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 timelines. This guide walks you through establishing essential services for your new home, including water, electricity, gas, and internet. You’ll find information on which providers serve your area, what documents you’ll need, and how to schedule service activation. We’ve organized everything step by step to help you get your household running smoothly.
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 or in person at Dallas City Hall. Service activation typically takes 2-3 business days. A $50 deposit is added to your first bill.
2TurnItOn — Home Services Setup Help
Dallas residents can get help setting up their 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 collection for single-family homes and duplexes. Service begins automatically when you set up water service, with fees included on your monthly utility bill. Trash and recycling are collected weekly, while brush and bulky items are collected monthly. Dallas uses single-stream recycling with blue carts. Place carts out by 7:00 a.m. on collection day. Download the Dallas Sanitation Services app or call 311 to find your collection schedule and request bins.
Dallas Water Utilities requires a $50 deposit, which is added to your first bill. This deposit may be waived if you can provide proof of 12 consecutive on-time payments from a previous utility account.
Dallas Water Utilities customer service is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can call 214-651-1441 or visit Dallas City Hall during these hours to set up your account.
DWU serves Dallas and 31 surrounding communities, but some areas have separate providers. Cities like University Park and Highland Park have their own water departments. Verify your provider based on your specific address.
Electricity in Dallas
Dallas residents benefit from Texas’s deregulated electricity market, which allows consumers to choose their own retail electricity provider rather than being assigned a default utility. This competition creates a wide range of pricing options and plan types across the city. With over 100 plans currently available, Dallas shoppers can compare rates, contract terms, and energy sources to find an option that fits their household needs. Visit our full Dallas electricity page for detailed provider comparisons and plan information.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 6.7¢/kWh
Average rate: 14.82¢/kWh
Plans available: 113
Green energy plans: 111
Internet providers in Dallas
Dallas residents have access to a competitive internet market with multiple connection types available throughout the metropolitan area. Options typically include fiber, cable, DSL, and fixed wireless services, with availability varying by neighborhood. Urban areas generally offer faster speeds and more provider choices, while suburban locations may have fewer options. Researching providers serving your specific address is recommended before signing up for service.
Internet FAQ
Enter your street address on individual provider websites to check availability. You can also contact providers directly or consult with your apartment complex or HOA, as some communities have existing agreements with specific internet companies.
Basic browsing and email require 25 Mbps, while streaming and remote work typically need 100-200 Mbps. Households with multiple users, gamers, or 4K streaming should consider plans offering 300 Mbps or higher for optimal performance.
Fiber availability varies significantly across Dallas neighborhoods. Downtown and newer developments often have fiber infrastructure, while older residential areas may rely on cable or DSL. Check with providers directly to confirm fiber availability at your specific address.
Natural gas service in Dallas
Natural gas service in Dallas is provided exclusively by Atmos Energy (Mid-Tex Division), as the market is not deregulated. Natural gas is widely used throughout Dallas homes for heating, water heaters, cooking appliances, and clothes dryers. To establish service, contact Atmos Energy at 888-286-6700 or visit atmosenergy.com. Plan to schedule activation 1-2 weeks before your move-in date, as a technician visit with an adult present is required.
You'll need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number for a credit check, and your service address. Atmos Energy may require a deposit based on credit history, though good credit or automatic payment enrollment may waive this requirement.
No, natural gas in Dallas is not deregulated. Atmos Energy (Mid-Tex Division) is the sole provider for residential gas service. Unlike electricity, you cannot shop for alternative gas suppliers in this area.
Leave the area immediately and avoid operating any electrical switches. Once at a safe distance, call 911 and the Atmos Energy emergency line at 866-322-8667. Do not return to the location until authorities confirm it is safe.
Common questions about utilities in Dallas
When moving to Dallas, you'll need to establish electricity service through a retail provider of your choice, water and wastewater through Dallas Water Utilities, natural gas through Atmos Energy, and internet/cable through providers like AT&T, Spectrum, or Frontier. Trash collection is typically included with your water bill for Dallas residents.
Electricity can typically be connected within 24-48 hours, sometimes same-day. Water service through Dallas Water Utilities usually requires 2-3 business days. Natural gas connections with Atmos Energy take 3-5 business days. Internet installation may require a technician visit scheduled 3-7 days out, depending on provider availability.
Most Dallas utilities require government-issued photo ID, your new service address, and a move-in date. You'll also need your Social Security number for credit verification. Some providers may request a lease agreement or proof of property ownership. Previous utility account information can help expedite the process and potentially waive deposits.
Electricity providers and internet companies offer full online enrollment. Atmos Energy allows online gas service requests. However, Dallas Water Utilities requires new residential customers to apply in person at a customer service center or by mail, bringing valid ID and lease documentation. As of August 2026, online water signup remains unavailable.