Setting Up Utilities In Hemet: A Quick Start Guide

New keys in hand and ready to move into your Hemet home? One of the first things you’ll want to lock in is your utilities. Getting electricity, water, sewer, and natural gas set up on time keeps your move smooth and stress free. In this quick guide, you’ll learn who serves your address, what information to have ready, typical timelines, and how to handle special cases like wells or new construction. Let’s dive in.

Who serves Hemet utilities

Electricity: Southern California Edison

Southern California Edison provides electric service for Hemet and much of Riverside County. You will start or transfer your account directly with SCE. Routine starts or transfers usually happen within a few business days if no field work is needed.

Water and sewer: City of Hemet or EMWD

Your water and sewer service will be either the City of Hemet Utilities or Eastern Municipal Water District. It depends on your parcel location and service boundaries. If you are not sure, contact both agencies with your address. Sellers, title companies, or your property tax records often show the provider as well.

Natural gas: Southern California Gas Company

Southern California Gas Company serves natural gas customers in Hemet. You will start or transfer gas service through SoCalGas and follow their safety guidance if you ever suspect a leak.

What to do first

• Confirm providers for your new address. Check electricity with SCE, water and sewer with either the City of Hemet Utilities or EMWD, and natural gas with SoCalGas.
• Gather details you will need: service address, move-in date, your name and contact info, government ID, billing method, and, if asked, Social Security or Tax ID for credit checks. Proof of ownership or tenancy may be requested.
• Ask about deposits and activation fees so you can budget. Some providers may run a credit check and may require a deposit. Options like payment history or a co-signer can sometimes help.

Set up electricity with SCE

Steps to start or transfer

1. Check if there is an active account at the address. Sellers typically schedule a final read through escrow.
2. Start or transfer service online or by phone with SCE. Share your address, move-in date, and ID for verification.
3. Set your billing preferences. You can enroll in paperless billing, autopay, and usage alerts.
4. Confirm the meter read and service start date. Most accounts are active within a few business days when no equipment work is required.

Helpful online features

• Outage alerts and status updates
• Energy usage dashboard and budget billing
• Payment arrangements and assistance programs like CARE and FERA for eligible households

Timing and special cases

If a meter inspection, equipment upgrade, or new wiring is needed, SCE will schedule a field visit. This can extend timelines and may involve permits or contractors.

Set up water and sewer

City of Hemet Utilities (in-city service)

• Contact the City’s utility billing division to start or transfer water and sewer service.
• Provide your address, start date, and identification. Escrow or title instructions often handle final reads for sellers.
• The City may request a deposit or encourage automatic payments. Ask about billing cycles and any prorated charges.

Eastern Municipal Water District (regional service)

• If your address is within EMWD’s service area, start or transfer service through EMWD’s customer portal or by phone.
• Provide your address, desired start date, and identification to set up billing and online account access.
• EMWD may require a deposit or credit check. Their online account offers bill pay, conservation programs, and notifications.

Outside city water boundaries

• Start with EMWD. Many unincorporated Hemet-area parcels are served by EMWD.
• If EMWD does not serve your parcel, verify with the City of Hemet Utilities. If it is outside both, your property may use a private well and a septic system or be served by a special district or mutual water company.
• If you suspect private well and septic, review seller disclosures and check records with Riverside County Environmental Health and County planning for permits, inspections, and maintenance guidance.

Set up natural gas with SoCalGas

Steps to start or transfer

1. Request a start or transfer online or by phone. You will provide your address, move-in date, contact information, and ID.
2. Set billing and payment options, including paperless billing or payment plans.
3. If service activation requires access to the meter or equipment, SoCalGas will schedule a technician visit.

Safety reminders

• If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the area immediately. Call SoCalGas and 911 if there is immediate danger. SoCalGas provides safety and appliance connection guidance to help prevent issues.

Timelines, deposits, and common fees

• Timelines: When no new equipment or inspections are needed, accounts are typically active within 1 to 7 business days. Field work, meter installations, or repairs can add days to weeks.
• Deposits and credit checks: SCE and SoCalGas commonly run credit reviews and may request deposits. City of Hemet Utilities and EMWD may also require deposits for new customers or if prior unpaid balances exist.
• Fees: You may see activation fees, reconnection fees for shut-off accounts, or new connection and capacity fees for new construction.

Emergency and outage tips

• Electricity: Use your SCE online account to report outages and receive status updates. Enroll in outage alerts to stay informed during storms or scheduled maintenance.
• Natural gas: For a strong gas smell or a suspected leak, leave immediately and call SoCalGas. Dial 911 if there is immediate danger.
• Water and sewer: For sudden water loss or major leaks, contact the City of Hemet Utilities or EMWD, depending on your provider. For septic issues or failures, contact Riverside County Environmental Health.

New builds and special cases

• New construction: Builders typically coordinate new meters, capacity reservations, and inspections with the City of Hemet or EMWD. Confirm that all utility improvements and meters are installed and active before closing.
• Escrow coordination: Ask your escrow or title company to schedule final meter reads and handle transfers for the seller. Get written confirmation of final bills, credits, and transfer dates.
• Assistance programs: SCE, SoCalGas, EMWD, and the City may offer bill assistance, payment arrangements, conservation programs, or rebates. Check your provider’s assistance pages for eligibility and enrollment.

Hemet move checklist

2 to 4 weeks before move

• Confirm providers for electricity, water, sewer, and gas.
• Start or transfer each account and set your service start dates.
• Ask about deposits, required documents, and final-read steps with seller and escrow.

1 to 2 weeks before move

• Create online accounts with each provider. Enroll in paperless billing and autopay if you want them.
• If the home has a private well and septic, request the seller’s maintenance history or schedule inspections.

Move day

• Take clear photos of the electric, gas, and water meters for your records.
• Keep confirmation numbers and customer service contacts handy.

After move

• Verify the first meter reads and bills. Resolve prorated or final charges with the seller and escrow if needed.

Ready for local help?

If you want a simple, step-by-step plan for utilities, plus guidance on Hemet neighborhoods, new builds, or timing your move with closing, we are here to help. Reach out to Unknown Company to get practical local insights and a clear path to your next step. Start Your Home Journey.

FAQs

Who provides electricity for Hemet homes?

• Southern California Edison serves most Hemet addresses and handles start or transfer requests for residential electric service.

How do I know if my Hemet address has City water or EMWD?

• Contact both the City of Hemet Utilities and EMWD with your address. Your parcel location and service boundaries determine the provider.

What if my Hemet property uses a private well and septic?

• Review seller disclosures and check Riverside County Environmental Health and County planning for permits, inspections, and maintenance requirements.

How long does utility activation take in Hemet?

• Typical starts or transfers complete within 1 to 7 business days when no field work is required. Meter installs or repairs add time.

Will I need to pay deposits for utilities?

• SCE and SoCalGas may run credit checks and request deposits. City of Hemet Utilities and EMWD may also require deposits depending on account history.

What should I do if I smell natural gas at my new home?

• Leave the area immediately, call SoCalGas, and dial 911 if there is immediate danger. Do not use electronics or open flames until cleared.