electricity through Con Edison (Consolidated Edison). To sign up for electricity service as a new customer, follow these steps:

1. Visit Con Edison’s Website: Go to the Con Edison website and create an account. Alternatively, you can call their customer service at 1-800-752-6633.
2. Provide Personal Information: You’ll need to provide your name, service address, Social Security number, and identification (like a driver’s license).
3. Set Up Service Start Date: Choose the date you want your electricity service to start.
4. Select an Energy Supplier (Optional): You can either stick with Con Edison’s default supply plan or choose an alternate Energy Service Company (ESCO) for your electricity supply. ESCOs can offer different rates or renewable energy plans, but Con Edison will still handle delivery and maintenance.
5. Pay Any Required Deposit: Depending on your credit history, you may be asked to pay a deposit.Once these steps are completed, Con Edison will begin service on the selected date, and you’ll start receiving electricity at your new address.

Tell me more about ESCOs - what are those and how do they work?

An Energy Service Company (ESCO) supplies electricity or natural gas in deregulated markets like New York City. While Con Edison or National Grid still handles delivery and infrastructure, ESCOs offer various supply options, including fixed or variable rates and renewable energy plans. You can choose an ESCO for potentially lower rates or green energy, but you’ll still receive one bill that includes both supply (from the ESCO) and delivery (from Con Edison or National Grid). Make sure to compare rates and contract terms before switching, as savings aren’t always guaranteed.

Why do ESCOs exist?

New York State introduced Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) as part of energy market deregulation in the 1990s. The goal was to create competition and offer consumers more choices in their energy supply. Instead of having a single utility control both supply and delivery, deregulation allows consumers to choose from various ESCOs, which can offer competitive rates, flexible plans, or renewable energy options. This competition aims to drive down prices and encourage innovation. However, utilities like Con Edison and National Grid still manage energy delivery and infrastructure to ensure reliability.

What ESCOs serve the NYC area?

Several ESCOs serve the New York City area, offering a range of energy plans including fixed rates, variable rates, and renewable energy options. Some common ESCOs in NYC include:
1. Direct Energy
2. Green Mountain Energy
3. Constellation Energy
4. Just Energy
5. CleanChoice Energy
6. Energy Plus
7. Ambit Energy
8. XOOM Energy

These ESCOs allow NYC residents to compare rates and choose plans tailored to their energy preferences, such as opting for renewable energy or locking in a fixed rate. You can find a complete list of approved ESCOs on the New York State Public Service Commission website.

Setting up gas

Most NYC residents can only choose from one provider.

Where do I sign up for gas service?

1. For Con Edison (Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens):
• Visit the Con Edison website or call 1-800-752-6633 to create an account.
• Provide your personal information, including your name, service address, and the date you want the service to start.
• You may need to provide a government-issued ID and Social Security number.
• A deposit may be required based on your credit history.

2. For National Grid (Brooklyn, Staten Island, and parts of Queens):
• Visit the National Grid website or call 718-643-4050 to set up service.
• Provide the necessary personal information, including your name, address, and service start date.
• You may need to show proof of residency and pay a deposit depending on your credit history.Once your account is created, gas service will be activated, and you’ll receive monthly bills based on usage.

How do I pay my gas bill?

You can pay your gas bill in New York City through several convenient methods, depending on whether you’re with Con Edison or National Grid:

For Con Edison customers:
1. Online: Pay via the Con Edison website by logging into your account.
2. By Mail: Send a check or money order with your account number to the address on your bill.
3. By Phone: Call 1-888-925-5016 to pay by phone using a credit or debit card.
4. In Person: Visit a customer service center or authorized payment location.
5. AutoPay: Set up automatic payments through your online account.

For National Grid customers:
1. Online: Pay through the National Grid website by signing into your account.
2. By Mail: Mail a check or money order with your account number to the billing address provided.
3. By Phone: Call 1-718-643-4050 to make a payment using a credit or debit card.
4. In Person: Pay at an authorized payment location.
5. AutoPay: Enroll in automatic payments for hassle-free monthly billing.Both companies also offer mobile apps for convenient bill payments.

How to turn it on in New York City