West Valley Phoenix Utility Providers & Rates by City (2026)

Moving to the West Valley? You're about to discover one of those "nobody tells you this until it's too late" moments about Phoenix Metro living: your utility providers and bills can vary wildly depending on which side of the street you buy on.

I've walked dozens of military families, corporate relocators, and retirees through this exact conversation during virtual walkthroughs. Someone falls in love with a home in Goodyear, then asks, "So... what are utilities actually going to cost me?" The answer isn't simple, but it's absolutely knowable before you close.

This guide breaks down exactly who provides electric, gas, and water across Buckeye, Goodyear, Surprise, Peoria, Glendale, and Phoenix, plus what the real rate tiers look like by city. No generic moving checklist stuff. We're talking actual city council-approved rate schedules, peak hour windows, and a simple budget method you can use before making an offer.

Let's get into it.

Which Utility Providers Serve the West Valley Cities Near I-10 and Loop 303?

The West Valley corridor, stretching from Buckeye west of the White Tanks to Glendale near Luke Air Force Base, is served by a patchwork of utility providers. Your address determines everything.

Electric: You'll have either Arizona Public Service (APS) or Salt River Project (SRP). There's no choosing, service territories are locked in by address. Most of Buckeye, Goodyear, and Surprise fall under APS. Parts of Peoria and Glendale can be SRP. Phoenix proper is a mix.

Natural Gas: Almost everyone in the West Valley gets Southwest Gas. It's the dominant residential provider across Arizona.

Water and Sewer: This is where it gets hyperlocal. Most cities provide their own municipal water (Buckeye, Goodyear, Surprise, Peoria, Glendale, Phoenix). But pockets of unincorporated areas or newer developments may be served by private companies like EPCOR Water, Liberty Utilities, or Arizona Water Company.

Bottom line: Before you fall in love with a property, confirm the providers. Your agent (or an AI tool like the one we use) can pull this instantly from the MLS or city records.

APS or SRP in the West Valley: How Do You Know Which Electric Provider You Have?

This is the first question every relocator asks, and for good reason. Your electric provider shapes your summer budget more than anything else.

APS (Arizona Public Service) serves most of the West Valley's newer growth areas. If you're buying in master-planned communities in Buckeye (like Verrado or Sundance), Goodyear (Victory, Palm Valley), or Surprise (Marley Park, Prasada), you're almost certainly on APS.

SRP (Salt River Project) historically served the older agricultural and central areas. Parts of Peoria near Loop 101, some Glendale neighborhoods, and central Phoenix fall in SRP territory.

How to confirm your address?

• APS Service Area Map: Visit aps.com and use their interactive map tool

• SRP Territory Lookup: Check srpnet.com/about/service-area-territory

• Or ask me: I can confirm it in about 30 seconds using our AI property intelligence system

The real kicker: SRP is technically a nonprofit utility cooperative, while APS is investor-owned. That difference shows up in rate structures, billing cycles, and customer service approaches.

APS Electric Rates and Peak Hours: What Should West Valley Buyers Watch For?

APS offers multiple residential rate plans, but most new homeowners land on Saver Choice Plus (a time-of-use plan) unless they opt out.

Here's the deal: APS charges different rates depending on when you use electricity. Peak hours (when rates spike) are typically 3 PM to 8 PM on weekdays, June through September. During those windows, you could be paying 4x as much per kilowatt-hour as you would at midnight.

Current APS residential rates hover around 15–24¢/kWh depending on your plan and time of use. But here's what matters for budgeting: APS has filed for a 14% rate increase that could take effect as early as July 2026, adding roughly $20/month to the average bill.

What this means for West Valley buyers:

• If you work from home and run AC during peak hours all summer, budget $300–$450/month June–September

• If you can shift laundry, dishwasher, and pool pumps to after 8 PM, you'll save $50–$100/month easily

• Solar panels + battery storage make a huge difference on time-of-use plans (ROI is real out here)

Pro tip for military families and retirees using our Rewarding Heroes program: I walk through rate plan options during our pre-close utility setup call. Most people don't realize you can switch APS plans once per year, and choosing the wrong one costs you hundreds unnecessarily.

