New to La Crescenta–Montrose and not sure where to start with utilities? You are not alone. Because the area sits beside Glendale and spans unincorporated Los Angeles County, providers can change from block to block. In this guide, you will learn how to verify who serves your home, set up each account, and find rebates or discounts that can lower your bills.
Updated November 2025. Let’s dive in.
First, confirm your utility providers
In La Crescenta–Montrose, service lines and city boundaries determine who serves your address. Before you call anyone, confirm your exact provider for each utility.
How to verify your address:
- Identify your jurisdiction. Use the Los Angeles County parcel or assessor viewer to see if your property is in unincorporated county or within Glendale city limits.
- Check city boundary maps. If the parcel shows City of Glendale, some services may be through Glendale’s municipal utility. If not, you are likely in investor‑owned utility territory.
- For electricity and gas, check utility service territory maps on provider websites for Southern California Edison, Glendale Water & Power, and Southern California Gas Company.
- For water, search by address to find your local water district. The San Gabriel Foothills area includes multiple special districts with distinct boundaries.
- For trash and recycling, check Los Angeles County Public Works for the assigned or approved hauler in your neighborhood.
Tip: Save screenshots of your parcel view and any utility territory confirmations. They are helpful if you need to resolve billing or service questions later.
Electricity
Your home may be served by a municipal provider or an investor‑owned utility, depending on whether the address falls inside Glendale city limits.
Setup steps:
- Confirm your provider by address using city boundary maps and the utility’s service territory tools.
- Open a new account online or by phone. Have your move‑in date ready and ask if a meter reading or reconnection appointment is required.
- Choose your billing preferences, such as paperless statements or auto‑pay, and verify any deposit requirements.
Documents you may need:
- Government photo ID
- Proof of occupancy or ownership, such as a lease or deed
- Social Security number or another ID for a credit check if a deposit may apply
Discounts and protections:
- CARE and FERA can reduce monthly bills based on household income for eligible customers of investor‑owned utilities.
- Medical Baseline provides additional energy at a lower rate for qualifying medical needs.
- Budget billing can smooth out seasonal spikes by averaging payments.
- Municipal utilities, such as Glendale Water & Power if applicable, offer their own assistance and discount programs. Check your provider’s customer assistance pages.
Natural gas
Most unincorporated Los Angeles County addresses use Southern California Gas Company. If your property has gas appliances, confirm service by address and set up your account early so you have hot water and heat on day one.
Setup steps:
- Confirm your provider and open an account with your move‑in date.
- Request a safety check or appliance light‑up if needed.
- Provide an initial meter reading if asked.
Documents you may need:
- Photo ID and proof of occupancy
- Social Security number or other ID for deposit review
Safety must‑knows:
- Learn where your gas shutoff valve is located.
- If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the area and call your gas provider or emergency services. Do not operate electrical switches or create sparks.
Water and sewer
Water service in and around La Crescenta–Montrose is delivered by local water districts. Sewer billing may be handled by the county or a city agency, which can be different from the water provider.
Setup steps:
- Look up your water district by address. Follow the district’s new‑account process and provide your meter number and reading if requested.
- Ask who bills for sewer and whether it appears on the same bill or a separate one.
Documents you may need:
- Photo ID and proof of occupancy
- Proof of ownership if required by your district
Rebates to explore:
- Many local districts and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California offer incentives for turf replacement, smart irrigation controllers, high‑efficiency toilets, and high‑efficiency washers.
- Some programs require pre‑approval. Review the rules before buying or scheduling work.
Trash, recycling, and green waste
In unincorporated neighborhoods, trash collection is often assigned to a single hauler through a county franchise. In some areas you can choose among private haulers. Rules and services vary by neighborhood.
Setup steps:
- Check Los Angeles County Public Works or your local municipal office to identify your hauler.
- Set your start date, choose cart sizes, and review pickup schedules.
- Ask about compost and green‑waste options and how bulky‑item pickups work.
What to expect:
- Fees for extra carts or bulky pickups are common. Some haulers include a set number of bulky pickups per year.
Internet, cable, and phone
Broadband availability varies by street and building type. Spectrum and AT&T serve much of the area, and select blocks may have fiber.
Setup steps:
- Run availability checks by address on provider sites.
- Ask whether fiber is already at your building, which can save on installation time and fees.
- Confirm any new‑install charges and whether your previous provider can transfer equipment.
Smart questions to ask:
- Contract length and early termination fees
- Equipment rental vs bring‑your‑own compatibility
- Whether your condo or HOA has a bulk internet or cable plan
Mail and local post office
You can set up mail forwarding and find your nearest post office quickly.
Setup steps:
- Submit a change‑of‑address request with USPS online.
- Get your mailbox location and keys from your landlord, HOA, or property manager if applicable.
- Set package delivery preferences to avoid missed deliveries.
