Just moved to Belmont and wondering who to call first for water, power and trash? You’re not alone. The Peninsula has a few moving parts, and getting services set up early saves you time, fees and stress. In this guide, you’ll find exactly who provides each utility in Belmont, how to start service, what documents to have ready, and where to go for help or emergencies. Let’s dive in.
Who provides what in Belmont
Water
Water service is handled by local districts. Parts of Belmont are served by Mid‑Peninsula Water District, but service areas can vary by address. Confirm your provider through the City of Belmont website or your closing/lease paperwork. You can also review account setup and service info with the Mid‑Peninsula Water District if your address falls in its service area.
Electricity generation and delivery
Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) is the default electricity generation supplier for San Mateo County. Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) delivers electricity, maintains the lines and handles outages and safety. Most new Belmont customers are automatically enrolled with PCE for generation. Learn about plan options at Peninsula Clean Energy. Create or transfer your account with PG&E to start service.
Natural gas
If your home uses gas appliances, PG&E provides gas delivery and billing. You’ll add gas service when you open or transfer your PG&E account.
Trash, recycling and organics
Recology San Mateo County is the franchised hauler for Belmont. They provide curbside trash, recycling and organics collection, plus bulky item pickup. Start or transfer service and check your collection day through Recology San Mateo County.
Sewer and wastewater
Sewer service and billing are coordinated through the City or a regional wastewater authority, depending on your address. Verify billing and who to contact for issues through the City of Belmont website or your closing documents.
Internet
Multiple ISPs serve Belmont, including fiber, cable and DSL options. Availability is address‑specific. Use provider availability tools to check options at your new home.
Start service in 7 simple steps
1) Confirm your water district
- Check your closing documents or contact the City of Belmont website to confirm your district.
- If served by Mid‑Peninsula Water District, review setup steps and emergency contacts at the Mid‑Peninsula Water District.
- Have ready: service address, move‑in date, ID, proof of ownership or lease, and payment method.
- Timing: request at least several business days in advance. Same‑day or next‑day turn‑on may be available if access is clear.
2) Open your PG&E account (electricity and gas)
- Create or transfer your account at PG&E. You’ll need your service address, move‑in date, contact info and payment method. PG&E may request SSN or alternative ID for a credit check.
- If power is on, transfer is usually immediate. If a meter activation is needed, allow several days for scheduling.
- Outages and emergencies are handled by PG&E. Follow PG&E’s safety guidance for gas leaks and downed lines.
3) Choose your electricity generation with PCE
- You are typically enrolled with Peninsula Clean Energy by default.
- Review plan choices or opt‑out instructions at Peninsula Clean Energy. Plans often include a standard cleaner mix and optional 100% renewable.
- Charges for PCE generation appear on your PG&E bill.
4) Start Recology trash, recycling and organics
- Contact Recology San Mateo County to set up service and choose cart sizes.
- Confirm how billing is handled for your address. Some properties are billed directly by Recology, while others may have charges on tax or utility bills.
- Ask about bulky‑item pickup, extra cart options and setout rules to avoid contamination fees.
5) Verify sewer billing and contacts
- Check your closing or lease documents to see whether sewer charges appear on your property tax bill or a utility invoice.
- Contact the City of Belmont website to confirm where to report sewer issues like blockages or overflows.
6) Pick your internet provider
- Use provider availability tools to see fiber, cable or DSL options at your exact address.
- Schedule installation ahead of time if a technician visit is required.
7) Note emergency resources
- For life‑threatening emergencies, call 911.
- For electricity outages or gas leaks, use PG&E’s outage and emergency resources at PG&E. Follow posted safety guidance.
- For water main breaks or leaks, contact your water district. The City of Belmont website can direct you if you are unsure who serves your address.
