Living Here · Utilities
New to the mountain? Here's who provides what in Big Bear — electric, water and sewer, gas or propane, and trash — plus the heating and snow-removal realities that come with living at 6,750 feet.
On The Market
Browse active Big Bear listings across every ZIP — updated daily from the MLS. Tell Rachael your budget and how you'll use the home, and she'll show you what it really buys.
Search Big Bear Listings →Get Connected
Big Bear has its own local providers, and which ones serve you depends partly on whether you're in the City of Big Bear Lake or the unincorporated County. Here are the essentials (verify current details and rates with each provider).
Electric service across the valley comes from Bear Valley Electric Service (BVES), the local utility since 1929, serving roughly 23,000 customers — (800) 808-2837. Natural gas, where available, is provided by Southwest Gas — (877) 860-6020. Not every home is on natural gas, so confirm what a specific property uses.
In the City of Big Bear Lake, water and sewer come from the City Department of Water & Power (DWP) — (909) 866-5050. Big Bear City and other unincorporated areas are served by their own community services districts. Some outlying properties use a private well and/or septic system, which warrant their own inspections.
Many mountain homes not on natural gas heat with propane from an on-site tank — local providers include Ferrellgas and AmeriGas/Thomas Gas. Ask whether a home's tank is owned or leased, and budget for winter fill-ups; heating is the biggest seasonal cost surprise for newcomers.
Trash service is handled by Big Bear Disposal — (909) 866-3942 — and, in the city, through municipal services. For snow, public crews plow the main roads, but clearing your own driveway is the owner's responsibility — many residents hire a plowing service or keep the right equipment.
Straight answers from a local Big Bear Broker Associate. This is general information; verify time-sensitive details (hours, prices, schedules) with the venue or provider directly.
Keep discovering the area — or start your home search.
Settle In Smoothly
Heating, water, propane vs. gas — these details matter in the mountains. Tell Rachael the home you're considering and she'll help you get the answers.
Tell me what you’re looking for and I’ll reach out within 24 hours — or call/text 909.744.2190.
