Setting Up Utilities in Lubbock, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Lubbock, Texas.
Lubbock Utility Guide
Setting up utilities in Lubbock requires coordinating with several different providers to get your home fully operational. This guide walks you through the process for each essential service: water and sewage through the City of Lubbock, electricity from retail providers in the deregulated Texas market, natural gas service, garbage collection, and internet options available in the area. Below you’ll find the specific steps, contact information, and requirements for each utility.
Water service in Lubbock
City of Lubbock Utilities (COLU) provides water service to Lubbock residents. COLU offers consolidated billing that includes water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste on a single bill. To establish service, contact COLU at 806-775-2509 or visit the Customer Service Center at 1401 Avenue K. You can also manage your account online at mylubbock.us. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a 24/7 outdoor payment kiosk available.
City of Lubbock Utilities (COLU)
Phone: 806-775-2509
Website: https://mylubbock.us/departments/city-of-lubbock-utilities
Office: 1401 Avenue K, Lubbock, TX 79401
Sewage Service
Wastewater and sewage service is provided by the City of Lubbock Water Utilities Department. This service is automatically included when you set up water service and appears on your consolidated COLU bill alongside water, stormwater, and solid waste charges. No separate setup is required for sewage service.
Garbage & Recycling
The City of Lubbock Solid Waste Management Department handles trash collection, billed through COLU at approximately $16.25 monthly. Collection occurs twice weekly—either Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday, depending on your location. Place carts at the curb by 7:00 AM. Curbside recycling is not available, but four Citizen Convenience Stations accept recyclables, bulky items, and household hazardous materials like used oil. Contact Solid Waste Management at 806-775-2495 for questions.
Residential customers pay a $150 refundable deposit (effective January 1, 2025). Exemptions are available for customers with 12+ months of prior COLU payment history within the past two years, seniors 65 and older with no outstanding balance, and certified victims of family violence.
You'll need valid identification such as a driver's license and your new service address. If you're requesting a deposit exemption, bring proof of prior utility payment history with COLU. Your account number will serve as confirmation that utilities have been established.
Four Citizen Convenience Stations accept recyclables: 208 Municipal Drive, 1631 84th Street, 7308 Milwaukee, and 4307 Adrian Street. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Accepted items include paper, cardboard, plastics #1 and #2, and metals.
Electricity in Lubbock
Lubbock residents benefit from Texas’s deregulated electricity market, meaning they can choose their own electricity provider rather than being assigned to a single utility. This competition has created a diverse marketplace with 56 available plans currently serving the area. Rates vary significantly across providers, making it worthwhile for households to compare options. For comprehensive plan comparisons and provider details, visit our full Lubbock electricity page.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 9.61¢/kWh
Average rate: 16.49¢/kWh
Plans available: 56
Green energy plans: 54
Internet providers in Lubbock
Lubbock residents have access to several internet service providers offering diverse connection types to suit different needs. Options include fiber optic networks delivering high-speed connectivity, fixed wireless solutions ideal for areas without wired infrastructure, and satellite internet providing coverage across the region. With six providers serving the area, households can compare plans based on speed requirements, pricing, and availability at their specific address.
AT&T
Major telecommunications provider offering internet services with widespread availability throughout the Lubbock area.
Vexus Fiber
Regional fiber optic provider focused on delivering high-speed internet to West Texas communities including Lubbock.
Suddenlink
Established provider offering internet services to residential and business customers in the Lubbock market.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider offering coverage in rural and underserved areas where ground-based options are limited.
HughesNet
Nationwide satellite internet service available throughout Lubbock, including remote locations outside city limits.
T-Mobile
Wireless carrier providing home internet service using its cellular network infrastructure in eligible Lubbock locations.
Internet FAQ
Fiber optic internet offers the fastest speeds in Lubbock, 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 Lubbock where fiber and fixed wireless options may not reach. Fixed wireless services from T-Mobile may also be available depending on cell tower proximity.
Internet availability varies by neighborhood and street address in Lubbock. Contact providers directly or check their websites using your specific address to confirm service availability, connection types offered, and speed tiers accessible at your location.
Natural gas service in Lubbock
Natural gas service in Lubbock is primarily provided by Atmos Energy (West Texas Division), serving the majority of city residents. Gas is commonly used for home heating, water heaters, and cooking appliances, though it’s not universally required in all homes. Some surrounding areas may be served by West Texas Gas (WTG). For service inquiries, contact Atmos Energy at (888) 286-6700 or visit atmosenergy.com.
New service can be started online through the Atmos Energy Account Center (Start/Stop/Transfer section) or by calling (888) 286-6700. A technician visit may be required, with appointments available Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. Allow 2-3 business days for activation.
Deposit requirements are based on a credit check. Providing your Social Security Number during signup helps determine if a deposit is necessary. Deposits are typically refundable after 12 months of satisfactory payment history. A service connection fee also applies.
For gas emergencies or suspected leaks, immediately call Atmos Energy's emergency line at (866) 322-8667. Leave the area and avoid using electrical switches or open flames. Additionally, always call 811 at least three days before any digging projects on your property.
Common questions about utilities in Lubbock
When moving to Lubbock, you'll need to establish electricity service (available through multiple retail providers), water and wastewater through the City of Lubbock, natural gas through Atmos Energy, and internet/cable from providers like Suddenlink or AT&T. Trash collection is typically included with city water service.
Most Lubbock utilities can be connected within 1-3 business days if you plan ahead. Electricity through retail providers often activates same-day or next-day. City water typically requires 24-48 hours notice. Atmos Energy gas service usually needs 2-3 business days. Internet installation may take up to a week depending on provider availability.
Generally, you'll need government-issued ID, your new Lubbock address, and Social Security number for credit verification. Some providers require a lease agreement or proof of property ownership. City of Lubbock water service may request a deposit, which varies based on credit history. Having a previous utility payment history can help waive deposits.
Most utilities offer online setup as of February 2026. Retail electricity providers and Atmos Energy allow complete online enrollment. Internet providers typically offer online ordering with scheduled installation. However, City of Lubbock water service may require visiting the Citizen Tower at 1625 13th Street or calling their utilities office to establish new accounts.