SRP vs APS: Is One Actually Cheaper, and What's the Honest Answer?

Everyone wants to know: "Is SRP cheaper than APS?"

The honest answer: It depends on your usage patterns and rate plan.

SRP offers both time-of-use and basic rate plans. Their time-of-use plans can range from 20¢ to nearly $1/kWh during extreme peak periods. Their basic residential plans sit around 23–28¢/kWh.

On paper, SRP's average cost tends to run slightly lower than APS, especially for customers who don't have high peak-hour usage. But it's not a slam dunk.

What tilts the scale:

• SRP customer service: Generally considered more responsive (it's a member-owned co-op)

• APS plan flexibility: More rate options, including budget billing and prepaid plans

• Solar integration: Both offer net metering, but SRP's buyback rates have historically been slightly better

For relocators, my advice is this: Don't let the electric provider make or break a home decision. The difference between APS and SRP is real but manageable. The difference between a well-insulated 2020 build and a 1995 home with original windows? That's $150/month in summer utility bills right there.

If utility costs are a major concern, and they should be in the desert, I can run a comparative cost analysis during our buyer consultation using actual property data. It's one of the perks of working with an AI-certified agent.

Who Provides Natural Gas in Buckeye, Goodyear, Surprise, Peoria, Glendale, and Phoenix?

Simple answer: Southwest Gas serves nearly the entire West Valley.

Natural gas covers your furnace (yes, you need heat in January), water heater, dryer, and sometimes your stove or fireplace. The good news: gas bills are way cheaper than electric, even in winter.

Southwest Gas rates are measured in therms (roughly 100 cubic feet of natural gas). Residential rates in Arizona average around $1.20–$1.50 per therm, plus a monthly base charge of $15–$20.

What should you budget for gas in the West Valley?

• Summer (May–September): $25–$40/month (just water heater and dryer)

• Winter (November–March): $60–$120/month (add furnace usage)

If you're buying a larger home (2,500+ sqft) or a home with a gas-heated pool, bump those winter numbers up.

One thing relocators often miss: Southwest Gas charges a deposit for new service: typically $75–$150 depending on credit. Plan for that in your move-in budget.

Buckeye Utilities: Who Provides Water, and What Are the Current Water and Sewer Tiers?

Buckeye is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, and its utility infrastructure has scaled up accordingly. Most residents in city limits receive water and sewer service directly from the City of Buckeye.

Buckeye Water Rates (2026):

• Base charge: ~$30/month (covers meter, billing, infrastructure)

• Usage tiers: Rates increase as you use more water per 1,000 gallons

• Tier 1 (0–10,000 gallons): ~$2.50 per 1,000 gallons

• Tier 2 (10,001–20,000 gallons): ~$3.75 per 1,000 gallons

• Tier 3 (20,000+ gallons): ~$5.50 per 1,000 gallons

Buckeye Sewer Rates: Calculated as a percentage of water usage (typically around $40–$60/month for average household).

Typical monthly water + sewer bill in Buckeye: $90–$140, depending on landscaping (grass vs. desert), pool, and household size.

Here's the thing: Buckeye sits in the floodplain of the Gila River and has some of the most stable long-term water rights in the Valley. You're not going to see the wild rate swings some neighboring cities face.

If you're buying in a newer Buckeye master plan (Sundance, Watson Ranch, Festival Foothills), confirm whether the community has its own private water provider like Arizona Water Company. Rates can differ, and some HOAs bundle water into dues.

Goodyear Utilities: City Water vs Other Providers: What Does That Mean for Your Address?

The City of Goodyear provides municipal water and sewer to most residents within city limits. But some neighborhoods: especially those near the Estrella Mountains or in older unincorporated pockets: may receive service from EPCOR Water or other private providers.

