Moving comes with a long checklist. In West Union, a smooth first week at your new home starts with getting water, power, internet, and trash set up the right way. If you plan ahead, you avoid last‑minute surprises and can focus on settling in. In this guide, you’ll learn who to call, what to have ready, and when to schedule each service. Let’s dive in.
What to set up first
- Town water: Start service with the Town of West Union. Complete the Utility Service Contract and be ready to show ID and your lease or closing documents. Use the town’s forms page to begin. Visit the Town of West Union utility forms.
- Sewer or septic: Some homes tie into regional sewer, and many use private septic. Confirm what your property has during due diligence and before move‑in. For regional sewer questions and emergencies, see the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority contact page.
- Electricity: Service is address‑specific, typically Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative or Duke Energy. Check the provider for your address and schedule your start date. Use Duke Energy customer service to start or transfer service.
- Natural gas: Fort Hill Natural Gas Authority serves parts of West Union; other homes use propane or electric heat. Confirm availability for your street and review any deposit or line‑extension costs. Start at Fort Hill Natural Gas “Become a customer”.
- Internet and TV: Fiber is expanding. Check your address with Upcountry Fiber and consider cable through Spectrum in West Union. Schedule installation at least 2 to 3 weeks before move‑in.
- Trash and recycling: Confirm if you have town or private curbside pickup. For drop‑off options, materials, and hours, see Oconee County’s recycling locations list.
- Mail and DMV: Submit your USPS Change of Address and plan a DMV visit soon after you move. Book ahead at the SCDMV Seneca branch.
- Safety: If you plan any digging or landscaping, call 811 before you dig to have underground lines marked. Learn more at SC811 guidance.
Step‑by‑step setup by service
Water service
Contact the Town of West Union to open an account. Complete the Utility Service Contract, provide a photo ID, and show proof of ownership or a lease. A deposit or connection fee may apply. Start with the Town of West Union utility forms, then enroll in the online payment portal once your account is active.
Sewer or septic
Ask during inspections whether your home is on regional sewer or a private septic system. If you are on sewer, the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority serves much of the area; keep their emergency contact handy for overflows or after‑hours issues. If you are on septic, request recent pump and inspection records and set up a service plan before your first season. See OJRSA contact and emergency info.
Electricity
West Union addresses are typically served by Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative or Duke Energy. Confirm your address to determine the correct provider. Expect to provide your name, ID, Social Security number, start date, and pay a deposit if required. Turn‑ons for existing meters often happen within a few business days; new construction can take longer and may require inspections. Start here: Duke Energy customer service. For general new‑service timing and steps, review this new service checklist.
Natural gas or propane
Fort Hill Natural Gas Authority provides pipeline gas in parts of West Union. Availability is street‑specific, so request an address check early. If your road is not served, you may rely on propane or electric heat. For deposits, service line details, or new construction, use Fort Hill Natural Gas “Become a customer”.
Internet, TV, and phone
Fiber availability is growing and can vary from one road to the next. Check your address and pre‑schedule installation with Upcountry Fiber. If cable is available at your address, Spectrum is another wired option. For new builds or areas awaiting fiber, consider a temporary mobile hotspot until installation.
Trash, recycling, and bulky items
Inside town limits, confirm curbside pickup days and rules for bulk or yard waste with the town office. For recycling or household waste drop‑off, use the county’s Ebenezer/West Union center and other sites listed on the Oconee recycling locations page. Review accepted materials and proof‑of‑residency rules before you go.
Mail, DMV, and local services
The West Union Post Office is at 190 S Highway 11, ZIP 29696. Plan to update your driver license and vehicle registration soon after moving; the closest branch for most residents is the SCDMV Seneca location. For health care, Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital in Seneca is the primary full‑service hospital for the area. West Union falls within the School District of Oconee County; confirm school zoning for your specific address during your home search.
Documents and timing
What you’ll likely need
- Government‑issued photo ID
- Social Security number and date of birth
- Service address, start date, and contact information
- Proof of ownership or lease for municipal services
- Deposit or connection fee if required
Typical timelines
- Electricity and gas: Transfers to existing meters often take a few business days; new service lines or meters can take longer and may require permits and inspections. See this new service checklist.
- Internet: Installation windows vary by provider and construction status. If fiber construction is still in progress on your street, expect longer lead times. Schedule 2 to 3 weeks ahead whenever possible.
Quick moving checklist
- Set up town water and enrollment in online payments.
- Confirm sewer vs septic and keep emergency contacts or service records.
- Verify your electric provider and schedule start or transfer.
- Request a natural gas availability check or plan propane if needed.
- Run internet address lookups and book installation.
- Confirm trash day or plan for county recycling center visits.
- File USPS Change of Address and schedule your DMV visit.
- Call 811 at least 3 business days before any digging.
Ready to make your West Union move seamless around the lake? For local guidance and a coordinated plan from contract to keys, reach out to Amy Twitty.
FAQs
How do I start water service for a West Union home?
- Complete the Utility Service Contract with the town and provide ID and your lease or closing documents; begin on the Town of West Union utility forms page.
How can I tell if a West Union property is on sewer or septic?
- Confirm during inspections and with the town or your agent; properties may connect to regional sewer or use private septic, and you can reference OJRSA contact info for sewer questions.
Who provides electricity in West Union and how do I start service?
- Service is address‑specific, typically Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative or Duke Energy; use Duke Energy customer service to start or transfer service and ask your agent which provider serves the address.
Is natural gas available in all parts of West Union?
- No, availability varies by street; request an address check and review deposits or line‑extension details with Fort Hill Natural Gas.
What are my internet options if fiber isn’t at my address yet?
- Check address availability with Upcountry Fiber and consider Spectrum; use a mobile hotspot temporarily if installation is delayed.
Where can I take recycling and household waste near West Union?
- Oconee County operates multiple centers, including an Ebenezer/West Union site; see accepted materials and hours on the county recycling locations list.
Do I really need to call 811 before landscaping or digging?
- Yes; calling 811 is free and required best practice to locate and mark underground lines. Learn more at SC811 guidance.
