1,000 kWh × 19¢ state planning rate
Connect a home in Washington, DC
Electricity, gas, water, sewer and internet do not follow the same rules. Here is the shortlist—and the exact checks that keep the first bill from becoming a surprise.
District of Columbia electricity signal19¢/kWh planning rateAddress ruleCity limits do not define every utility territory
Meter, base charge, usage, sewer and local fees
Service charge, therm/Mcf rate and winter usage
300–500 Mbps fiber shopping target where available
START / STOP / TRANSFER
Providers to verify for the address
A provider listed here is a research starting point. The official service-address tool, landlord, seller or closing documents decide the actual account.
Electricity
The wires company is usually fixed. A separate energy supplier may be optional in some states.
Natural gas
First confirm that the home has a gas meter. Some buildings are all-electric or use delivered fuel.
Water & sewer
Water is normally not a competitive service. Verify the municipal system, billing responsibility and meter.
INTERNET · MOBILE · TV
Services you can usually shop around.
City coverage is not enough. Compare the exact unit in the FCC map, then read every Broadband Facts label.
Open full internet & mobile comparison →Open cable TV & streaming comparison →COMPARE THE RIGHT THING
Four services, four different rules.
Electricity
The delivery utility is usually fixed by address. In retail-choice markets, compare supply price, contract length, renewable content, cancellation terms and the utility’s default rate.
Natural gas
First confirm that the home has active gas service. Compare the distribution charge, commodity price, fixed monthly charge and any supplier contract.
Water & sewer
Usually there is no provider choice. Compare the meter size, base fee, usage tiers, sewer formula, stormwater fee, deposit and the property’s leak history.
Internet
Compare the Broadband Facts label: normal price, upload speed, data cap, equipment, installation and post-promotion total.
MOVE-IN ORDER
Connect the essentials without the scramble.
- 01Ask the landlord or seller which utilities serve the exact address and which bills are included.
- 02Open accounts with the official provider—never a phone number copied from an ad.
- 03Photograph every meter and record readings on move-in day.
- 04Compare deposits, connection fees, autopay rules and the first normal bill.
- 05Schedule internet early, but keep the old service until the new line works.
- 06Read the water-quality report and check the home for leaks or old service lines.
- 07Save confirmation numbers, account names and equipment-return instructions.
- 08Check LIHEAP and local assistance before a missed payment becomes a shutoff.
UTILITY QUESTIONS
Quick answers for Washington
Who provides electricity in Washington?
The listed company is a city or regional starting point, not a service guarantee. Electric territories can cross city and county lines. Confirm the full street address with the distribution utility before opening an account.
Can I choose my electricity or gas company in Washington?
The delivery utility is normally fixed by address. Some states allow a separate competitive supplier. Compare the supplier contract with the utility default rate and keep delivery charges in the total.
How do I find the water company for a Washington address?
Ask the seller, landlord or closing agent, then confirm with the municipality. Use the EPA Consumer Confidence Report finder to identify the public water system and review its annual water-quality report.
What should I connect first when moving?
Protect electricity, water and heat first; schedule internet early if an installation visit is required. Record meter readings and keep every confirmation number.
Verify rates, water quality, coverage and assistance.
Planning figures are educational benchmarks—not quotes. Current tariffs, taxes, deposits, eligibility, service territory and building setup can change the result.
