In a city like Charlotte or Raleigh, setting up utilities is usually one phone call to a single municipal provider. In Coastal North Carolina, it is a patchwork puzzle of co-ops, county districts, and private companies.

Nothing kills the joy of closing day faster than realizing you have no water because you called the county instead of the private sewer company next door. Or discovering that your "trash pickup" in Hampstead actually requires you to drive your own bags to a convenience center with a decal on your windshield.

Here is the county-by-county roadmap to getting your lights, water, and gas running without the headache.

New Hanover County (Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Castle Hayne)

Electricity

• Duke Energy Progress: The primary provider for almost all of the county. You can typically start service online.

Insider Tip: If you are buying a historic home downtown, ask specifically about the average monthly bill. Old insulation and single-pane windows can make a 1,500 sq. ft. bungalow cost more to cool than a 3,000 sq. ft. new build.

Water & Sewer

• Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA): The main provider for Wilmington and much of the county.

The "Private" Trap: In the northern part of the county (near Porters Neck and the Pender line), you might be on a private system like Aqua NC or Pluris. Do not assume CFPUA serves you just because you have a Wilmington address. Check your Closing Disclosure or ask the seller.

Trash

City Limits: If you are inside Wilmington city limits, trash/recycling is included in your water bill.

Unincorporated: If you are in Castle Hayne, Ogden, or Myrtle Grove, you are likely "county only." You must subscribe to a private hauler like GFL (Green For Life) or Waste Management.

Pender County (Hampstead, Surf City, Burgaw)

Electricity

• Duke Energy Progress: Serves the coastal corridor (Hampstead/Surf City).
• Four County EMC: Serves the western and northern rural areas. They are a cooperative, meaning you are a "member," not just a customer.

Water

• Pender County Utilities (PCU): The massive county-wide system.
• Pluris: If you live in the high-growth corridor of Hampstead (like along Hwy 17), you may be on the Pluris private sewer/water system.

Insider Tip: Pluris rates can be higher than PCU. Always verify who services the specific neighborhood.

Trash (The "Sticker" System)

This is the biggest shock for new residents. Unless you live in Surf City or Topsail Beach limits (municipal pickup), there is no county-wide curbside trash pickup.

• Option A: Hire a private hauler (GFL/WM).
• Option B (The Local Way): Drive your trash to a "Convenience Center." To do this, you need a Solid Waste Decal on your windshield, which comes with your annual tax bill. If you lose the sticker, you can’t dump your trash.

Brunswick County (Leland, Oak Island, Southport)

Electricity

• Brunswick Electric (BEMC): A massive co-op serving most of the county.
• Duke Energy: Serves specific pockets (like parts of Leland).
• City of Southport: One of the few towns that operates its own municipal electric department.

Water & Sewer (The "H2GO" Confusion)

• Brunswick County Public Utilities: The default for most.
• H2GO: If you are in Leland or Belville, you likely use H2GO. They are a separate sanitary district, distinct from the county.

Insider Reality: H2GO has its own reverse osmosis plant, meaning water quality (and rates) can differ from neighbors on the county system just a mile away.

Onslow County (Jacksonville, Sneads Ferry, North Topsail)

Electricity

• Jones-Onslow EMC (JOEMC): The dominant provider for residential and rural areas outside Jacksonville city limits.
• Duke Energy: Serves parts of the area, but JOEMC is the heavy hitter.

Water

• ONWASA: The Onslow Water & Sewer Authority is the primary provider.

Insider Tip: If you are buying a vacation rental in North Topsail Beach, verify the sewer capacity status. Certain areas have faced moratoriums or restrictions in the past due to infrastructure limits.

The "Invisible" Utility: Gas & Propane

Natural Gas

• Piedmont Natural Gas: Serves the urban corridors where natural gas lines exist. If you see a gas meter, it’s likely them.

Propane (The Coastal Standard)

Most homes on the barrier islands (Wrightsville, Oak Island, Topsail) or in rural areas do not have natural gas lines. They use buried or above-ground propane tanks for fireplaces, tankless water heaters, and ranges.

The Trap: You usually rent the tank from a specific provider (Blossman, Ferrellgas, or Parker Gas). You cannot just call anyone to fill it; you must use the company that owns the tank. Ask the seller who owns the tank before you close!

Your Next Step

Don't wait until move-in day to make these calls. In coastal NC, "transferring service" can sometimes take 3-5 business days, leaving you in the dark if you procrastinate.

Aspyre Realty Group are experts in listening and communicating people's wants into homes that work for them. We provide every client with a "Utility Cheat Sheet" specific to their new neighborhood, ensuring you know exactly who to call—and which trash sticker to put on your windshield. Let’s get your new home connected.