Setting Up Utilities in Houston, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Houston, Texas.
Houston Utility Guide
Setting up utilities in Houston requires coordinating with multiple providers across different service categories. This guide walks you through the process of establishing water, sewage, garbage, electricity, gas, and internet services at your new address. Houston residents work with the City of Houston for water and waste services, choose from competing electricity providers in the deregulated Texas market, and select from several internet and gas options depending on their location.
Water service in Houston
Houston Public Works manages water service for City of Houston residents. You can establish new service online at houstonwaterbills.houstontx.gov, by calling 713-371-1400, or by scheduling an appointment at their office at 4200 Leeland Street. Phone support is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Note that some Houston-area residents may be served by Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) rather than the city—check the Water Districts Map on the Houston Public Works website to confirm your provider.
Houston Public Works
Phone: 713-371-1400
Website: https://houstonwaterbills.houstontx.gov
Office: 4200 Leeland Street, Houston, TX 77023
Sewage Service
Wastewater and sewer service is bundled with water service through Houston Public Works. No separate signup is required—sewer service is automatically included when you establish water service, and rates are combined on your monthly water bill.
Garbage & Recycling
The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department provides weekly garbage collection using 96-gallon automated carts. Recycling is collected bi-weekly in green containers using single-stream recycling. Heavy trash pickup occurs monthly, alternating between tree waste (odd months) and junk waste (even months). Garbage service is typically established when you set up water service. Contact 311 or 713-837-0311 for service issues or to request trash carts. Download the HTX Collects app to find your specific collection schedule.
Water service typically takes 2-3 business days to activate after submitting your request. It's recommended to start the process at least one week before your move-in date to ensure service is ready when you arrive.
You'll need a government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, your new service address, and phone number. Homeowners must provide proof of ownership (deed, mortgage statement, or closing documents), while renters need a lease agreement. Names on documents must match the account.
A security deposit may be required based on a credit review. Deposits can be paid by phone, through Quick Pay online, at local grocery store payment centers, or via Western Union. Some account types require one-third of the deposit paid by cashier's check or money order.
Electricity in Houston
Houston residents benefit from Texas’s deregulated electricity market, which allows consumers to choose their own retail electricity provider rather than being assigned to a single utility. This competitive marketplace creates a wide range of pricing options and plan structures. With rates currently ranging from 7.1¢/kWh to well above the market average of 15.18¢/kWh, comparing providers is essential. Visit our full Houston electricity page for detailed plan comparisons and provider information.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 6.9¢/kWh
Average rate: 15.0¢/kWh
Plans available: 122
Green energy plans: 120
Internet providers in Houston
Houston residents have access to a diverse range of internet service providers and connection types. The city’s infrastructure supports fiber, cable, satellite, and fixed wireless options, giving households flexibility based on their location and speed requirements. With seven major providers serving the area, most neighborhoods have multiple choices for reliable home internet connectivity.
AT&T
Major telecommunications provider offering fiber and DSL services throughout the Houston metropolitan area.
Xfinity
Comcast's residential brand delivering widespread cable internet coverage across Houston neighborhoods.
Frontier
Regional provider offering fiber-optic internet service to select areas within the Houston market.
Astound Broadband
Cable internet provider serving portions of the greater Houston area with competitive speed tiers.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider offering coverage to Houston residents, including rural and underserved areas.
HughesNet
Satellite-based internet service available throughout Houston regardless of ground infrastructure limitations.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Fixed wireless internet service utilizing T-Mobile's cellular network for home connectivity.
Internet FAQ
Fiber-optic internet offers the fastest speeds in Houston, 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 offer coverage in rural Houston areas where cable and fiber infrastructure may be limited. Fixed wireless from T-Mobile is another option depending on cellular tower proximity.
Internet availability varies by neighborhood and street address in Houston. Checking directly with individual providers using your specific address will confirm which services and speed tiers are accessible at your location.
Natural gas service in Houston
CenterPoint Energy is the natural gas provider for the Houston area, serving nearly 1.2 million customers through over 22,000 miles of distribution pipelines. While natural gas is widely available throughout the region, it is not required for all residences—some Houston homes operate as all-electric properties. For service inquiries, contact CenterPoint Energy at 713-659-2111 or visit centerpointenergy.com.
New gas service can be established online at move.centerpointenergy.com or by calling 713-659-2111. You'll need your new address, contact information, proof of identity, and possibly your Social Security number for a credit check. Allow 3-5 business days for connection.
A deposit may be required based on your credit check results. If you pass, no deposit is typically needed. Alternative creditworthiness methods, such as proof of property ownership, may be accepted. Deposits are refunded with interest after three years of on-time payments.
If you suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately and call CenterPoint Energy's emergency line at 713-659-2111. Do not use electrical switches, appliances, or anything that could create a spark. Always call 811 before any digging projects to locate underground gas lines.
Common questions about utilities in Houston
Houston residents typically need to establish electricity service through a retail provider of their choice, water and wastewater through the City of Houston or their municipal utility district, natural gas through CenterPoint Energy, and internet/cable through providers like Xfinity, AT&T, or local options. Trash service is usually included with water billing.
Electricity can often be connected same-day or within 24-48 hours. Natural gas typically requires 2-5 business days and may need a technician visit. Water service through the City of Houston usually activates within 1-3 business days. Plan to start the process at least one week before your move-in date.
Most Houston utility providers require government-issued ID, your new service address, and a move-in date. You may also need your Social Security number for credit checks, a lease agreement or proof of ownership, and a deposit if you lack established credit history. Previous utility account numbers can expedite the process.
Electricity providers and CenterPoint gas service offer full online enrollment. Internet providers also support online signup. However, City of Houston water service may require visiting a customer service center or submitting applications by mail for new accounts. Some smaller municipal utility districts still require in-person registration with identification documents.