Other services to set up
- Landscaping and irrigation: If your property uses a gardener or separate irrigation schedule, confirm service days and contact details.
- Security and alarms: Transfer or set up alarm monitoring. Some jurisdictions ask you to register alarm systems.
- HOA accounts: If your home is in an HOA, set up your online portal for dues, gate access, and amenity reservations.
Top rebates and discounts to check first
Programs and eligibility change often. Always confirm details with the administering agency before purchasing equipment or scheduling installation.
- Federal energy tax credits: The federal tax code offers credits for qualifying energy‑efficiency and electrification upgrades such as heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, insulation, and some EV charging equipment. These are tax credits, not cash rebates.
- CARE and FERA discounts: Income‑based monthly bill reductions for eligible households served by investor‑owned utilities.
- Medical Baseline and budget billing: Ask your electric and gas providers about additional allowances and averaged billing.
- Municipal utility rebates: If your address is inside Glendale, check Glendale Water & Power for current residential rebates, solar interconnection, and net metering rules.
- Self‑Generation Incentive Program: Some customers may qualify for incentives on battery storage and related clean energy technologies.
- Water conservation rebates: Look for turf removal, smart controller, high‑efficiency toilet, and high‑efficiency washer rebates through your local water district and regional suppliers. Many require pre‑approval.
Move‑in checklist and timeline
Use this step‑by‑step list to keep your setup smooth and avoid missed windows for rebates or discounts.
Before close or lease start
- Verify each utility provider by address using the county parcel viewer and city boundary maps.
- Schedule service transfers or new accounts to start on your move‑in date.
- For gas appliances, ask for manuals and service history and schedule any safety checks.
- Gather documents: photo ID, lease or deed, move‑in date, and Social Security number or EIN for credit checks if needed.
- Review rebate programs that require pre‑approval before purchase or installation.
Day of move to 48 hours
- Take clear photos of electric, gas, and water meters. Note readings and submit them to providers if requested.
- Confirm trash and recycling start date and place carts out per schedule.
- Set up online accounts for each utility and enroll in paperless billing or auto‑pay if desired.
- Test internet or confirm your installation appointment.
First week
- Apply for income‑based discounts such as CARE or FERA if eligible. Some programs allow retroactive credits.
- Submit any required rebate pre‑approvals.
- File your USPS change of address and update voter registration or DMV as needed.
First 30 days
- Review your first bills for prorations and meter accuracy. Contact providers promptly about any errors.
- Apply for appliance or turf replacement rebates and schedule installers per program rules.
- If needed, ask about payment plans or hardship assistance through your provider.
Quick example: how to check my address
Here is a simple process you can follow before you set up accounts:
- Open the LA County parcel or assessor viewer and search your property address.
- Confirm whether the parcel lies in unincorporated Los Angeles County or within Glendale city limits.
- If inside Glendale, plan to check Glendale Water & Power for electric and water accounts. If not, check Southern California Edison for electricity and SoCalGas for gas.
- For water, use your district’s address lookup to identify the correct agency and follow its new‑customer steps.
- For trash service, confirm your hauler on Los Angeles County Public Works’ unincorporated area services page.
Save your results and meter photos in a single folder so you can reference them when setting up accounts or resolving questions.
Final thoughts
A smooth utility setup in La Crescenta–Montrose comes down to one thing: verify by address first. From there, open accounts with the right providers, take meter photos on day one, and check for discounts and rebates you can stack. A few early steps can save you time, money, and stress in your first month.
If you want local, hands‑on help as you get settled or plan projects that add value, reach out to Smyth Properties Group. Let’s talk real estate.
FAQs
How do I know if my La Crescenta–Montrose address is inside Glendale city limits?
- Use the LA County parcel or assessor viewer to find your parcel, then compare against Glendale city boundary maps. Your jurisdiction determines whether municipal or investor‑owned utilities serve you.
Who provides electricity in La Crescenta–Montrose?
- It depends on your address. Homes inside Glendale are typically served by Glendale Water & Power, while many unincorporated addresses use Southern California Edison. Always verify by address using utility territory tools.
Do I need to take meter photos on move‑in day?
- Yes. Photograph electric, gas, and water meters and note readings. These images help resolve prorations, start‑date questions, or any early billing discrepancies.
What income‑based utility discounts can I apply for?
- CARE and FERA offer energy bill discounts for eligible households with investor‑owned utilities. Many providers also offer Medical Baseline and budget billing, plus municipal assistance if you are inside Glendale.
How do I set up trash and bulky‑item pickup in an unincorporated area?
- Check Los Angeles County Public Works to identify your assigned or approved hauler, then set up service, cart sizes, and pickup days. Ask about bulky‑item rules and any associated fees.
Can renters set up utilities, or does the landlord have to?
- Check your lease to see which utilities are included. For services in your name, some providers may require landlord authorization. Coordinate early to avoid delays at move‑in.
