Getting utilities running in a new home sounds simple until you realize “just call the utility company” doesn’t quite work in Midlothian the way it does in a lot of other places. Between a county water system, a natural gas provider, several private trash haulers, and an electric company that covers most but not all of your options, there are more moving pieces here than most people expect. This guide walks through each one so you’re not piecing it together account by account.

Electricity: Dominion Energy

Dominion Energy is the primary electric utility serving Midlothian and the rest of Chesterfield County. Setting up service is usually the most straightforward step, done online or by phone, and can typically be scheduled a few days out from your move-in date. Virginia’s electric market allows some competitive plan options, but for most residential customers in Midlothian, Dominion is the default and only real option for the physical power lines to your home.

Set this up as early as possible once you have a confirmed move-in date, ideally a week or more ahead, so power is live before moving day rather than something you’re troubleshooting with boxes still in the driveway.

Natural Gas: Columbia Gas of Virginia

If your home uses natural gas for heating, water heating, or cooking, Columbia Gas of Virginia (sometimes still referred to by its older name, Commonwealth Gas) serves most of Chesterfield County, including Midlothian. Not every home in the area uses natural gas, some newer developments run on all-electric systems, so check with your builder, landlord, or the previous owner if you’re not sure which applies to your new address.

Water and Sewer: Chesterfield County Utilities

This is the one that catches people off guard the most, especially if you’re used to a private water company. Water and wastewater service in Midlothian is run directly by Chesterfield County’s Utilities Department, not a private provider, and it’s a separate account from your electric or gas service.

A few things to know before you call:

  • There’s a $15 fee to open a new account
  • Renters typically pay a $200 security deposit; homeowners may have different requirements, so ask directly
  • Billing is bimonthly (every other month), not monthly, which surprises people expecting a bill every 30 days
  • You can reach Chesterfield Utilities customer service at 804-748-1291, or the department’s main line at 804-748-1271
  • For water emergencies like a broken main after business hours, the emergency line is 804-748-1310

Set this account up as soon as you have a closing date or lease start date, since it typically requires a phone call or online application rather than same-day activation.

Trash and Recycling: You Choose Your Own Hauler

Here’s the part that surprises almost every new Midlothian resident: Chesterfield County does not run curbside trash pickup as a public service, and as of 2023, it no longer coordinates curbside recycling either. Both are handled entirely through private haulers that residents contract with directly, or through your neighborhood’s HOA if it has a bundled arrangement.

That means one of your first calls after moving in should be to a trash hauler, not the county. A few things to sort out:

  • Check with your HOA first. Many larger communities in the Midlothian area, including several planned neighborhoods, already have a bundled trash and recycling contract built into HOA dues. If that’s the case, you may not need to set anything up yourself beyond confirming your collection day.
  • If there’s no HOA contract, you’ll need to pick a private hauler yourself. Several operate in the Chesterfield area, and rates and service days vary, so it’s worth calling more than one for pricing.
  • Recycling may be a separate contract from trash, depending on which hauler you use, so ask specifically about both when you call.
  • If you’d rather skip a subscription, Chesterfield operates two free drop-off recycling centers, including the Northern Area Convenience Center at 3200 Warbro Road in Midlothian, open seven days a week.

Because this step depends entirely on your specific neighborhood, it’s worth asking your real estate agent, landlord, or new neighbors what’s already in place before assuming you need to start from scratch.

Internet and Cable

Midlothian has decent competition here compared to some parts of the county. Xfinity (Comcast) has the broadest coverage in the area, with Verizon Fios available in parts of Midlothian as a fiber alternative where it’s built out. DIRECTV and Dish are also available for satellite TV if cable or fiber isn’t an option at your address. Availability varies block by block more than any other utility on this list, so it’s worth checking serviceability at your exact address before assuming your old provider covers your new one.

A Simple Setup Order

If you want a sequence that avoids gaps in service on move-in day, work through it roughly like this:

  1. Electricity (Dominion Energy): set up a week or more ahead
  2. Water and sewer (Chesterfield County Utilities): set up as soon as you have a move-in date
  3. Natural gas (Columbia Gas of Virginia), if applicable
  4. Internet and cable: schedule installation ahead of time if a technician visit is required
  5. Trash and recycling: check your HOA first, then contract with a private hauler if needed

Once You’re Set Up

With utilities running, the rest of the settling-in process gets a lot easier. Our guide to essential local services when you move to Midlothian covers what to line up next, from handymen to healthcare providers, and our DMV and car inspection checklist walks through the state paperwork deadlines that run on their own clock. If you’re still clearing out packing materials, our guide to cheap moving supplies in Midlothian covers where to donate or recycle what’s left.

If you’re still planning your move, our Midlothian, VA moving services page covers how we help. Have questions about timing or need a quote? Reach out to our team, and we’ll help you plan it out.