Electricity: which one serves you?
| Company | Main areas |
|---|---|
| OUC | City of Orlando and St. Cloud |
| Duke Energy | Much of Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk |
| KUA | City of Kissimmee |
| FPL | Some parts of the region |
| Winter Park Electric | Winter Park |
If you rent, the leasing office will tell you. Otherwise, enter your address on each company’s website.
With no credit history you may be asked for a deposit. Ask your previous electric company (even in Puerto Rico or another state) for a “letter of good payment history” — many utilities accept it to reduce or waive the deposit.
Get ready for summer
From June to September, air conditioning can double your bill. Ways to save:
- Set the thermostat to 78°F when you’re home, and higher when you’re out.
- Ask for budget billing to pay about the same every month.
- Change your A/C filter every 1–3 months.
- If you can’t pay, call 211 before you get disconnected. There are assistance programs (such as LIHEAP).
Water and trash
It depends on whether you live inside a city or in unincorporated county land:
- City of Orlando: OUC
- Orange County (outside cities): Orange County Utilities
- Osceola: Toho Water Authority in much of the county
- Other cities (Sanford, Winter Garden, Apopka, etc.): the city water department
In many apartments, water and trash are included in the rent or billed on the same statement. Ask before you sign.
Internet and cell phone
- Cable or fiber: Spectrum and AT&T Fiber, depending on your address.
- 5G home internet: T-Mobile and Verizon offer no-contract plans, sometimes without a credit check.
- Prepaid cell: no credit check and often cheaper than contract plans.
- Lifeline: a federal program that discounts phone or internet service if you receive SNAP, Medicaid or other benefits.
This guide is informational and is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer or other professional. Laws and requirements change — always confirm with the official source. See something out of date? Email us at hola@soyorlando.com.