Goodyear Water Rates (effective February 1, 2026):

• Base charge: ~$28/month

• Usage tiers:

• Tier 1 (0–7,000 gallons): ~$2.85 per 1,000 gallons

• Tier 2 (7,001–15,000 gallons): ~$4.25 per 1,000 gallons

• Tier 3 (15,000+ gallons): ~$6.40 per 1,000 gallons

Goodyear Sewer Rates: Based on winter water usage average (designed to exclude summer irrigation from sewer calculations). Typically $45–$70/month.

Average Goodyear water + sewer bill: $100–$150/month for a typical family.

What's unique about Goodyear: The city has invested heavily in reclaimed water infrastructure. If you're buying a newer home with purple-pipe irrigation access, you can irrigate landscaping with cheaper reclaimed water: cutting summer bills by 30–40%.

Surprise Utilities: Water Tiers, Base Charges, and What "Typical Usage" Looks Like

The City of Surprise provides water and sewer to most residents. Surprise has a reputation for well-managed utilities and transparent rate structures.

Surprise Water Rates (2026):

• Base charge: ~$25/month

• Usage tiers:

• Tier 1 (0–6,000 gallons): ~$2.60 per 1,000 gallons

• Tier 2 (6,001–15,000 gallons): ~$3.90 per 1,000 gallons

• Tier 3 (15,000+ gallons): ~$5.85 per 1,000 gallons

Surprise Sewer Rates: Flat monthly fee based on meter size (typically $40–$55/month).

Typical monthly water + sewer in Surprise: $85–$130.

Surprise is popular with retirees and active adults (tons of 55+ communities like Sun City Grand and Corte Belle). If you're downsizing from a 3,000-sqft home with a lawn to a 1,600-sqft villa with xeriscaping, your water bill could drop $60/month compared to your old place.

For relocators, I always recommend looking at the seller's utility history during due diligence. If the seller has a pool and grass, their summer bills might hit $200: but your actual cost with desert landscaping could be half that.

Peoria Utilities: Water Base Charges and Per-1,000-Gallon Tiers: How Do They Compare Nearby?

City of Peoria water and sewer rates are competitive with neighboring cities, and Peoria has done a solid job keeping increases modest over the past few years.

Peoria Water Rates (2026):

• Base charge: ~$27/month

• Usage tiers:

• Tier 1 (0–8,000 gallons): ~$2.70 per 1,000 gallons

• Tier 2 (8,001–16,000 gallons): ~$4.10 per 1,000 gallons

• Tier 3 (16,000+ gallons): ~$6.00 per 1,000 gallons

Peoria Sewer Rates: Calculated based on average winter water usage, typically $50–$70/month.

Average Peoria water + sewer bill: $95–$145/month.

Peoria spans a huge area: from older neighborhoods near 83rd Avenue and Bell all the way out to Lake Pleasant. If you're buying on the west side near the Vistancia master plan, you might have SRP electric and City of Peoria water: but always confirm. Some fringe areas use private providers.

Glendale Utilities: Inside-City vs Outside-City Water Rates: What Changes for Homeowners?

City of Glendale provides water and sewer, but here's the quirk: Glendale distinguishes between inside-city and outside-city customers. If you're buying in unincorporated areas just outside Glendale city limits, you'll pay slightly higher rates.

Glendale Inside-City Water Rates (2026):

• Base charge: ~$24/month

• Usage tiers:

• Tier 1 (0–7,480 gallons): ~$2.55 per 1,000 gallons

• Tier 2 (7,481–14,960 gallons): ~$3.85 per 1,000 gallons

• Tier 3 (14,960+ gallons): ~$5.70 per 1,000 gallons

Outside-city rates: Add roughly 15–20% to the inside-city rates.

Glendale Sewer Rates: Based on water usage, typically $45–$65/month.

Average Glendale water + sewer bill: $90–$140/month.

