Sun City AZ Utilities Setup: Water, Power, Trash, Gas

In Sun City and Sun City West, EPCOR provides water and wastewater service, and trash is handled by private haulers because both are unincorporated Maricopa County communities. Sun City Grand is inside the City of Surprise, so check the city's address tool for water, sewer and trash. Confirm electric and gas on the seller's bills.

Utility service areas can change from one street to the next, so treat this list as a starting point. The seller's most recent bills are the best way to confirm each provider for the exact home you are buying.

Electric service

Ask the seller or listing agent which electric company is on the current bill, then start service in your name with that utility. If the home is on APS (Arizona Public Service), you can start service online at aps.com. APS asks customers to schedule a start date at least three business days in advance. The APS customer service line is 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405. APS also posts its Phoenix metro service area maps on aps.com if you want to double check coverage.

If the home has rooftop solar, ask the seller for the solar paperwork early. The utility account and any solar agreement may need separate steps to move into your name.

Water and sewer

Sun City and Sun City West. EPCOR is the water provider for both communities. Its annual water quality reports cover the Sun City system (which also serves Youngtown) and the Sun City West system. EPCOR also provides wastewater (sewer) service in Sun City and Sun City West. Start water service through EPCOR's Arizona start service page or call EPCOR Customer Care at 1-800-383-0834. EPCOR's posted customer service hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the same number takes emergency calls 24 hours a day.

Sun City Grand. Sun City Grand is in the City of Surprise. The city notes that not all Surprise residents and businesses are served by the City, so the provider depends on the address. Use the city's My Surprise Address tool to find the drinking water provider, and see the city's Start / Stop Utilities page for city services. An Arizona Corporation Commission decision posted by EPCOR describes customers in parts of the area who get water from EPCOR and wastewater service from the City of Surprise, with two separate bills. Check the seller's bills so you know whether you are setting up one account or two.

Trash and recycling

Sun City and Sun City West are unincorporated communities in Maricopa County. The county says trash collection in unincorporated areas is provided by private services, so there is no city account to transfer. Ask the seller which company picks up their trash and recycling, then contact that hauler (or compare others) to open your own account with a start date that matches closing.

Sun City Grand. The City of Surprise offers same day residential curbside garbage and recycling once a week for homes served by its Solid Waste Department. Details, pickup days and bulk trash rules are on the city's Trash and Recycling page.

Natural gas

Not every home has a gas line, so look at the water heater, range and dryer during your inspection. If the home has natural gas, Southwest Gas is the provider to call. You can start, stop or move service online at swgas.com or call Customer Solutions at 877-860-6020 (Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific). Southwest Gas says to call 911 and 877-860-6020 for any gas leak, odor or emergency.

Internet, TV and phone

Internet choices vary by street, and sometimes by building. Enter the home's address on the FCC National Broadband Map to see which providers report service there and what technologies they offer. Then call the provider to confirm and book installation. Winter is a busy season in the Sun Cities, so book as soon as your closing date is firm. Before mounting a dish or other exterior equipment, check your association's architectural rules.

What to set up before closing

1. When you go under contract: ask the listing agent for copies of recent electric, water, sewer, gas and trash bills (account numbers can be blacked out).
2. Confirm each provider: use the bills, the City of Surprise address tool (Sun City Grand) and the FCC map for internet.
3. At least three business days before closing: schedule electric service in your name for the closing date.
4. The same week: start water and sewer (EPCOR, the City of Surprise, or both), gas if the home has it, and trash.
5. As soon as closing is firm: book internet installation.
6. Closing day: keep confirmation numbers in one place, and take photos of the meters when you get the keys.
7. First week: find the main water shutoff and breaker panel, and test the air conditioning before a hot afternoon.

If your closing date moves, call each provider to move your start date so service does not lapse or start too early. If you are a seasonal owner, our guide to opening an Arizona home for winter covers what to check each fall, and the retiring to Arizona checklist covers the rest of the move.

Rec centers and association transfers

Recreation center membership and association (CAM or HOA) transfers are separate from utilities. In general, the title or escrow company works with the association during escrow, and required transfer steps are handled as part of closing. After closing, follow your community's process for rec cards or resident ID. Each community is age-restricted; the rules are in the CC&Rs. For Sun City Grand, the Community Association can be reached at 623-546-7500. Learn more about each community in our Sun City guide, Sun City West guide and Sun City Grand homes page, or start with the Arizona 55+ Living hub.

Questions buyers ask

Who provides water in Sun City and Sun City West?
EPCOR provides water and wastewater service in both communities. Call 1-800-383-0834 or start service on epcor.com.

Is Sun City Grand water from EPCOR or the City of Surprise?
It depends on the address. Use the City of Surprise My Surprise Address tool and check the seller's bills. Some homes in the area get water from EPCOR and sewer service from the city.

How does trash pickup work in Sun City?
Sun City and Sun City West are unincorporated, and Maricopa County says trash collection there is provided by private services. You open an account with a private hauler yourself.

Does the association set up my utilities?
No. Buyers open their own utility accounts. The association handles its own common areas and its own transfer steps during escrow.