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 providers across different service categories. This guide walks you through the process of establishing water, electricity, gas, and internet service at your new residence. You’ll find information on the specific providers serving Dallas, required documentation, typical setup timelines, and what to expect for deposits and fees. Whether you’re moving to a house or apartment, this resource covers each step to get your essential services running.
Water service in Dallas
Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) provides water and wastewater services to Dallas residents and 31 surrounding communities. As a non-profit City of Dallas department, DWU maintains reliable service throughout the area. Residents can set up their water service online through 2TurnItOn, the city’s official partner for water setup, or by calling 214-651-1441 during business hours. Note that some metro areas like Highland Park and University Park have separate providers.
2TurnItOn — Official Water Utility Partner
Dallas residents can set up their water service through 2TurnItOn, the official online water utility service for this city.
Set Up Water Service
Sewage Service
Wastewater and sewer service is automatically bundled with your Dallas Water Utilities account. The wastewater fee appears on your combined utility bill and is calculated based on your actual water usage or your winter average, whichever amount is lower. DWU operates two treatment plants serving the city.
Garbage & Recycling
City of Dallas Sanitation Services provides weekly garbage and recycling collection, with fees included on your water bill. Service begins automatically when you set up water. Blue carts are used for single-stream recycling, accepting paper, plastics, cardboard, metal, and glass. Brush and bulky item pickup occurs monthly. Download the Dallas Sanitation Services app or call 311 to find your collection day and report any issues.
You'll need a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license), your Social Security Number, your new service address, a contact phone number, and a payment method for the deposit. Have these ready whether setting up online or by phone.
Yes, a $50 deposit is added to your first bill. However, the deposit may be waived if you can show 12 consecutive on-time payments with no delinquencies from a previous utility account. Contact DWU to request a waiver.
Your Dallas Water Utilities bill combines water, wastewater, and sanitation services into one statement. Garbage and recycling collection fees are included automatically. Electric and gas services are handled separately through other providers.
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 competition creates a wide range of pricing options and plan types. With over 100 plans currently available in the Dallas area, residents can compare rates and select a provider that fits their household’s energy needs and preferences. See our full Dallas electricity page for detailed plan comparisons.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 8.71¢/kWh
Average rate: 15.96¢/kWh
Plans available: 109
Green energy plans: 107
Internet providers in Dallas
Dallas residents have access to a competitive internet market with five major providers offering diverse connection options. Available technologies include fiber, cable, and fixed wireless services, giving households flexibility based on their location and bandwidth needs. Fiber coverage continues to expand across the metroplex, while cable and fixed wireless provide reliable alternatives in areas where fiber infrastructure is still developing.
AT&T
Major telecommunications provider offering extensive fiber and internet coverage throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Spectrum
Cable internet provider delivering widespread coverage across Dallas with no contract requirements.
Frontier
Regional provider offering fiber internet services to select Dallas neighborhoods and surrounding areas.
Verizon
National carrier providing fixed wireless home internet using 5G and LTE network technology.
T-Mobile
Wireless carrier offering 5G home internet as an alternative to traditional wired connections.
Internet FAQ
Fiber internet offers the fastest speeds in Dallas, with some providers delivering up to 5 Gbps. Fiber provides symmetrical upload and download speeds, making it ideal for remote work, streaming, and households with multiple connected devices.
Fiber availability varies by neighborhood in Dallas. While coverage has expanded significantly in recent years, some areas are limited to cable or fixed wireless options. Checking availability at your specific address is recommended before moving.
Fixed wireless internet uses cellular network signals to deliver home internet service without traditional cable or fiber lines. It requires a receiver at your residence and works best in areas with strong 5G or LTE coverage from the provider.
Natural gas service in Dallas
Atmos Energy (Mid-Tex Division) is the sole natural gas provider for Dallas residents. As a regulated monopoly, customers cannot choose an alternative supplier. Natural gas is commonly used in Dallas homes for heating, water heaters, cooking, and clothes dryers. To set up service, visit atmosenergy.com or call 888-286-6700. Begin the process 1-2 weeks before your move date, as an in-person appointment is required for activation.
A deposit may be required based on a credit check. Providing your Social Security number during signup helps determine eligibility. If not provided, a deposit will likely be assessed. Deposits are typically refundable after 12 months of on-time payments.
Leave the area immediately and call Atmos Energy's emergency line at 866-322-8667. Do not use electrical switches, phones, or anything that could create a spark while inside. Contact emergency services once you are safely away from the location.
An adult must be present at the scheduled appointment for the technician to turn on gas service and light pilot lights on appliances. You'll need to have already created an account with Atmos Energy and provided your service address and personal information.
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 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 included with Dallas water service for residential customers.
Electricity can typically be connected within 24-48 hours, sometimes same-day. Dallas Water Utilities generally requires 2-3 business days for new service activation. Natural gas through Atmos Energy usually takes 3-5 business days and may require a technician visit. Internet installation appointments are often scheduled 3-7 days out.
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. Dallas Water Utilities requires proof of property ownership or a signed lease agreement. Some providers may request a deposit based on credit history.
As of February 2026, electricity providers and Atmos Energy offer full online enrollment. Internet providers also support online signup with scheduled installation. However, Dallas Water Utilities requires either phone registration or an in-person visit to their customer service center for new accounts, though existing customers can manage accounts online.