Setting Up Utilities in Mcallen, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Mcallen, Texas.
Mcallen Utility Guide
Setting up utilities in McAllen requires coordinating with several different providers to get your home fully connected. This guide walks you through the process for each essential service—water, sewage, garbage, electricity, gas, and internet. You’ll find information on which companies serve the McAllen area, what documents you’ll need, and how to initiate service with each provider. We’ve organized everything by utility type to help you work through the setup process efficiently.
Water service in Mcallen
McAllen Public Utility provides water service to approximately 168,909 residents within the city. To set up service, download the electronic application from mcallenpublicutility.com and email it with a copy of your ID to [email protected], or apply in person at McAllen City Hall, 1300 Houston Avenue. For questions, call 956-681-1600. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Note that Sharyland Water Supply Corporation serves some rural areas nearby, so verify your service provider before applying.
McAllen Public Utility
Phone: 956-681-1600
Website: https://www.mcallenpublicutility.com/
Office: McAllen City Hall, 1300 Houston Avenue, McAllen, TX 78501
Sewage Service
Wastewater and sewer service is provided by McAllen Public Utility and included on the same bill as water service. Sewer rates consist of a $12.50 base fee plus $1.70 per 1,000 gallons up to 19,999 gallons, then $2.20 per 1,000 gallons beyond that. For sewer emergencies after hours, call 956-648-4010.
Garbage & Recycling
The City of McAllen Public Works Solid Waste Division provides fully automated curbside garbage collection. All residential customers receive a black cart, and sanitation charges appear on your McAllen Public Utility bill. Collection days vary by address—visit mcallenpublicworks.net to find your pickup schedule. Place bins curbside by 7:00 AM on collection day. Optional blue recycling carts are available for $15.50/month with a separate application. Contact the Solid Waste Department at 956-681-4020 for additional information.
A security deposit starting at $250 is required by city ordinance, though the amount varies by location. This deposit covers water, sewer, and garbage services. Customers who maintain their account without delinquency for two continuous years are entitled to a refund.
Requests submitted before 1:00 PM are processed the same day, while requests after 1:00 PM are processed the next business day. Service typically begins within two business days. Deposits can be paid by phone using credit card, debit card, or e-check.
You'll need a driver's license or state-issued ID. Depending on your situation, you may also need to provide a formal rental lease agreement if renting or closing documents if you're purchasing a home.
Electricity in Mcallen
McAllen residents benefit from Texas’s deregulated electricity market, which allows consumers to compare providers and select the plan that best fits their needs. With 121 available plans currently on the market, shoppers can find rates starting as low as 8.53¢/kWh—well below the average market rate of 16.16¢/kWh. The city also has strong renewable energy options for environmentally conscious households. Visit our full McAllen electricity page for detailed plan comparisons.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 8.5¢/kWh
Average rate: 16.04¢/kWh
Plans available: 121
Green energy plans: 119
Internet providers in Mcallen
McAllen residents have access to multiple internet service providers offering diverse connection types to suit various needs and budgets. Available options include fiber, cable, fixed wireless, and satellite connections. With five providers serving the area, households can choose from high-speed options for streaming and gaming or basic plans for everyday browsing and email.
Spectrum
Major cable internet provider offering widespread coverage throughout McAllen with reliable speeds for households and businesses.
AT&T
Telecommunications company providing fiber and internet services with various speed tiers available in select McAllen neighborhoods.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider offering coverage across McAllen, including rural areas where wired connections may be unavailable.
HughesNet
Satellite-based internet service providing connectivity options for McAllen residents in areas with limited wired infrastructure.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Fixed wireless internet service utilizing cellular network technology to deliver home internet without traditional wired installation.
Internet FAQ
Fiber internet offers the fastest speeds in McAllen, with AT&T providing plans up to 5 Gbps in eligible areas. Cable internet from Spectrum also delivers high speeds up to 1 Gbps for most residential needs.
Yes, satellite providers like Viasat and HughesNet offer coverage throughout McAllen and surrounding rural areas. T-Mobile Home Internet may also be available where cellular coverage is strong, providing alternatives to traditional wired connections.
Fiber or cable connections typically provide the most reliable service for remote work, offering consistent speeds and lower latency for video conferencing. Fixed wireless can also work well depending on signal strength in your specific location.
Natural gas service in Mcallen
Natural gas service in McAllen is provided exclusively by Texas Gas Service, as the market is regulated and residents cannot choose their supplier. Many homes use natural gas for water heating, cooking, and occasional heating needs, though South Texas’s mild climate typically results in lower gas usage compared to northern regions. Texas Gas Service maintains a significant presence throughout the Rio Grande Valley and can be reached at 1-800-700-2443 or through their website at texasgasservice.com.
You can start service online through the Texas Gas Service website or mobile app, or by calling 1-800-700-2443 Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CT. You'll need identification, proof of occupancy, and an adult must be present when the technician arrives.
A security deposit may be required based on your credit history. The deposit cannot exceed one-sixth of estimated annual billings and is refundable after 12 consecutive months of on-time payments. It may be waived with proof of satisfactory payment history from a previous utility.
Leave the area immediately and call 911, then contact Texas Gas Service's emergency line at 1-800-959-5325. Do not use electrical switches, phones, or anything that could create a spark while inside the affected area.
Common questions about utilities in Mcallen
When moving to McAllen, you'll need to establish electricity service (through a retail electric provider of your choice), water and wastewater service through McAllen Public Utility, natural gas through Texas Gas Service, and internet/cable through providers like Spectrum or AT&T. Trash collection is typically included with city water service.
Electricity can typically be connected within 24-48 hours through your chosen retail provider. McAllen Public Utility usually processes water connections within 1-3 business days. Natural gas through Texas Gas Service generally requires 3-5 business days. Plan to initiate all utility setups at least one week before your move-in date.
Most McAllen utility providers require government-issued photo identification, your new service address, and a Social Security number or ITIN. You may also need a lease agreement or proof of property ownership. Some providers request a previous utility bill or may require a deposit based on credit history.
Electricity providers and Texas Gas Service offer full online enrollment. Internet providers like Spectrum and AT&T also support online signup. However, McAllen Public Utility requires new water service customers to apply in person at their customer service office on Bicentennial Boulevard, bringing required identification and documentation.