Utilities Setup
Last updated: 2026-03-07 | For: Engineers, Spouses
In Taiwan, a single phone call after moving gets your power and water turned on. In Phoenix, you'll need to set up accounts with 4-5 separate companies. And the most critical thing is this: make sure the AC works. A house without air conditioning in a Phoenix summer is genuinely dangerous.
Electricity: APS or SRP
Phoenix has two electric utilities. Which one you use is determined by where you live — you don't get to choose.
| Detail | APS | SRP |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Arizona Public Service | Salt River Project |
| Near TSMC | Most of North Phoenix | Some eastern areas |
| Sign up | Online at aps.com | Online at srpnet.com |
| Deposit | $150-300 without credit history | Similar |
How to find your provider: Ask your landlord or property manager. Or enter your address on the APS and SRP websites to check.
Time-of-Use Rates — This Matters a Lot
Both APS and SRP offer time-of-use rate plans. Peak hours (typically 3-8 PM) cost 2-3x more than off-peak. Run your washer, dryer, and dishwasher after 9 PM and save $50-100 per month. After setting up your account, compare the available rate plans carefully — the right plan makes a real difference.
Water
- Provider: City of Phoenix Water Services (if within Phoenix city limits)
- Sign up: Online at phoenix.gov, or call 602-262-6251
- Monthly cost: $40-60/month (includes water and sewer)
- Water quality: Tap water is safe to drink, but it's hard water (high mineral content). Most people use a filter or buy bottled water
- Deposit: $75-150 may be required without credit history
If you live outside Phoenix city limits (e.g., Peoria, Surprise), your water provider may be different. Ask your landlord or property manager.
Natural Gas (If Applicable)
- Provider: Southwest Gas
- Used for: Water heater, gas stove (if applicable), winter heating
- Sign up: Online at swgas.com
- Monthly cost: $20-40/month (higher in winter for heating)
- Note: Not every home uses natural gas. Some are all-electric (electric water heater, electric stove). Check whether your home has a gas connection.
Internet
In Taiwan, Chunghwa Telecom can often install the next day. In Phoenix, internet installation can take 5-10 business days. Schedule before you arrive if possible.
| Provider | Speed | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cox Communications | 100-940 Mbps | $50-100/mo | Most common in North Phoenix |
| CenturyLink / Brightspeed | 20-940 Mbps | $50-65/mo | Fast in fiber areas |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | 33-245 Mbps | $50/mo | No installation — plug in and go |
Do This Before You Arrive
Schedule your internet installation. If you wait until arrival, you could be without home internet for 5-10 days. Use your phone hotspot to bridge the gap. T-Mobile Home Internet is a solid alternative — pick up the device at a T-Mobile store, plug it in at home, and you're online immediately. Cancel anytime.
Trash and Recycling
- Trash bin (black/gray): Collected once a week. Set it out the night before, bring it back in on collection day
- Recycling bin (blue): Collected every two weeks. Paper, plastic, metal, glass — no sorting needed, put it all in together
- Bulk trash: Once a month for large furniture, appliances, etc. Check your area's schedule
- Cost: For Phoenix city residents, trash fees are included in your water bill
- HOA warning: Many communities require trash bins to be stored out of sight. Leaving bins out past collection day is a common HOA violation that leads to fines
Unlike Taiwan, there's no garbage truck you have to chase down the street. But you do need to remember to bring your bins back in.
Monthly Utilities Cost Estimate
| Utility | Winter (Nov-Mar) | Summer (Jun-Sep) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $100-150 | $300-500 |
| Water + Sewer | $40-60 | $50-80 |
| Natural Gas | $30-50 | $15-25 |
| Internet | $50-100 | $50-100 |
| Total | $220-360 | $415-705 |