Local Resources
Moving to Erie or Niagara County? Who to Call for Utilities
Set up service at least a week before closing. The provider depends on your exact address, not just your town, so confirm by address on each provider's site.
Electric and gas
| Utility | Serves | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| National Grid (electric) | Most of Buffalo, the northern suburbs and most of Niagara County | 1-800-642-4272 |
| NYSEG (electric, some gas) | Many eastern and southern Erie towns and parts of Niagara County. Some towns are split with National Grid. | 1-800-572-1111 |
| National Fuel (natural gas) | Most of Erie and Niagara County | 716-686-6123 |
| Village of Akron / Village of Springville | Municipal electric for village residents | Village office |
Electric and gas providers by county: NYS DPS
Water, sewer and trash
| Area | Water provider | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City of Buffalo | Buffalo Water, 716-847-1065 | Billed quarterly. The City User Fee (trash/recycling) is billed separately, 716-851-5370. City of Buffalo |
| Most Erie County suburbs (Amherst, Cheektowaga, Hamburg, Lancaster, Orchard Park, West Seneca, Clarence, Lackawanna and others) | Erie County Water Authority (ECWA), 716-849-8444 | ECWA serves about 36 municipalities directly or through town systems it operates. ECWA |
| Town of Tonawanda (incl. Village of Kenmore), Grand Island, and some villages | Municipal water departments | Call the town or village clerk |
| Niagara County | Each city or town runs its own system: Niagara Falls Water Board, North Tonawanda, Lockport (city and town), Wheatfield, Lewiston, Newfane, Pendleton, Royalton, Wilson, Cambria, Porter and others | NYS DOH list |
| Rural areas (parts of Boston, Colden, Concord, Holland, Wales, Hartland, Somerset) | Private well and septic | Test the well at purchase. Septic inspection may be required. |
Sewer: suburban sewer is usually a line on your town or county tax bill (Erie County Sewer Districts 1–8, or a town district). In Buffalo it’s a separate sewer rent bill.
Internet and TV
Spectrum and Verizon (Fios where available) are the main wired providers. Rural addresses should check fiber and fixed-wireless options by address before buying, especially if you work from home.
Move-in checklist
- Schedule the water final reading and transfer (the attorneys handle the escrow)
- Start electric and gas in your name effective on closing day
- Set up internet 1–2 weeks ahead, because install dates book out
- Register for the STAR credit (see Property Taxes)
- Update your address with DMV within 10 days, and your voter registration
- Learn your trash and recycling day and the yard-waste and bulk-pickup rules
- Check your town’s rules for winter parking and snow removal