Setting Up Utilities in Gainesville, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Gainesville, Texas.
Gainesville Utility Guide
Setting up utilities in Gainesville, Texas requires coordinating with several different providers for your essential services. This guide walks you through the process of establishing water, sewage, garbage, electricity, gas, and internet service at your new residence. You’ll find information on local providers, contact details, required documentation, and what to expect during the setup process for each utility type in the Gainesville area.
Water service in Gainesville
The City of Gainesville Water Department provides water service to residents within city limits. New customers must visit the Customer Service Department at 200 S. Rusk Street in person to establish service—online signup is not available. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Contact them at 940-668-4500 or visit their website at https://www.gainesville.tx.us/97/Customer-Service-Utilities for more information. Note that Woodbine Special Utility District (940-668-8337) serves some areas outside city limits.
City of Gainesville Water Department
Phone: 940-668-4500
Website: https://www.gainesville.tx.us/97/Customer-Service-Utilities
Office: 200 S. Rusk Street, Gainesville, TX 76240
Sewage Service
Wastewater and sewer service is provided by the City of Gainesville and bundled with your water utility bill. The city operates its own municipal wastewater collection and treatment facilities, so there’s no separate signup required for sewer service.
Garbage & Recycling
Solid waste service through the City of Gainesville General Services Department is automatically initiated when you set up water service. The monthly fee is approximately $22.51, and the city provides a 96-gallon roll-out cart. Collection occurs once weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday depending on your address—call 940-668-4551 to confirm your pickup day. Carts should be placed at the curb no earlier than 6:00 PM the day before and no later than 6:30 AM on collection day. Bulk items and yard waste pickup is available on Wednesdays. The city offers drop-off recycling only at the Recycling Center at 601 North Interstate 35, free for residents with an active water account.
You'll need a valid picture ID and either a lease/rental agreement or closing documents for a home purchase. The applicant must be at least 18 years old and present in person to sign the application. One day's notice is required for connection.
Residential customers must pay $258.21 at signup, which includes a $166.57 refundable deposit and a $91.64 non-refundable account initiation fee. Business customers pay a $56.40 initiation fee plus a deposit based on meter size.
No, online signup is not available for new water service. You must visit the Customer Service Department at 200 S. Rusk Street in person during office hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Electricity in Gainesville
Gainesville 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. With 109 available plans currently on the market, Gainesville offers substantial options for households comparing rates and plan structures. The competitive market has produced rates starting well below the area average, and nearly all available plans include green energy options. Visit our full Gainesville 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 Gainesville
Gainesville residents have access to several internet service options across multiple connection types. The city is served by fiber, cable, satellite, and fixed wireless providers, offering flexibility for different household needs and budgets. Whether you’re in a central neighborhood or a more rural area surrounding the city, you’ll find connectivity solutions ranging from high-speed fiber to widely available satellite service.
AT&T
Major telecommunications provider offering fiber and DSL internet services with widespread availability in urban areas.
Spectrum
Cable internet provider delivering reliable broadband service with no data caps and consistent speeds.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider serving rural and underserved areas where traditional wired connections are unavailable.
HughesNet
Nationwide satellite internet service offering coverage in remote locations with consistent baseline speeds.
T-Mobile
Wireless carrier providing fixed wireless home internet using 5G and 4G LTE network infrastructure.
Internet FAQ
Fiber internet offers the fastest speeds in Gainesville, with some providers delivering up to 5 Gbps. Fiber provides symmetrical upload and download speeds, making it ideal for households with multiple users or remote work needs.
Yes, satellite providers like Viasat and HughesNet serve rural areas where cable and fiber infrastructure doesn't reach. Fixed wireless from T-Mobile may also be available depending on tower proximity and signal strength in your location.
For basic streaming and video calls, 25-50 Mbps is typically sufficient. Households with multiple devices streaming simultaneously or frequent large file uploads should consider plans offering 100 Mbps or higher for optimal performance.
Natural gas service in Gainesville
Natural gas service in Gainesville is provided exclusively by Atmos Energy, the regulated utility for the area. Most homes in Gainesville rely on natural gas for heating, water heaters, and cooking appliances. To set up service, contact Atmos Energy at 888-286-6700 or visit atmosenergy.com. For gas emergencies, call 866-322-8667 immediately after evacuating and contacting 911.
New customers can establish service online at atmosenergy.com or by calling 888-286-6700. An adult must be present when the technician arrives to turn on gas. Service appointments are available Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Deposit requirements are based on a credit check. Providing your Social Security number during signup allows Atmos Energy to assess whether a deposit is necessary. If no SSN is provided, a deposit is typically required. Deposits are refunded after approximately 12 months of good payment history.
If you smell gas, leave your home immediately without using light switches or electronics. Once safely outside, call 911 first, then contact the Atmos Energy emergency line at 866-322-8667. Do not re-enter until authorities confirm it is safe.
Common questions about utilities in Gainesville
When moving to Gainesville, you'll need to establish electricity service through a retail electric provider of your choice, water and sewer through the City of Gainesville 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 in Gainesville can be connected within 1-3 business days if you schedule ahead. Electricity through retail providers often offers same-day or next-day activation. City water typically requires 24-48 hours notice. Gas connections through Atmos Energy may take 2-3 business days and require someone home for the technician visit.
Generally, you'll need a valid government-issued ID, your new service address, and a move-in date. The City of Gainesville may require a lease agreement or proof of property ownership for water service. Some providers request your Social Security number for credit verification, though deposits can sometimes substitute for credit checks.
Electricity providers and Atmos Energy gas service typically offer full online enrollment. However, as of February 2026, City of Gainesville water utilities may require an in-person visit to their municipal office or a phone call to complete setup. Internet providers generally allow online ordering with self-installation options available.