New to Glendora and not sure where to start with utilities and services? You’re not alone. The first week in a new home comes with a lot of tasks, and getting water, trash, electricity, gas, and commuting set up can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through each service step by step, with timelines, safety tips, and where to go for help so you can settle in with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Your first 48 hours: quick-start checklist
Get the basics squared away first so billing is accurate and you know how to respond in an emergency.
- Confirm keys, walk the property, and photograph the condition on day one.
- Find and photograph meter readings for electric, gas, and water. Save images with the date.
- Locate main shutoffs: water main, gas shutoff valve, and electrical panel. Note how to turn each off safely.
- Forward your mail with USPS and update billing addresses for all utilities and accounts.
- Gather documents you may need to start service:
- Government photo ID
- Proof of occupancy such as a lease, rental agreement, or deed
- Service address and any meter numbers you recorded
- Contact and billing info
- Social Security Number or ITIN if requested for a credit check
Many utilities allow online or phone signup. Same day or next business day activation is common for electric and gas if the meter is accessible. Water turn-ons can require a city crew if service was off. Trash typically starts on the next scheduled pickup day after setup.
Set up City of Glendora water
Glendora’s water service is managed by the City. New residents should open or transfer an account with the city’s utility billing office.
- How to start: Contact the City of Glendora to open or transfer water service and confirm your start date. Visit the City of Glendora website for utility billing and water department contact options.
- What you’ll need: ID, proof of occupancy, service address, move-in date, and your preferred billing method.
- Billing: Ask about billing frequency and any one-time setup or activation fees. Confirm your first billing cycle and due date.
- Meter reading: Request or record an initial meter read on move-in day and keep the photo for your files.
- Water-saving programs: Check the city site for conservation rebates, workshops, and leak detection tips.
- Emergencies: For a major leak that threatens safety or causes flooding, call 911. Then shut off the property water main if you can do so safely and contact the City of Glendora water department through the city website.
Tip for tenants and owners: Clarify if water is billed directly to you, to the property owner, or included in HOA dues. Leases vary.
Trash, recycling, and organics with Athens Services
Athens Services provides curbside trash, recycling, and organics collection in Glendora under a city contract.
- How to start: Confirm whether service is already assigned to your address or if you need to enroll. If you are responsible for the account, contact Athens Services to set up service and confirm your scheduled pickup day.
- Carts and setout: You’ll typically receive separate carts for trash, recyclables, and organics. Follow placement rules and setout times to avoid missed pickups.
- Bulky items and appliances: Schedule bulky item collection directly with Athens. Ask about any limits or fees and how to prepare items.
- Holiday schedule: Check Athens’ service alerts for holiday impacts and collection calendar updates.
- Missed pickups: Report missed service to Athens. You can also contact the City of Glendora public works through the city site if issues persist.
- Hazardous waste and E-waste: Do not place household hazardous waste or electronics in carts. Use Los Angeles County programs for drop-off events. Find guidance on the Los Angeles County Public Works site.
Billing note: In some cities, trash is billed to the property owner or included in HOA dues. Verify how your address is billed with the city or Athens when you set up service.
Electricity with Southern California Edison (SCE)
Southern California Edison provides electric service in Glendora.
- Start or transfer service: Create an account and request your start date online or by phone through Southern California Edison. Have your service address, ID, and billing info ready.
- Credit checks and deposits: SCE may run a credit check. A deposit could be required depending on your credit or utility history.
- Timing: If your meter is accessible and active, service can often be turned on the same day or next business day. Locked meters or required inspections will need a technician visit.
- Billing and assistance: Explore payment options, equalized payment plans, and income-qualified or medical baseline programs on the SCE site.
- Outages and safety: Report outages through SCE’s outage tools or customer line. Stay away from any downed lines and follow SCE’s food safety guidance during extended outages.
Move-in tip: Photograph your electric meter reading on day one to avoid billing disputes.
Natural gas with SoCalGas
SoCalGas provides natural gas service in Glendora.
- Start or transfer service: Set up or transfer service at SoCalGas. You may be asked for ID, proof of occupancy, and your start date.
- Deposits: A deposit may be requested based on credit or payment history.
- Safety first: If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave the area immediately. Do not use electrical switches or open flames. From a safe location, contact SoCalGas through their emergency line and call 911 if there is an immediate hazard. Do not attempt to turn the gas on or off at the meter unless instructed by the utility.
- Billing and assistance: Review payment plans, income-qualified programs, and medical baseline allowances on the SoCalGas website.
