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 connected. This guide walks you through the process for each essential service: water and sewage through the City of Lubbock, garbage collection, electricity from retail providers in the deregulated Texas market, natural gas, and internet service. Below you’ll find the specific steps, contact information, and requirements for establishing each utility account.
Water service in Lubbock
Water service in Lubbock is provided by City of Lubbock Utilities (COLU). The utility offers consolidated billing that includes water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste on a single monthly bill. New residents can set up service online through the COLU Forms portal, by calling 806-775-2509, or by visiting the Customer Service Center at 1401 Avenue K. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a 24/7 outdoor kiosk available for after-hours assistance.
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 and is automatically included when you establish water service. No separate setup is required. Sewage charges appear on your consolidated COLU bill alongside water, stormwater, and solid waste fees.
Garbage & Recycling
Trash collection is handled by the City of Lubbock Solid Waste Management Department and billed through COLU at approximately $16.25 monthly. Collection occurs twice weekly—either Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday, depending on your address. Carts must be placed at the curb by 7:00 AM on collection days. Curbside recycling is not available, but four Citizen Convenience Stations throughout Lubbock accept recyclables, bulky items, and household hazardous materials. For questions, contact Solid Waste Management at 806-775-2495.
You'll need valid identification (such as a driver's license) and your new service address. A $150 refundable deposit is required for residential customers. Service activation generally takes about two business days after submitting your request.
Yes, deposit exemptions are available for customers with 12 or more consecutive months of prior COLU payment history within the past two years. Customers aged 65 and older with no outstanding COLU balance also qualify for an exemption.
Some areas outside city limits are served by Lubbock County Water Control and Improvement District (WCID) rather than COLU. Contact WCID at 806-747-3353 to determine if they serve your address and to set up service.
Electricity in Lubbock
Lubbock 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 competitive environment gives households access to 57 available plans, with rates starting as low as 10.6¢/kWh compared to the average market rate of 16.85¢/kWh. For comprehensive plan comparisons and provider details, visit our full Lubbock electricity page.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 10.6¢/kWh
Average rate: 17.07¢/kWh
Plans available: 60
Green energy plans: 60
Internet providers in Lubbock
Lubbock residents have access to a variety of internet service options to meet different needs and budgets. The city is served by six internet providers offering fiber, cable, fixed wireless, and satellite connections. Urban areas typically have access to high-speed fiber and cable options, while rural locations may rely on fixed wireless or satellite services for connectivity.
AT&T
Major telecommunications provider offering fiber and DSL internet services across Lubbock with various speed tiers.
Vexus Fiber
Regional fiber provider delivering high-speed internet service to homes and businesses throughout the Lubbock area.
Spectrum
Cable internet provider offering widespread coverage in Lubbock with no data caps on residential plans.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Fixed wireless internet service utilizing T-Mobile's cellular network for residential connectivity.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider offering coverage to rural and underserved areas where wired connections are unavailable.
Hughesnet
Satellite-based internet service providing connectivity options for locations outside traditional cable and fiber coverage areas.
Internet FAQ
Fiber internet offers the fastest and most reliable speeds in Lubbock, with providers like AT&T and Vexus Fiber delivering symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 1 Gbps or higher in covered areas.
Yes, satellite providers like Viasat and Hughesnet offer coverage in rural areas where cable and fiber are unavailable. T-Mobile Home Internet may also be an option depending on cellular network coverage in your location.
For basic browsing and email, 25 Mbps is sufficient. Households with multiple users streaming video or gaming should consider 100-300 Mbps. Larger households with heavy usage may benefit from gigabit fiber connections.
Natural gas service in Lubbock
Atmos Energy’s West Texas Division provides natural gas service to Lubbock residents. Natural gas is commonly used throughout the area for home heating, water heaters, and cooking appliances. New service can be established online at atmosenergy.com or by calling (888) 286-6700. A technician visit is required to activate service, with appointments available Monday through Friday. Plan for 2-3 business days for activation.
Contact Atmos Energy online or by phone to schedule activation. An adult 18 or older must be present during the technician visit so the service can be turned on and pilot lights relit on appliances. Appointments are available Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.
Deposit requirements are based on a credit check. Providing your Social Security Number during signup helps determine necessity. Customers have reported deposits around $90 plus a connection fee. Deposits are typically refunded after 12 months of good payment history.
Immediately leave the area and call Atmos Energy's 24/7 emergency line at (866) 322-8667 or dial 911. Do not use electrical switches, phones, or anything that could create a spark while inside the affected area.
Common questions about utilities in Lubbock
When moving to Lubbock, you'll need to establish electricity service through a retail electric provider of your choice, water and wastewater through the City of Lubbock, 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 Lubbock utilities can be activated within 1-3 business days when requested in advance. Electricity often connects same-day or next-day. City water typically requires 24-48 hours notice. Natural gas may take 2-3 days if a technician visit is needed. Plan to start the process at least one week before your move-in date.
Generally, you'll need a valid government-issued ID, your new Lubbock address, and a Social Security number for credit verification. Some providers may request a lease agreement or proof of property ownership. The City of Lubbock water department may require a deposit, which varies based on credit history and rental status.
As of February 2026, most Lubbock utilities offer online enrollment. Electricity providers and Atmos Energy allow complete online signup. The City of Lubbock water utility now offers online registration through their customer portal, though some situations involving deposits or account verification may still require a phone call or in-person visit.