When living in Fullerton, electricity and gas rates operate under a structure that is somewhat different from Korea.

Electricity in Fullerton is supplied by Southern California Edison (SCE), while gas is provided by Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas). Both companies are utility providers that service a wide area in Orange County. Before moving in, you must apply for service with both companies, which can usually be done online or by phone.

For electricity rates, SCE applies a tiered pricing system based on usage. As of 2024, rates increase sharply once you exceed the baseline rate and usage. Areas like Fullerton, which are inland, tend to see significant increases in electricity costs during the summer months, particularly from July to September due to high air conditioning use.

For a household of 3-4 people, summer electricity bills can often reach between $200 and $400. If you choose SCE's Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plan, you can save money by using electricity during off-peak hours before 9 AM and after 4 PM. Running high-power appliances like washing machines and dishwashers during late-night hours can help reduce electricity costs.

Gas rates are used for heating (heaters), water heaters, and gas stoves, and since winters in Fullerton are relatively mild, heating costs are not usually a significant burden. The average winter gas bill for a household of 3-4 people is around $80 to $150 per month. However, in recent years, SoCalGas rates have increased significantly, peaking in January 2023 before stabilizing somewhat.

In Fullerton, instead of keeping the heater on 24/7 during winter, you can manage gas costs by utilizing sunlight during the day and only using the heater at night.

The burden of utility costs can vary greatly depending on the type of housing. In some apartment rentals, certain units may include electricity or gas in the rent (Utilities Included), so it's important to check before signing a lease. For single-family homes or condos, when you add water (usually from Fullerton Water Department or OCWD), trash collection, internet, and other utilities, the total monthly utility bill can often exceed $300 to $500.

One way to save is to apply for a free Home Energy Survey on the SCE website to receive personalized energy-saving tips. There are also government assistance programs like the CARE program (SCE discount) and the FERA program (SoCalGas discount) for low-income households, so if you qualify, be sure to apply.