Pro tip: If the meter is locked or equipment needs inspection, SoCalGas will schedule a technician visit to safely establish service.
Transit and commuting options
Glendora is well positioned with regional rail and bus connections across the San Gabriel Valley.
Metrolink commuter rail
The Glendora Metrolink Station connects you to commuter rail service toward downtown Los Angeles and eastern suburbs. Check schedules, parking information, and fares on the Metrolink website. Monthly passes can save money if you ride frequently.
Foothill Transit local and regional buses
Foothill Transit runs routes through Glendora and connects to Metro and Metrolink lines across the San Gabriel Valley. Find route maps, real-time arrivals, and service alerts on the Foothill Transit site.
Metro A Line context
The Metro A Line light rail serves the San Gabriel Valley, with the nearest station to many Glendora neighborhoods located outside the city, such as APU/Citrus College in Azusa. Confirm the latest station map and any extension updates on the Los Angeles Metro website. You can connect by Foothill Transit or drive to a park-and-ride, depending on your location.
Fares, TAP cards, and apps
Use a TAP card for seamless fare payment across Metro and many partner systems, including Foothill Transit. You can load value or passes online or at retail locations noted by each agency. Download the Metrolink, Metro, and Foothill Transit apps for trip planning, mobile tickets where available, and real-time service alerts.
Move-in timeline for Glendora
Use this simple timeline to prioritize your first week.
Day 0 to 1
- Walk the home, photograph condition, and record meter readings.
- Locate shutoffs for water, gas, and electricity.
- Start water, electricity, and gas service requests online or by phone.
- Forward mail through USPS and update billing addresses.
Days 2 to 7
- Confirm your water account and first bill date with the City of Glendora.
- Set up trash, recycling, and organics with Athens Services and note your collection day.
- Verify your SCE and SoCalGas activation status and set up autopay if desired.
- Explore transit options. Review Metrolink schedules, Foothill Transit routes, and the Metro A Line map.
First month
- Review your first utility bills and compare them with day-one meter photos.
- Adjust thermostat schedules and irrigation timers to manage costs and conserve water.
- Order or swap cart sizes with Athens Services if needed.
- If you commute often, compare monthly transit passes to single-ride fares for savings.
Quick reference: when to call
- Water leak or main break
- If there is flooding or a safety threat, call 911. Shut off the property water main if safe, then contact the City of Glendora via the city website.
- Power outage
- Check neighbors, then report the outage using SCE’s website tools. Avoid any downed power lines.
- Gas leak
- Smell rotten eggs or hear hissing? Evacuate immediately. From a safe location, contact SoCalGas through the emergency line and call 911 if needed.
- Missed trash or recycling pickup
- Report directly to Athens Services and note your account and service day. Follow up through the City of Glendora if the issue continues.
- Transit service disruptions
Final thoughts
Getting your Glendora utilities and services set up does not have to be stressful. Start with water, electricity, and gas, then confirm trash service and your weekly pickup day. Round out your first week by exploring transit options and setting up the tools you will use daily, from autopay to mobile transit apps. If questions come up about a property’s systems or neighborhood logistics, a local advisor can help you navigate the details so you settle in smoothly.
Ready to get to know Glendora and the wider Foothill market? Carlos & Pat Samuelson and Associates offer practical, local guidance on neighborhoods, commutes, and home systems to help you hit the ground running. Get Your Instant Home Valuation to explore your options and plan your next steps.
FAQs
Who pays utility setup fees in Glendora rentals?
- It depends on your lease. Tenants commonly set up and pay for electricity and gas, and sometimes water. Trash may be billed to the property owner or included in HOA dues. Review your lease and confirm with your landlord.
Will SCE or SoCalGas require a deposit or credit check?
- Many utilities run a soft credit check. A deposit may be required if you have limited credit or utility history. Ask about alternatives, such as showing prior good payment history.
What if a meter is locked or the tech cannot access it?
- Contact the utility to schedule access or a technician visit. Landlords should ensure meters are accessible before move-in.
How do I handle a discrepancy on my first bill?
- Compare the bill to your move-in meter photos and contact the utility billing department right away to dispute or request an adjustment.
How do trash, recycling, and organics sorting work in Glendora?
- Most homes receive separate carts for trash, recyclables, and organics. Follow Athens Services guidelines to avoid contamination and confirm accepted items for each cart.
Last verified: November 1, 2025. Utility programs, rates, and transit maps change. Check linked sites for current information before you act.
