Setting Up Utilities in College Station, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in College Station, Texas.
College Station Utility Guide
reviewed by
ENRI ZHULATI
Setting up utilities in College Station requires coordinating with several different providers for essential services. This guide walks you through the process of establishing water, sewage, garbage, electricity, gas, and internet service at your new residence. Whether you’re moving to the area for Texas A&M University or relocating for work, you’ll find the contact information, requirements, and steps needed to get each utility connected and running at your home.
Water service in College Station
College Station Utilities (CSU) provides water service for most residents in the city. However, some areas are served by Wellborn Special Utility District (979-690-9799) or Wickson Creek Special Utility District, so verifying your provider based on your specific address is important before setting up service. CSU can be reached at 979-764-3535 or online at cstx.gov/living-here/utilities. Their office at 310 Krenek Tap Road is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
College Station Utilities (CSU)
Phone: 979-764-3535
Website: https://www.cstx.gov/living-here/utilities/
Office: 310 Krenek Tap Road, College Station, TX 77842
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Deposit: Residential: 1.5x estimated average monthly bill. Homeowners are exempt from initial deposit. Renters are billed deposit on first month's bill. Exemption available for those who enroll in auto-pay. A $30.90 Account Creation Fee is billed on the first bill.
Sewage Service
Wastewater and sewer service is bundled with water and billed together through College Station Utilities. Some residents may receive water from a different provider but still connect to the City of College Station sewer system. If this applies to you, contact CSU at 979-764-3535 about sewer-only billing arrangements.
Garbage & Recycling
Garbage collection is provided by the City of College Station Department of Public Works and billed through College Station Utilities. Services include regular garbage pickup, single-stream recycling (through BVR Waste and Recycling), and bulk/brush collection. Schedules vary by address—visit cstx.gov/Curbside or download the free College Station Curbside app to find your specific collection days and receive schedule reminders.
Service can be set up online at CSU.cstx.gov, by phone at 979-764-3535, by mail, fax, or in person. You'll need your name, service address, last four digits of your Social Security number, email, and phone number. Connections take approximately two business days.
Renters pay a deposit of 1.5 times the estimated average monthly bill, billed on their first statement. Homeowners are exempt from the initial deposit. Auto-pay enrollment also qualifies for a deposit exemption. A $30.90 Account Creation Fee applies to all new accounts.
No, College Station Utilities only performs service connections Monday through Friday. Weekend connections are not available. Plan your move-in accordingly and submit your service request at least two business days before you need water turned on.
Electricity in College Station
College Station is not part of Texas’s deregulated electricity market. Residents receive electric service exclusively through College Station Utilities (CSU), the municipally owned utility serving the city. Unlike many Texas cities where consumers can select from competing providers, College Station customers are served solely by CSU for electricity, water, and wastewater services. New residents can establish service online at CSU.cstx.gov or by calling 979-764-3535.
College Station Utilities (CSU)
Phone: 979-764-3535
Website: https://www.cstx.gov/departments___city_hall/csu/ucs/
Deposit: Tenants are billed a deposit of 1.5 times the estimated annual average bill on the first month's bill. Customers can be exempt from the initial deposit by enrolling in auto pay.
Setup: Visit CSU.cstx.gov, create an account by clicking sign-up, complete registration with name/email/password, verify via confirmation email, log in, and complete the Move-in form for new services. Applications can also be made by phone, mail, fax, or in person at 310 Krenek Tap Road, College Station.
Internet providers in College Station
College Station residents have access to multiple internet service providers offering a variety of connection types. Options include fiber, cable, satellite, and fixed wireless services, providing flexibility for different household needs and budgets. Whether you’re a Texas A&M student, a working professional, or a family, you can find internet plans ranging from basic connectivity to high-speed gigabit service throughout the city.
AT&T
Major telecommunications provider offering fiber and DSL internet services with speeds suitable for households of all sizes.
Spectrum
Cable internet provider delivering reliable broadband service without data caps or contract requirements.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider offering coverage in rural and underserved areas where wired connections may be unavailable.
HughesNet
Satellite-based internet service providing connectivity options for locations outside traditional cable and fiber coverage areas.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Fixed wireless service utilizing the cellular network to deliver home internet without traditional wired installation.
Verizon 5G Home Internet
Fixed wireless internet service leveraging 5G technology for high-speed connectivity in eligible areas.
Internet FAQ
Fiber internet offers the fastest speeds in College Station, with some providers delivering up to 5 Gbps. Fiber connections also provide symmetrical upload and download speeds, making them ideal for remote work and streaming.
Yes, satellite providers like Viasat and HughesNet offer coverage in rural areas surrounding College Station. Fixed wireless options from T-Mobile and Verizon may also be available depending on your specific location and tower proximity.
Most students find speeds between 100-300 Mbps sufficient for online classes, streaming, and gaming. If multiple roommates share the connection, consider higher-speed plans to accommodate simultaneous usage without slowdowns.
Natural gas service in College Station
Atmos Energy is the sole natural gas provider in College Station, as Texas has not deregulated natural gas utilities. Gas service is common throughout the area, with many homes using it for heating and cooking. However, some newer developments may be all-electric. To set up service, contact Atmos Energy at 888-286-6700 or visit atmosenergy.com. For gas emergencies or suspected leaks, call 866-322-8667 or 911 immediately.
Atmos Energy
Phone: 888-286-6700
Website: https://www.atmosenergy.com
Deposit: Deposit is determined based on credit history. Providing your SSN during signup helps assess if a deposit is needed. If no SSN is provided, a deposit may be required. Reports indicate deposits around $90 are common, plus a service fee. Deposits are typically refunded after 12 months of good payment history.
Setup: New service can be set up online through the Atmos Energy Account Center at atmosenergy.com or by calling 888-286-6700. You will need to provide your service address and personal information. Providing your Social Security number helps determine if a deposit is required. A technician appointment is required to turn on gas service, and someone must be home during the service window (typically 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday-Friday).
Contact Atmos Energy online at atmosenergy.com or call 888-286-6700. You'll need your service address and personal information. A technician appointment is required to activate service, and someone must be present during the 8 AM – 5 PM weekday service window.
Deposit requirements are based on credit history. Providing your Social Security number during signup helps determine if one is needed. Common deposits are around $90, plus a service fee. Deposits are typically refunded after 12 months of good payment history.
Leave the area immediately and call Atmos Energy's emergency line at 866-322-8667 or 911. Do not use electrical switches, phones, or anything that could create a spark while inside. Always call 811 before any digging projects to locate underground gas lines.
Common questions about utilities in College Station
When moving to College Station, you'll need to establish electricity service through a Retail Electric Provider of your choice, water and wastewater through College Station Utilities, natural gas through Atmos Energy, and internet/cable through providers like Suddenlink or AT&T. Trash collection is typically included with city water service.
Most utilities can be connected within 1-3 business days if you plan ahead. Electricity often activates same-day or next-day. City water typically requires 24-48 hours notice. Gas connections through Atmos Energy may take 2-3 days and require someone present. Schedule all services at least one week before moving.
Generally, you'll need government-issued photo ID, your new service address, and Social Security number for credit verification. Some providers may request a lease agreement or proof of property ownership. College Station Utilities may require a deposit for new customers without established Texas utility payment history.
Most utilities offer online enrollment. Electricity providers and Atmos Energy gas service can be established entirely online. College Station Utilities allows online applications for water service through their customer portal. Internet providers also support online ordering. However, gas service activation requires an in-person appointment for safety inspection.