Glendale is home to Luke Air Force Base, so I work with a lot of military families relocating here through our Rewarding Heroes program. One thing to watch: some homes near the base fall under special water districts or HOAs that bundle utilities. Always check the property disclosure.

Phoenix Water Rates: Why Your Bill Changes by Season (and What That Means for Budgeting)

The City of Phoenix serves a massive area: and unlike most West Valley cities, Phoenix uses seasonal pricing. Summer water costs more per gallon than winter water.

Phoenix Water Rates (2026):

• Base charge: ~$30/month

• Summer rates (May–September):

• Tier 1 (0–7,480 gallons): ~$3.15 per 1,000 gallons

• Tier 2 (7,481–14,960 gallons): ~$4.75 per 1,000 gallons

• Tier 3 (14,960+ gallons): ~$7.10 per 1,000 gallons

• Winter rates (October–April): Roughly 20% lower across all tiers

Phoenix Sewer Rates: $50–$75/month depending on usage.

Average Phoenix water + sewer bill: $110–$180/month (higher in summer if you irrigate).

Phoenix's seasonal model is designed to discourage water waste during peak summer months. If you're relocating from a state where water is cheap and unlimited, this can be a culture shock. My advice: embrace desert landscaping. It's not just trendy: it's a $500/year savings.

Private Water Providers in the West Valley: EPCOR, Liberty Utilities, Arizona Water Company: When Do They Show Up?

Not every address in the West Valley gets municipal water. Some developments: especially in unincorporated county areas or new master plans built outside city limits: are served by private water companies.

EPCOR Water is common in parts of Goodyear, Buckeye, and Queen Creek. They're a large utility company owned by the City of Edmonton, Canada. Rates are typically comparable to or slightly higher than city rates.

Liberty Utilities serves pockets around Litchfield Park and parts of Surprise. They're owned by Algonquin Power & Utilities.

Arizona Water Company operates in scattered locations across the West Valley, particularly in older county islands that haven't been annexed yet.

Why does this matter?

Private providers may have different billing cycles, rate structures, and customer service standards. Some charge higher deposits. Some require upfront connection fees for new construction.

Before you close, confirm who provides water and pull up their current rate schedule. I've seen buyers get surprised by $200 connection fees or double the expected monthly bill because they assumed city rates applied.

How to Compare Utility Affordability Before You Buy: A Simple Utility Budget Worksheet

Here's the method I use with every buyer during our relocation consult:

Step 1: Get the address and square footage of the home.

Step 2: Confirm the providers (electric, gas, water). I can pull this in our AI system instantly.

Step 3: Use these baseline monthly estimates:

• Electric (summer avg): $0.10 per sqft of living space

• Example: 2,000 sqft = $200/month June–September

• Electric (winter avg): $0.05 per sqft

• Example: 2,000 sqft = $100/month

• Natural gas: $30–$40 summer, $80–$120 winter

• Water + sewer: $100–$150/month average (adjust for pool, grass, or xeriscape)

Step 4: Add them up.

For a typical 2,200-sqft West Valley home with no pool and xeriscape:

• Summer months: $220 (electric) + $35 (gas) + $110 (water) = $365/month

• Winter months: $110 (electric) + $100 (gas) + $95 (water) = $305/month

Annual utility estimate: ~$4,000

Have a pool? Add $60–$100/month year-round. Have grass? Add another $50–$80/month in summer.

This isn't perfect, but it's close enough to budget with. And if you're working with me, I'll request the seller's actual utility bills during due diligence so you can see real numbers, not estimates.

Move-In Checklist: How Early to Start Service, Deposits, and Setup Timing

You've found the home. Offer accepted. Inspection done. Now what?

Start setting up utilities 10–14 days before closing. Most providers allow you to schedule service start dates in advance.

What you'll need:

• Property address and move-in date

• Photo ID and Social Security number (for credit check)

• Deposit funds (if required): $50–$150 per utility, depending on credit

Typical deposits by provider:

• APS: $0–$200 depending on credit

• SRP: $0–$150

• Southwest Gas: $75–$150

• City water/sewer: Usually $0 for homeowners (it's tied to property tax bill)

Remote relocation tip: You can set up every utility online or over the phone. You don't need to visit an office in person. That's huge for military PCS moves or executive transfers where you're moving from out of state.

