One of the more overlooked parts of relocating to the Grand Strand is figuring out who to call to get the lights on. Unlike a single-provider market, Horry County is served by multiple electric utilities and several separate water and sewer providers. Which one serves a given address depends on its location, so you can’t always assume the same provider serves neighboring properties.
Who Actually Provides Service Across the Grand Strand?
Electricity: Multiple providers, one county. Santee Cooper, Horry Electric Cooperative, and Duke Energy Progress serve customers in parts of Horry County. Santee Cooper serves more than 200,000 retail customers across Horry, Georgetown, and Berkeley counties combined, while Horry Electric Cooperative operates its own distribution network, with nearly 100,000 meters reported in early 2025. However, the largest electric provider by customer count within Horry County has not been conclusively established by the county-specific data reviewed. Your address determines which utility serves the property, so confirm the provider before making assumptions.
Water and sewer. The Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority (GSWSA) serves the majority of Horry County, while municipal and other local systems serve specific areas. For example, North Myrtle Beach operates its own water and sewer division, and Conway also offers municipal utility services. Service arrangements can differ even within the same general area, so confirm the provider for the exact property. Local conservation requirements may also vary; check with the relevant utility or municipality for any current restrictions.
Setting up service before closing. Many utilities allow you to arrange service ahead of your move, but start dates and processing requirements vary. For example, Santee Cooper says residential service generally begins the next business day during regular business hours, excluding weekends and holidays. Other providers may have different timelines or documentation requirements. Contact each utility before closing and confirm the requested start date to reduce the risk of moving in without essential services.
Trash, recycling, and internet. Waste collection arrangements depend on the municipality or county jurisdiction, while recycling options and schedules may vary by location. Internet and cable availability can also differ by neighborhood and even by individual address. Check directly with the relevant waste service and internet providers rather than assuming that coverage extends throughout the county.
A practical first step. Before closing, get the property’s exact street address and ask your real estate representative or the seller which providers currently serve it. Then contact each utility directly to verify availability, confirm any deposits or required documents, and schedule service for your move-in date. This simple step can save time and help you avoid last-minute surprises when you’re ready to move in.
None of this is particularly complicated once you know who to call. It’s just easy to overlook until moving week. If you’re relocating to the Grand Strand and want a head start on what to arrange before and after closing, let’s connect. I’ll help point you in the right direction so you can focus on settling into your new home.
