The city’s Customer Service Division administers the monthly collection of water and street sweeping utility payments for approximately 15,610 residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
The Utility Bill Payments’ service counter at City Hall (8650 California Avenue) is open Monday - Thursday from 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. For questions, please call 323-563-9586 during normal business hours. It is important that you leave a message to get a call back. If your call is not answered it is due to employees helping customers in line at the service counter.
Online Tools
New Water Service
To initiate service, complete the required application available at the Utility Bill Payments service counter at City Hall. All paperwork, required documents, and information will be given and explained to you at this time. For new residential service your final closing escrow statement or rental agreement, along with a valid California ID are required to initiate service. Additional documentation may be required.
A deposit of $204.28 is required at the time you submit the application. All paperwork and payments must be submitted before a new account is opened. The deposit will be applied to your final bill. If the amount of your final bill is above or below your deposit amount, you will receive either a bill or check in the appropriate amount.
To close service a California ID or social security card is required, along with a new mailing address.
Water Service Rate
The city operates its own water division which is responsible for providing service to a community of over 96,000 residents. Rates vary for residential and commercial/industrial use. Current water rates (PDF) were approved by the City Council during the Fiscal Year 2011-12 Budget and Proposition 218 process.
Street Sweeping
The city’s street sweeping crew works around the clock, with major street sweeping accomplished during the early morning hours. Residential sweeping is completed Monday - Friday on streets where parking is prohibited during 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Please refer to signs posted on residential streets to see when your area is being serviced.
The city charges monthly fees on your utility bill (PDF) to maintain the street sweeping program.
Refuse & Recycling Service
The city contracts with Universal Waste Systems, Inc. to provide refuse and recycling services to South Gate residences. New service is established directly with Universal Waste. Beginning January 1, 2023, UWS will separately invoice both residents and commercial accounts directly. To make changes to your existing account contact Universal Waste Systems directly at 562-334-3660, or visit their website.
Other Utilities
The following companies provide service in the City of South Gate. Please contact each carrier directly regarding service.
Electricity
Southern California Edison
Gas
Southern California Gas Company
- Residential customers: 877-238-0092
- Commercial/Industrial customers: 800-427-2000
- Through the CARE program, SoCalGas® offers a 20-percent discount to eligible customers on their monthly natural gas bill.