Setting Up Utilities in Dallas, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Dallas, Texas.
Dallas Utility Guide
Setting up utilities in Dallas requires coordinating with multiple service providers, each with their own application processes and requirements. This guide walks you through establishing essential services for your new home, including water and sewage, electricity, natural gas, garbage collection, and internet. We’ve compiled the key steps, contact information, and documentation you’ll need to get each utility connected, helping you manage the entire setup process efficiently.
Water service in Dallas
Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) provides water service to Dallas residents and 31 surrounding communities. New residents can set up water service by phone at 214-651-1441, in person at Dallas City Hall, or let us help guide you through the process. Service activation typically takes 2-3 business days. A $50 deposit is added to your first bill.
2TurnItOn — Water Setup Help
Dallas residents can get help setting up their utilities and home services through 2TurnItOn.
Set up Services
Sewage Service
Wastewater and sewer service is automatically bundled with your Dallas Water Utilities account—no separate setup is required. The wastewater fee appears on your combined utility bill and is calculated based on your actual water usage or your winter average, whichever is lower.
Garbage & Recycling
City of Dallas Sanitation Services provides trash and recycling collection. Service begins automatically when you set up water, with fees included on your combined utility bill. Trash is collected weekly, recycling bi-weekly, and brush/bulky items monthly. Download the Dallas Sanitation app or visit dallas.gov/sanitation to find your specific collection schedule by address. Place carts out by 7:00 a.m. on collection day.
You'll need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), your new service address, Social Security number for credit verification, and proof of property ownership or a signed lease agreement.
Yes, the deposit may be waived if you can provide proof of 12 consecutive on-time payments from a previous utility account. Otherwise, the $50 deposit will be added to your first bill.
Dallas Water Utilities uses the DallasGo online payment platform. You can register for an account to manage and pay your bills. For registration assistance, email [email protected] or call 214-651-1441 during business hours.
Electricity in Dallas
Dallas residents benefit from Texas’s deregulated electricity market, which allows consumers to choose their own electricity provider rather than being assigned to a single utility. This competitive environment creates a wide range of pricing options and plan types. With rates varying significantly across providers, comparing available plans can lead to meaningful savings on monthly energy costs. Visit our full Dallas electricity page for detailed plan comparisons and provider information.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 7.13¢/kWh
Average rate: 15.69¢/kWh
Plans available: 122
Green energy plans: 120
Internet providers in Dallas
Dallas offers residents a competitive internet market with multiple connection types available throughout the metropolitan area. Households can typically choose from fiber, cable, DSL, and fixed wireless options depending on their specific neighborhood. As a major Texas city, Dallas benefits from ongoing infrastructure investments, with fiber availability expanding in many areas. Comparing providers based on speed requirements, pricing, and contract terms is recommended before committing to service.
Internet FAQ
Dallas residents generally have access to fiber, cable, DSL, and fixed wireless connections. Fiber availability varies by neighborhood, while cable coverage is widespread. Some areas may also have 5G home internet as an alternative option.
Enter your specific street address on provider websites to check availability. Coverage varies significantly between neighborhoods, so verifying service at your exact location ensures accurate information about speeds, pricing, and connection types offered.
Basic browsing and streaming typically requires 25-50 Mbps. Households with multiple users, remote workers, or gamers should consider plans offering 100-300 Mbps or higher. Fiber connections provide the most reliable speeds for demanding usage.
Natural gas service in Dallas
Natural gas service in Dallas is provided exclusively by Atmos Energy (Mid-Tex Division), as gas utilities are not deregulated in the area. Natural gas is commonly used throughout Dallas homes for heating, water heaters, cooking, and clothes dryers. To set up service, contact Atmos Energy at 888-286-6700 or visit atmosenergy.com. A technician appointment is required for activation, and an adult must be present during the visit.
Contact Atmos Energy online at atmosenergy.com or call 888-286-6700. You'll need a government-issued photo ID and your service address. Schedule service 1-2 weeks before moving in, as a technician visit is required and an adult must be present for activation.
A credit-based deposit may be required. Providing your Social Security number allows Atmos to check your credit history—good credit may waive the deposit. You can also provide a letter of excellent credit from a previous utility or enroll in automatic payments to avoid a deposit.
Leave the area immediately and do not operate any electrical switches or devices. Once safely away, call 911 and the Atmos Energy 24-hour emergency line at 866-322-8667. Never attempt to locate or repair a gas leak yourself.
Common questions about utilities in Dallas
When moving to Dallas, you'll need to establish electricity service through a retail electric provider of your choice, water service through Dallas Water Utilities, natural gas through Atmos Energy, and internet/cable through providers like AT&T or Spectrum. Trash collection is typically included with Dallas water service for residential customers.
Electricity can often be connected same-day or within 24 hours. Dallas Water Utilities typically requires 2-3 business days for new service activation. Natural gas through Atmos Energy usually takes 1-3 business days. Internet installation may require a technician visit scheduled 3-7 days out, depending on provider availability.
Most Dallas utility providers require government-issued photo ID, your new service address, and Social Security number for credit verification. You may also need your lease agreement or closing documents. Some providers accept alternative identification, and deposits may be required based on credit history or if you're a first-time customer.
Electricity providers and Atmos Energy offer full online enrollment. Internet providers also support online signup with scheduled installation. However, Dallas Water Utilities currently requires new residential customers to apply in person or by mail, bringing valid ID and proof of residency to a customer service center for initial account setup.