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, and this guide walks you through each step of the process. Whether you’re moving to a new apartment or purchasing a home, you’ll need to establish accounts for water, sewage, garbage, electricity, gas, and internet services. Below, you’ll find contact information, setup procedures, and timelines for each utility to help you get everything connected before move-in day.
Water service in Lubbock
City of Lubbock Utilities (COLU) provides water service to Lubbock residents. New customers can set up service online at coluforms.ci.lubbock.tx.us, 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 self-service kiosk available for after-hours assistance. Note that some areas outside city limits are served by Lubbock County WCID at 806-747-3353.
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 provided 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 curbside by 7:00 AM on collection days. Call 806-775-2495 to verify your schedule. Curbside recycling is not available, but 10 drop-off locations throughout the city accept paper, cardboard, plastics #1-2, aluminum, tin, and appliances. Bulk items must be transported to one of four Citizen Convenience Stations.
You'll need a valid government-issued ID such as a driver's license, your new Lubbock address, and your Social Security number for credit verification. Some cases may also require a lease agreement or proof of property ownership.
Residential customers pay a $150 refundable deposit. Exemptions are available for customers with 12+ months of prior COLU payment history within the past two years, residents aged 65 and older with no outstanding balance, and victims of domestic violence.
Plan to start the process at least one week before your move-in date. COLU typically requires 24-48 hours notice to activate service, but allowing extra time helps avoid delays if additional documentation is needed.
Electricity in Lubbock
Lubbock residents have the power to choose their electricity provider thanks to Texas’s deregulated energy market. This means households can compare plans from multiple retail electric providers to find rates and terms that fit their needs. With 67 plans currently available in the Lubbock area, options range from basic fixed-rate plans to renewable energy offerings. For complete plan comparisons and provider details, visit our full Lubbock electricity page.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 10.21¢/kWh
Average rate: 16.77¢/kWh
Plans available: 66
Green energy plans: 64
Internet providers in Lubbock
Lubbock 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 locations. Urban areas typically have access to faster wired connections, while satellite and fixed wireless options extend coverage to surrounding rural communities throughout the Lubbock region.
AT&T
Major telecommunications provider offering fiber and DSL internet services in select Lubbock neighborhoods.
Suddenlink
Regional cable provider delivering high-speed internet through coaxial cable infrastructure across Lubbock.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider offering coverage throughout Lubbock and surrounding rural areas.
HughesNet
Nationwide satellite internet service available to Lubbock residents regardless of location.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Fixed wireless internet service utilizing T-Mobile's cellular network for home connectivity.
Internet FAQ
Fiber internet offers the fastest speeds in Lubbock, with some providers delivering up to 5 Gbps. However, fiber availability is limited to specific neighborhoods. Cable internet is more widely available and offers speeds up to 1 Gbps.
Yes, satellite providers like Viasat and HughesNet offer coverage in rural areas surrounding Lubbock. Fixed wireless options from T-Mobile may also be available depending on cellular tower proximity and signal strength in your location.
Internet availability varies by street address within Lubbock. Contacting providers directly with your specific address is the most reliable way to confirm service availability, connection types, and speed options for your home.
Natural gas service in Lubbock
Natural gas service in Lubbock is provided exclusively by Atmos Energy (West Texas Division), as Texas has not deregulated natural gas utilities. Gas is commonly used in Lubbock homes for heating, water heaters, and cooking appliances. To set up service, contact Atmos Energy at 888-286-6700 or visit atmosenergy.com. A technician appointment is required, and an adult must be present during activation.
You'll need a government-issued ID, your service address, and Social Security number for credit verification. Request service 2-3 days before move-in. An adult 18 or older must be present during the technician appointment, available Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm.
Deposit requirements are based on a credit check using your Social Security number. If not provided, a deposit will be assessed. Customers report deposits around $90 plus a $60 connection fee. Deposits are typically refundable after 12 months of on-time payments.
Immediately leave the area without using electrical switches or phones inside the affected space. Once safely outside, call Atmos Energy's 24/7 emergency line at 866-322-8667 or dial 911. Do not re-enter until cleared by emergency responders.
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 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 Lubbock utilities can be connected within 1-3 business days when requested in advance. Electricity typically activates within 24-48 hours. City water service usually requires 2-3 business days. Natural gas connections through Atmos Energy generally take 1-2 business days. Plan to initiate all requests at least one week before your move-in date.
For most Lubbock utility connections, you'll need a valid government-issued ID, your new service address, and Social Security number for credit verification. City of Lubbock water service requires a signed lease agreement or proof of property ownership. Some providers may request a previous utility bill or require a security deposit based on credit history.
As of April 2026, electricity providers and Atmos Energy natural gas offer full online enrollment. Internet providers also support online signup. However, City of Lubbock water and wastewater service requires either an in-person visit to the Citizen Tower downtown or completing a mail-in application with original signature and documentation.