Last updated: October 31, 2026
Short answer: To set up utilities in Avondale, AZ, start City of Avondale water, sewer and trash service (Monday–Thursday, with your closing papers or lease), then electric service with APS or SRP, depending on your address, and natural gas with Southwest Gas if the home uses gas. APS asks for at least three business days' notice.
Key takeaways
- The City of Avondale handles water, sewer and trash in one account. Owners show a deed, closing disclosure or settlement statement; renters show the entire signed lease.
- City fees: $60 turn-on for the next business day or $100 same day (requested by 2 PM), plus a $175 standard deposit unless it's waived.
- Electric comes from APS or SRP, depending on the address. APS asks for at least three business days' notice; SRP charges $30 for next-day or $45 for same-day service.
- Southwest Gas suggests calling two weeks ahead for a 2- or 4-hour appointment window.
Want to talk it through? Book a time to chat with me (free, 30 minutes, 9 AM–7 PM Arizona time).
¡Qué tal! I'm Rosie Armenta. Nothing ruins a moving day like walking into a hot house with no power or water. In Arizona, the A/C isn't optional for a big part of the year, so utilities belong on your checklist the day you go under contract, not the day the truck arrives. Here's exactly who to call in Avondale and what each one asks for.
Who provides utilities in Avondale, AZ?
| Service | Provider | How to start | Lead time and costs (checked Oct 31, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water, sewer and trash | City of Avondale Utility Billing, 623-333-2005 | Online form, or a paper form in English or Spanish by email, fax, mail or in person at City Hall | Requests Monday–Thursday, 7 AM–6 PM. $60 next business day or $100 same day (by 2 PM), plus a deposit |
| Electric | APS or SRP, depending on the address | Online or by phone | APS: at least three business days ahead. SRP: $30 next day, $45 same day |
| Natural gas (if the home has gas) | Southwest Gas, 877-860-6020 | Online, mobile app or phone | 2- or 4-hour windows; call two weeks ahead, or five working days ahead for an all-day appointment |
Not sure whether the home has APS or SRP? Check each company's service-area map, or ask the seller which company sends the bill. The same goes for gas: some homes are all-electric, and others have gas for the stove, water heater or pool heater.
What do I need to start city water, sewer and trash?
The City of Avondale asks for an application plus proof of your connection to the home:
- Owners: a deed, closing disclosure or settlement statement.
- Renters: a copy of the entire signed lease and the owner's information.
Deposit options are $175 standard, $200 split over two bills, or $250 for an unoccupied home. The City can waive the deposit if you send a letter of credit from a public utility showing good payment history for the past 12 months. Ask your current water company for that letter before you move.
How do I start electric service with APS or SRP?
APS asks you to confirm that it serves your address and to schedule service at least three business days in advance. Many new APS customers pay a deposit of roughly two times the average bill, which shows up on the first bill. APS waives it if your credit check says no deposit is needed, if you send an acceptable letter of credit from another electric company, or if a joint account holder has good payment history.
SRP requires you to be at least 18 and show an SRP-approved form of ID. SRP says many meters have power within an hour after service starts. Its service establishment fee is $30 for next-day service or $45 for same-day service, and a deposit may be waived based on your credit.
Both companies offer price plans based on the time of day you use power. Since the A/C runs hard in summer, ask which plan fits your household before you pick one. If the home has solar, my guide on selling a house with solar panels in Avondale explains the paperwork that comes with it.
How does trash and recycling pickup work in Avondale?
Trash is picked up weekly, and you can find your trash, recycling and bulk pickup days by entering your address on the City's schedule tool. The City's rules:
- Set containers out by 5 a.m. on your pickup day.
- Put them in the street with the wheels touching the curb, 10 feet from obstructions like cars and 4 feet apart.
- Close the lid all the way, and bag and tie all trash.
- There's no pickup on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day or New Year's Day; service later that week moves one day.
What should sellers do with utilities before moving?
If you're selling your Avondale home, ask the City to stop service in writing for the day after closing, because the account holder is responsible for the charges until the account is closed. Any deposit goes toward your final bill, and the City refunds the rest about one month after that final bill. Agree on the switch date with your buyer. If you need to stay a few days after closing, my guide on staying in your house after it sells explains rent-backs.
How do I set up my utilities when I move to Avondale?
- Find out who serves the home. Ask for the electric and gas providers when you go under contract.
- Request letters of credit. Ask your current utilities for 12-month payment history letters to help waive deposits.
- Schedule electric early. Book APS at least three business days ahead, or set your SRP start date.
- Book gas if the home uses it. Call Southwest Gas about two weeks ahead for a short appointment window.
- Apply for city water, sewer and trash. Send your closing disclosure or settlement statement, Monday–Thursday.
- Check your trash day. Look up your pickup days on the City's schedule tool.
- Call 811 before you dig. Southwest Gas asks you to call at least two working days before any digging project.
Ready to plan your move?
Browse our Avondale home search to find the home first. Selling before you move? Get a free home value report. You can also call or text me at 623-295-5770. And if you're still deciding when to sell and when to buy, read whether you need to sell before buying another home.
Save this checklist for the week you go under contract, or send it to whoever is handling the move with you.
Have questions about your move? Book a time to chat with me (free, 30 minutes, 9 AM–7 PM Arizona time), or call or text me at 623-295-5770.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start water service in Avondale, AZ?
Apply with City of Avondale Utility Billing online or with a paper form, Monday–Thursday. Owners send a deed, closing disclosure or settlement statement; renters send the entire signed lease. Questions go to 623-333-2005.
How much is the City of Avondale utility deposit?
The standard residential deposit is $175. You can also pay $200 over two bills, and an unoccupied home is $250. A letter of credit showing 12 months of good payment history from a public utility can waive it.
Is Avondale APS or SRP?
It depends on the address. Some Avondale homes are served by APS and others by SRP, so check each company's service-area map or ask the seller.
How far ahead should I schedule APS?
APS asks customers to schedule service to begin at least three business days in advance.
Does SRP charge a fee to start service?
Yes. SRP's service establishment fee is $30 for next-day service or $45 for same-day service, according to its residential credit policy.
Do all Avondale homes have natural gas?
No. Some homes are all-electric. If the home has gas appliances, start service with Southwest Gas, ideally about two weeks ahead.
What day is trash pickup in Avondale?
It depends on your address. Use the City of Avondale's online schedule tool to find your trash, recycling and bulk pickup days, and set containers out by 5 a.m.
How do I stop city utilities when I sell my home?
Send the City a written request to stop service. The account holder is responsible for charges until the account is closed, and any deposit left after the final bill is refunded about one month later.
This article is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Please talk with a licensed attorney, CPA, or lender about your situation.
About the authors
Rosie Armenta | West USA Realty. She works with Mariela Armenta, a licensed agent on her team. Avondale (85392) is their home base, and they help buyers and sellers across the West Valley in English and Spanish. Book a time to chat with Rosie (free, 30 minutes), or call or text 623-295-5770. Selling? Get a free home value report.
Rosie Armenta | West USA Realty | Equal Housing Opportunity
Information was checked on October 31, 2026, from City of Avondale Utility Billing and Trash and Recycling Services (avondaleaz.gov), the APS start-service and deposit policy pages, the SRP residential credit policy and Southwest Gas customer FAQs. Fees and policies change, so confirm with each provider when you schedule service.