Just closed on a home in Box Elder and wondering who to call first? You’re not alone. Between water, sewer, trash, and energy, there are a few moving parts to get right so your first week goes smoothly. This guide gives you a simple step-by-step plan, what documents to have ready, and what to expect for billing, deposits, and emergencies. Let’s dive in.
Start water and sewer
Getting your municipal services set up early helps you avoid gaps in service or surprise charges.
When to contact the city
Reach out to the City of Box Elder utilities or finance department 7 to 14 days before your move. Ask to open or transfer the water and sewer account to your name effective on your closing or move-in date. You can usually handle this by phone, in person, or online, depending on current city options.
What to have ready
Have a government-issued ID, your property address, and your move-in date. If you’re the new owner, keep a copy of your deed or closing paperwork handy. Be prepared to provide a Social Security number or similar ID if the city runs a credit check to determine any deposit requirements.
Request a move-in meter read
Ask for a move-in meter reading when you transfer service. This helps ensure you are billed only for your usage. The city may schedule a technician visit or ask you to be present. As a backup, take clear photos of your water meter on move day and save them with your closing documents.
Billing and deposits
Municipal utilities typically bill monthly. Sewer charges can be fixed, based on meter reads, or tied to winter average use, depending on local policy. Your first bill may be prorated if you start mid-cycle. Deposits and setup fees vary, so confirm current terms with the city and ask about online billing and autopay.
Emergencies and service issues
If you have a major leak, sewer backup, or notice unusually high water usage, contact the City of Box Elder utilities for guidance. Ask for the procedure for after-hours emergencies and keep that number in an easy-to-find place. For backups inside your home, a licensed plumber may be needed; confirm city versus homeowner responsibility for the service line.
Irrigation and backflow
If your home has an irrigation system, ask about local cross-connection and backflow prevention rules. Many cities require approved backflow devices and periodic testing to protect the public water supply.
Cold-weather protection
Box Elder winters can be tough on plumbing. Insulate exposed pipes, disconnect hoses before freezing temps, and ask the city about winterization tips for outdoor spigots and irrigation systems. If you are away for an extended period, consider setting the thermostat to a safe temperature to help prevent frozen pipes.
Set up trash and recycling
Kieffer is the commonly referenced residential trash hauler for Box Elder. Service details are set by the city’s current contract, so plan to confirm your address and enrollment.
Enroll your service
Some addresses are enrolled automatically, while others require you to contact the hauler or the city to start service. Reach out a few days before move-in so your cart is ready. Ask whether trash charges appear on your city utility bill or are billed directly by the hauler at your address.
Cart basics and setout rules
Most homes receive a wheeled trash cart, and many programs offer a separate recycling cart. Size options vary by contract. On collection day, set carts at the curb by the posted time, typically early morning. Place the cart facing the street with handles toward the house, keep lids fully closed, and leave several feet of clearance from mailboxes, cars, and snowbanks.
What goes in each cart
Trash is usually bagged household waste placed inside the cart. Recycling programs vary, so check accepted materials and prep rules before setting out items. Common rules include rinsing containers, flattening cardboard, and avoiding bagged recyclables unless instructed. Yard waste may require a separate cart, seasonal pickup, or drop-off.
Bulky items and special materials
Large items like furniture and appliances often need a scheduled bulky pickup and may involve extra fees. Appliances with refrigerant typically require special handling. Household hazardous waste, paint, oil, pesticides, and electronics are not accepted in curbside trash. Coordinate disposal through Pennington County’s household hazardous waste resources.
Missed pickups and holidays
Report a missed pickup or damaged cart to the hauler or the city. Pickup days often shift around major holidays, so check the current holiday collection calendar and set reminders during holiday weeks.
Start or transfer energy
Black Hills Energy provides natural gas and electric service in much of South Dakota, including the Box Elder area. Start or transfer service so your billing and meter reads match your move-in date.
How to start or transfer
Contact Black Hills Energy 7 to 14 days before your move to open or transfer your account. Many customers can request service online or by phone. Ask for a move-in meter read. If service was previously disconnected, a technician may need access to the meter for reconnection.
