Moving to Catasauqua: Utility Setup and Local Contacts

Moving is exciting, but the utility checklist can feel like a maze. If you are settling into Catasauqua, you want lights on, hot water running, and trash days sorted with zero surprises. This guide walks you through who provides each service, how to start or transfer accounts, what to have ready, and who to call for emergencies or billing. You will also find timelines, common pitfalls, and local contacts to make your first week smooth. Let’s dive in.

Tip for day one: In any life‑threatening emergency, call 911. If you smell gas, evacuate, then call 911 and the gas company’s emergency line from a safe location.

Who provides your utilities in Catasauqua

Most homes in and around Catasauqua are served by regulated utilities and borough‑managed services. Always confirm your exact address on provider websites or with the Borough.

• Electricity: Most addresses use PPL Electric Utilities. You can start, stop, or move service online and report outages on the PPL site.
• Natural gas: Many addresses use UGI Utilities for gas service. Availability depends on your street and whether the home has gas appliances.
• Water and sewer: Service is typically managed by the Borough. Confirm account setup steps, reading schedules, and billing on the Borough of Catasauqua website.
• Refuse and recycling: The Borough sets collection rules and either contracts a hauler or directs residents to enroll. Pickup days, cart rules, and bulky item details are posted on the Borough of Catasauqua website.

Start service: step-by-step

Electricity: PPL Electric Utilities

1. Create or log in to your account on PPL Electric Utilities and request a start date.
2. Provide your service address, move‑in date, government photo ID, and Social Security number or alternative ID for a credit check. Have landlord contact info if you rent.
3. Ask if a technician visit or meter access is needed. Same‑day to 3 business days is typical for account setup. Technician visits can take longer.
4. Ask about deposits. Deposits are based on credit history and can be refunded per Pennsylvania rules. Review budget billing and payment options.
5. For outages or downed wires, report on PPL’s outage page. Call 911 only for immediate hazards, such as a live wire.

What to expect: A deposit may be required depending on credit. If your meter needs a physical turn‑on, schedule access. Fees may apply for after‑hours work.

Natural gas: UGI Utilities

1. Go to UGI Utilities to start or transfer service. You will need your address, move‑in date, photo ID, and SSN or other ID for a credit check.
2. Confirm if your home has active gas service and whether a technician must visit to test lines or light pilot lights.
3. Ask about deposits, billing cycle, and budget billing options.
4. If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate and call 911, then use UGI’s emergency line listed on the UGI safety page from a safe location.

What to expect: Account setup can be same‑day to a few business days. Safety checks or pilot lighting may require an appointment.

Water and sewer: Borough account

1. Visit the Borough of Catasauqua website to confirm how to open or transfer a water and sewer account. Some municipalities require a transfer form, a copy of your lease or deed, and photo ID.
2. Ask whether an initial meter reading or on‑site appointment is required before move‑in.
3. Confirm the billing schedule. Many boroughs bill monthly or quarterly. Ask how to pay online, by mail, in person, or via drop box.
4. Ask about any connection or administrative fees for new accounts, and how final readings are handled when you move out.

What to expect: Contact the Borough a few days before move‑in. An on‑site reading or turn‑on may be required.

Refuse, recycling, and bulky items

1. Check the Borough of Catasauqua website to confirm whether curbside service is automatic or if you must enroll with a hauler.
2. Look up your collection day, cart size rules, set‑out times, and holiday schedule.
3. Review recycling rules. Common guidelines include clean and empty containers, no plastic bags, and flattened cardboard. Rules vary by hauler and borough.
4. Confirm bulky item pickup procedures, yard waste schedules, and electronics or hazardous waste options. County events and drop‑offs are listed on Lehigh County solid waste resources.

What to expect: If the Borough provides service, it typically begins on your next collection day after move‑in. If you must hire a hauler, allow up to a week for your first pickup.

What to have ready

• Government photo ID and Social Security number or other acceptable ID.
• Proof of residency such as a lease, deed, or closing disclosure.
• Landlord or property manager contact, if you rent.
• Prior account number if transferring service within the same utility.
• Move‑in date and confirmation of meter access if a technician visit is needed.