I handle utility coordination as part of our concierge relocation service. It's one less thing you have to manage during a stressful move: and I make sure nothing gets missed (like the overlooked trash service that costs you a $75 late fee).

How I Help West Valley Buyers and Relocators Simplify Utilities (AI-Certified Agent Section)

Here's the reality: utility providers don't talk to each other, rate structures change annually, and half the info on Google is outdated or wrong.

That's where our tech comes in.

At Clearly Sold, we use AI-powered property intelligence to pull live data on utility providers, rate schedules, and historical usage: all tied to the specific address you're considering. It's like having a utility concierge that never sleeps.

What this looks like in practice:

• You send me an MLS listing or address

• I run it through our system and confirm electric, gas, water, and sewer providers

• I pull current rate schedules and calculate your estimated monthly cost

• I add it to your buyer portal so you can compare properties side-by-side

For relocators: especially military families, corporate execs, and retirees: this is game-changing. You're making a $400K+ decision from 1,000 miles away. You deserve to know what your actual cost of living will look like, not just the mortgage payment.

And if you qualify for our Rewarding Heroes program (active military, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, teachers), I'll walk you through every step of the utility setup process as part of your benefits package. It's just one more way we honor the people who serve our communities.

Ready to stop guessing and start knowing?

Schedule a relocation call with me here and let's walk through your utility costs before you make an offer.

FAQs: West Valley Phoenix Utility Providers

Is APS more expensive than SRP in Phoenix?

On average, SRP tends to run slightly lower than APS: but it depends entirely on your rate plan and usage pattern. Time-of-use plans can swing either way depending on when you use power. The best move: ask for the seller's utility history during due diligence and compare actual bills.

How much are utilities per month in Phoenix during summer?

For a typical 2,000-sqft home in the West Valley with no pool and xeriscape, expect $350–$400/month total (electric, gas, water, sewer) during peak summer (June–September). Add $100+/month if you have a pool or grass.

Does Goodyear have city water or EPCOR, and how do I confirm?

Most Goodyear residents get City of Goodyear water, but some neighborhoods use EPCOR or other private providers. You can confirm by calling the city utilities department at (623) 932-3060 or checking the MLS remarks on your property listing. I also verify this automatically when you work with me.

How do I find my water provider in Buckeye?

Visit the City of Buckeye Utility Billing page or call (623) 349-6000. If your address isn't served by the city, they'll redirect you to the correct provider (often Arizona Water Company or a private utility district).

What's the best way to estimate water costs before buying a home in the West Valley?

Request the seller's past 12 months of water bills during your inspection period. That shows real usage patterns: including how much irrigation costs in summer. If the seller won't provide it, budget $100–$150/month as a baseline and adjust for pools or grass.

Final Thoughts

Utilities might not be the sexiest part of a home purchase, but they're one of the few costs you'll pay every single month for as long as you own the property. Knowing what to expect: and how to budget accurately: gives you confidence before you sign.

The West Valley is one of the best places to live in the country: affordable, growing, full of new construction and master plans, and packed with active adult communities for retirees. But the utility landscape is fragmented, and every city has its own quirks.

Whether you're relocating from across the country for a corporate gig, moving to Luke AFB on PCS orders, or downsizing into a Goodyear or Buckeye 55+ community, you deserve an agent who knows this stuff cold: and has the tech to back it up.

That's what we do at Clearly Sold.

Let's make your move easy.

Andrew Texidor
Founder, Clearly Sold | Brokered by HomeSmart
📱 (623) 400-5957
📧 [email protected]
💻 ClearlySold.com

Andrew Texidor, founder of Rewarding Heroes and Clearly Sold brokered by HomeSmart, is a certified AI agent.