Utility setup on the West Michigan lakeshore requires a bit of research because service territory boundaries vary by community. This guide is organized by area so you can go straight to what applies to your new home. Plan to contact each provider at least a few business days before your move-in date.
Harbor Country & Berrien County
New Buffalo, Three Oaks, Lakeside, Sawyer, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor
Natural Gas — SEMCO Energy
SEMCO Energy Gas Company serves natural gas customers throughout Berrien County. Contact them before your move-in date; have your new address, move-in date, and Social Security number ready.
| Phone | 800-624-2019 |
| Website | semcoenergygas.com |
Electric — Indiana Michigan Power
Indiana Michigan Power (AEP) serves electric customers in Berrien and Cass counties. Start service online or by phone; have your Social Security number and move-in date ready. Service can typically be established within 1 business day.
| Phone | 800-311-4634 |
| Website | indianamichiganpower.com |
Internet — Spectrum
Spectrum is the primary cable internet provider throughout most of Harbor Country. Enter your address at spectrum.com to confirm availability and compare plans. Installation is typically available within a few business days, or a self-install kit can be shipped.
| Phone | 833-818-2570 |
| Website | spectrum.com |
Internet — AT&T
AT&T offers service in select Berrien County communities. Check availability at att.com, then order online or by phone. Equipment typically ships within a few business days.
| Phone | 800-288-2020 |
| Website | att.com/internet |
Internet — Starlink (Rural & Lakefront)
For rural parcels or lakefront homes where cable internet isn't available, Starlink satellite internet is a reliable option. Equipment is purchased upfront (typically $350–$600); no long-term contract. Requires an unobstructed view of the sky.
| Website | starlink.com |
South Haven & Van Buren County
Natural Gas — Michigan Gas Utilities
Michigan Gas Utilities (MGU) serves natural gas customers in Van Buren County. Start service by phone or online before your move-in date. For gas emergencies, use their 24-hour line at 800-401-6451.
| Phone | 800-401-6402 |
| Website | michigangasutilities.com |
Electric — Consumers Energy
Consumers Energy provides electric service in Van Buren County. Start service online or by phone; have your address, move-in date, and Social Security number ready.
| Phone | 800-477-5050 |
| Website | consumersenergy.com |
Internet — Spectrum
Spectrum serves most of the South Haven area. Enter your address at spectrum.com to confirm availability and compare plans.
| Phone | 833-818-2570 |
| Website | spectrum.com |
Internet — AT&T
AT&T offers service in select Van Buren County communities. Check availability at att.com, then order online or by phone.
| Phone | 800-288-2020 |
| Website | att.com/internet |
Internet — Starlink (Rural & Lakefront)
Available anywhere with a clear view of the sky. Equipment purchased upfront (typically $350–$600); no long-term contract. Order at starlink.com.
| Website | starlink.com |
Saugatuck, Douglas & Fennville
Natural Gas — Michigan Gas Utilities
Michigan Gas Utilities (MGU) serves natural gas customers in Allegan County, including Saugatuck, Douglas, and Fennville. Start service by phone or online before your move-in date. For gas emergencies, call their 24-hour line at 800-401-6451.
| Phone | 800-401-6402 |
| Website | michigangasutilities.com |
Electric — Consumers Energy
Consumers Energy provides electric service in Allegan County. Start service online or by phone; have your address, move-in date, and Social Security number ready.
| Phone | 800-477-5050 |
| Website | consumersenergy.com |
Internet — Xfinity
Xfinity is the primary cable internet option in Saugatuck and Douglas. Check availability at xfinity.com. Installation is typically scheduled within a few days, or a self-install kit is available for eligible addresses.
| Phone | 800-934-6489 |
| Website | xfinity.com |
Internet — Frontier
Frontier (now part of Verizon) serves select addresses in Saugatuck and Douglas. Check your address at frontier.com to see if fiber or DSL is available, then order online or by phone.
| Phone | 800-921-3101 |
| Website | frontier.com |
Internet — Starlink (Rural & Lakefront)
Available anywhere with a clear view of the sky. Equipment purchased upfront (typically $350–$600); no long-term contract. Order at starlink.com.
| Website | starlink.com |
Water — Kalamazoo Lake Sewer & Water
If your property is connected to municipal sewer and water, it's likely served by Kalamazoo Lake Sewer and Water Authority (KLSWA). Contact them to transfer service into your name; your closing documents will confirm whether your property is on the KLSWA system or a private well and septic.
| Website | klswa.com |
Trash — City of Saugatuck (Republic Services)
Within the City of Saugatuck, Republic Services is the contracted, required trash hauler. Contact them to set up service before your move-in date.
| Website | republicservices.com |
Trash — Outside the City of Saugatuck (Arrow Waste)
Arrow Waste serves residential customers outside the City of Saugatuck, including surrounding townships. Contact them to confirm availability at your address.
| Website | arrowwaste.com |
Water is handled by individual townships and cities. In most cases your title company will alert the municipality to the ownership transfer at closing and set up the account in your name. Many rural and lakefront parcels are on private well and septic; if that's the case, there's no water account to set up. Your seller's disclosure and closing documents will confirm which applies.
Trash pickup throughout most other lakeshore communities is handled by your township or contracted through the county. Contact your local township hall or ask your agent for the right provider at your specific address.
If you're purchasing a vacation home or second property, check whether utilities can be placed on a seasonal hold rather than fully disconnected. Several lakeshore providers offer this option, keeping the account active while minimizing fees during periods the property is unoccupied.
Questions about your move?
We're happy to help you sort out utilities, timing, and anything else that comes up in the weeks around closing on the lakeshore.