Typical timelines

• Electric and gas: Same‑day to 3 business days for account setup. Technician visits may extend timing to 24 to 72 hours or more, based on scheduling.
• Water and sewer: Contact the Borough several days before move‑in to allow for meter reading and account setup.
• Trash and recycling: If Borough‑provided, your service aligns with the next scheduled collection day. Private haulers may need up to a week to begin service.

Landlords, tenants, and homeowners

• Leases control who pays each utility. Ask for written confirmation of which accounts stay in the landlord’s name and which transfer to you.
• Borough‑billed utilities like water and sewer may remain with the property owner, depending on local policy. Verify who receives the bill and how payments are handled.
• Owners should confirm final readings at closing and transfer dates for all accounts in writing.

Billing and how to pay

• Electric and gas: Pay online, by auto‑pay, by mail, or in person where offered. Ask about budget billing to smooth seasonal swings.
• Water and sewer: Confirm billing frequency and payment methods on the Borough of Catasauqua website. Many boroughs offer online payments and a drop box for after‑hours.
• Trash and recycling: If billed through the Borough, confirm due dates and whether fees appear on your utility bill or tax bill. If you hire a hauler, ask about monthly or quarterly billing.

Borough quick contacts to bookmark

Confirm current phone numbers and office hours on the Borough of Catasauqua website.

• Borough Office or Manager: Water and sewer billing, trash service details, permits, general questions.
• Public Works: Street issues, snow, water main breaks, and collection day questions.
• Police Department non‑emergency: Public safety concerns that are not emergencies.
• Fire Department administration: Non‑emergency fire safety questions.
• Tax Collector: Real estate tax billing and due dates.
• Codes and Zoning: Occupancy permits, rental registration, and permits for renovations.

For statewide consumer protections on deposits, billing, and disconnections, see the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission consumer services.

Emergency and outage guide

• Gas leak: If you smell rotten eggs or hear hissing, evacuate immediately. Call 911, then contact UGI via the emergency line listed on the UGI safety page. Do not use switches, phones, or vehicles near the leak.
• Electrical hazards: Stay away from downed wires and call 911. Report outages using PPL’s outage tools and sign up for text alerts.
• Water or sewer emergency: Call the Borough or Public Works. Follow any boil water advisories posted by the Borough.
• Before you dig: Call PA One Call 811 several business days before any digging so utilities can mark underground lines.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Waiting too long to schedule technician visits. Ask about meter access during your first call.
• Assuming trash service starts automatically. Confirm whether you must enroll and what carts are allowed.
• Missing deposit requirements. Ask about deposit amounts, how refunds work, and budget billing options.
• Skipping the final water reading. Owners and landlords should schedule readings for smooth move‑ins and move‑outs.

Stay informed

• Bookmark provider and Borough pages for updates: PPL Electric Utilities, UGI Utilities, and the Borough of Catasauqua.
• Sign up for power outage alerts and Borough notifications so you get boil advisories, weather updates, and emergency notices fast.

Ready for a smooth move to Catasauqua? If you want a local guide and a confident plan from day one, reach out to Creighton Faust for concierge relocation support, vendor referrals, and neighborhood insight.

FAQs

How do I start electric service in Catasauqua?

• Create an account with PPL Electric Utilities, provide your address, move‑in date, and ID, then request a start date. Ask about deposits and whether a technician or meter access is needed.

Who handles natural gas and what if I smell gas?

• Many homes use UGI Utilities for gas. If you smell gas, evacuate, call 911, then contact UGI using the emergency number on the UGI safety page.

How do I set up water and sewer service?

• Visit the Borough of Catasauqua website for the current process. You may need a transfer form, ID, and a lease or deed, plus an initial meter reading.

Where do I find my trash and recycling pickup day?

• Check the Public Works or trash section on the Borough of Catasauqua website for routes, cart rules, holiday schedules, and bulky item procedures.

What documents will utilities ask for when I move in?

• Be ready with photo ID, Social Security number or other acceptable ID, your lease or deed, landlord contact if you rent, and your move‑in date.

How long does it take to turn on utilities?

• Electric and gas setup can be same‑day to 3 business days, with technician visits sometimes taking longer. Water and sewer accounts should be requested a few days before move‑in.