Documents and details to prepare
Have these on hand before you call or go online:
- Service address and unit number
- Move‑in date and preferred time window
- Name of account holder and contact info
- Driver’s license or state ID
- Proof of residency or occupancy (lease, purchase agreement or grant deed)
- Payment method (credit/debit card or bank account)
- Social Security Number or alternative ID if PG&E requests a credit check
Typical fees and deposits
- Water and wastewater: One‑time connection or service deposits vary by district and by owner vs renter status. Confirm current fees with your water provider.
- PG&E: A deposit may be required based on a credit check. Ask about payment plans or budget billing.
- Recology: Set‑up or prorated charges may apply based on your start date and cart selection.
Timeline: when to start each utility
- 14 to 10 days before move‑in: Confirm water provider and request start date. Open your PG&E account. Review PCE plan options.
- 10 to 7 days before move‑in: Start Recology, choose cart sizes and confirm collection day. Schedule internet install if needed.
- 3 to 5 days before move‑in: Verify activation dates, technician windows and access instructions for meters.
- Move‑in day: Check that water is running and meters are active. Confirm trash, recycling and organics containers have been delivered.
Safety checks and home basics
- Gas safety: If the property has natural gas, follow PG&E’s guidance for leaks. If you smell gas, evacuate, call 911 if there is immediate danger, then contact PG&E.
- Meter access: If a technician needs access, be present or authorize someone who can be on site.
- Home readiness: Replace HVAC filters, test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and review the electrical panel location.
Local programs and assistance
- Peninsula Clean Energy plans: Review your default plan and consider upgrading to a higher renewable option at Peninsula Clean Energy.
- PG&E bill support: Income‑qualified customers can explore CARE/FERA discounts, payment assistance and energy‑saving programs at PG&E.
- State and county incentives: Look for EV, solar, heat pump and water‑efficiency rebates via California and county programs. Consumer resources are available from the California Public Utilities Commission.
- Hazardous waste disposal: For paint, e‑waste and chemicals, use the San Mateo County Household Hazardous Waste program. Review accepted items and events at the San Mateo County HHW program.
Quick move‑in checklist
- Confirm your water provider and open the account.
- Open your PG&E account for electricity and gas if applicable.
- Review Peninsula Clean Energy plan options.
- Start Recology trash, recycling and organics service, and note your collection day.
- Gather ID, lease or deed, and payment method.
- Schedule any needed technician visits and allow 7 to 14 days for activations during busy seasons.
- Save emergency resources for outages, gas leaks and water issues.
Getting utilities squared away early keeps your move smooth and predictable. If you need a quick sanity check on your setup plan or help coordinating move‑in services, we’re here to guide you.
Ready for a seamless start in Belmont? Connect with Unknown Company for local guidance and to get your Instant Property Valuation.
FAQs
Who handles electricity in Belmont and how do I start?
- PG&E delivers power and manages outages, while Peninsula Clean Energy supplies generation by default. Open or transfer your account at PG&E and review plan options at Peninsula Clean Energy.
What should I do if I smell gas or see a downed power line in Belmont?
- If there is immediate danger, call 911. Then follow PG&E’s emergency guidance and reporting tools at PG&E.
Am I automatically enrolled with Peninsula Clean Energy when I move to Belmont?
- Yes, most new customers are enrolled with PCE by default. You can review plans or opt out at Peninsula Clean Energy.
Do I need to be home for PG&E or water turn‑on appointments?
- If a technician needs meter access, you or an authorized person usually must be present. Ask your provider whether they can perform a non‑intrusive turn‑on.
How do I set up trash service and schedule bulky pickup in Belmont?
- Start service and request bulky item pickup with Recology San Mateo County. Follow sorting rules to avoid contamination fees.
Where do I dispose of paint, batteries or e‑waste in San Mateo County?
- Use the San Mateo County Household Hazardous Waste program. See accepted items and event schedules at the San Mateo County HHW program.
How do I find my water provider for a Belmont address?
- Check your closing or lease documents, or contact the City of Belmont website. If served by Mid‑Peninsula Water District, see setup details at the Mid‑Peninsula Water District.