What you may need
Be ready with your ID, property address, move-in date, and proof of residence or ownership. The company may run a credit check to determine whether a deposit applies. Deposit amounts and refund rules vary, and options sometimes exist to waive a deposit with a co-signer or strong prior payment history.
Billing and payment options
Expect monthly billing with options like online account management, autopay, and pay-by-phone. Budget billing can help smooth seasonal spikes. If you prefer to track usage closely, set up alerts in your online account after your first bill arrives.
Outages and safety
For electric outages, use the energy provider’s outage reporting options and check status updates when available. If you smell gas, leave the home immediately, avoid using switches or phones inside, and contact the gas emergency line from a safe location. Treat any suspected leak as an emergency.
Assistance and efficiency
If you need help with bills or want to reduce energy use, review customer assistance programs and weatherization resources. Ask about available rebates for efficiency upgrades like insulation, HVAC equipment, and smart thermostats. If you’re considering solar, request information on interconnection and net metering requirements.
Your move-in timeline
Follow this simple timeline to avoid last-minute surprises.
7–14 days before move
- Contact the City of Box Elder to open or transfer water and sewer.
- Contact Black Hills Energy to start or transfer gas and/or electric.
- Confirm trash enrollment with the hauler or the city.
0–3 days before move
- Request a move-in water meter reading and confirm the energy meter read.
- Set up online accounts and enroll in autopay if desired.
- Save account numbers and service start dates where you can find them.
Move day
Photograph water and energy meter readings and note the time.
Place any move-out waste according to current rules, or wait for your first scheduled collection day.
Within the first week
- Verify your first bill dates and due dates for all services.
- Confirm your trash and recycling collection day and holiday schedule.
- Check that your water heater, furnace, and major systems are functioning. Report any leaks immediately.
Ongoing
- Keep emergency and customer service contacts handy.
- Review bills for accuracy and adjust budget or autopay settings as needed.
- Schedule bulky item pickups ahead of time and follow setout instructions.
Quick setup checklist
- Call City of Box Elder utilities — open or transfer water and sewer.
- Call Black Hills Energy — start or transfer gas and/or electric.
- Confirm Kieffer trash and recycling enrollment and cart delivery.
- Take move-in photos of all meters and record readings.
- Set up online accounts, autopay, and usage alerts.
Local disposal and HHW tips
Some items require special disposal. Paint, oils, pesticides, and many electronics are considered household hazardous waste. Check Pennington County resources for drop-off locations or events and follow the rules for packing and transport. Keep these items out of your curbside carts to prevent contamination and safety hazards.
Keep records and avoid surprises
Save emails and confirmations from the city, hauler, and energy company in a single folder. Note account numbers and emergency contacts in your phone and on a printed sheet at home. If anything looks off on your first bill, call right away so the provider can double-check meter reads and start dates. A few minutes upfront prevents headaches later.
Ready to settle in without the utility guesswork? If you want local help as you buy, sell, or plan your next move in the Black Hills, reach out to Unknown Company. We’ll handle your home — get a free home valuation.
FAQs
Who handles Box Elder water and sewer for new homeowners?
- The City of Box Elder utilities or finance department sets up and bills municipal water and sewer. Contact them 7 to 14 days before your move to open or transfer your account.
Will I need a deposit for water or energy service?
- Possibly. Deposit requirements vary by provider and may depend on a credit check or payment history, so confirm current policy with the city and Black Hills Energy.
Who bills me for trash in Box Elder, the city or the hauler?
- It depends on the current contract. Some addresses are billed on the city utility statement, while others pay the hauler directly; verify this for your property when you enroll.
What should I do if I don’t have trash or recycling carts?
- Carts typically stay with the property. Report missing or damaged carts to the hauler or city so they can assign, repair, or replace them.
How do I dispose of hazardous waste or electronics in Pennington County?
- Use county household hazardous waste programs or events rather than curbside collection; check county guidance for accepted items and drop-off instructions.
What if gas or electric service was disconnected before I moved in?
- Contact Black Hills Energy to start service; a technician may need to visit for reconnection, and fees or deposits can apply depending on current policy.
How far in advance should I start utility setups before closing?
- Aim for 7 to 14 days before your move-in or closing date so providers can schedule meter reads, cart delivery, and any needed appointments without delays.
