Setting Up Utilities in Port Arthur, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Port Arthur, Texas.
Port Arthur Utility Guide
reviewed by
ENRI ZHULATI
Setting up utilities in Port Arthur requires coordinating with several different providers for essential services. This guide walks you through the process of establishing water, sewage, garbage, electricity, gas, and internet service at your new residence. You’ll find contact information, required documents, and step-by-step instructions for each utility type. Whether you’re moving to Port Arthur for the first time or relocating within the city, this resource covers what you need to get your services connected.
Water service in Port Arthur
The City of Port Arthur Water Utilities manages water service for over 18,000 customers throughout the city. Residents can set up new water service by visiting the office at 444 4th Street or applying online at portarthurtx.gov. Applications submitted by 5 PM receive next business day service. For questions about rates or service, contact Customer Service at 409-983-8230 or email [email protected].
City of Port Arthur Water Utilities
Phone: 409-983-8230
Website: https://www.portarthurtx.gov/185/Water-ServicesBilling-Information
Office: 444 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640
Hours: Office closes at 5:00 PM on business days (applications must be submitted by 5 PM for next business day service). Contact the office at 409-983-8230 for specific daily hours.
Deposit: A non-refundable connection fee is required to connect water service. Specific deposit amount not publicly listed; contact Customer Service at 409-983-8230 for current rates.
Sewage Service
Sewage and wastewater service is included with your City of Port Arthur water service. The city operates three wastewater treatment plants and maintains nearly 400 miles of sewer mains. Water and sewer charges appear together on your monthly utility bill, so no separate setup is required.
Garbage & Recycling
The City of Port Arthur Solid Waste Division provides weekly residential garbage collection, billed alongside water service. Residents receive a 96-gallon toter that must be curbside by 7 AM on collection day and removed by 8 PM. Collection days vary by zone—call 409-983-8511 or 409-983-8501 to confirm your schedule. Bulk items like furniture and yard waste are collected separately. Curbside recycling is not currently available, though a drop-off recycling center is expected to open in Spring 2026.
You'll need to provide identification and proof of residence, such as a lease agreement or property deed. Documents must be uploaded when applying online. Contact Customer Service at 409-983-8230 for the complete list of required documentation.
A non-refundable connection fee is required to establish water service. The specific amount is not publicly listed, so contact Port Arthur Water Utilities at 409-983-8230 for current rates. In-person applicants pay at the time of application.
For water emergencies such as broken water mains or pipelines, call the 24-hour emergency line at 409-983-8293. This service is available around the clock, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Electricity in Port Arthur
Port Arthur is not in a deregulated electricity market, which means residents cannot choose their electricity provider. Entergy Texas is the sole electric utility serving the area, providing power to approximately 524,000 customers across 27 Southeast Texas counties. To set up electric service, residents can visit myEntergy.com or call 1-800-368-3749. The myEntergy customer portal allows you to start, stop, or transfer service online.
Entergy Texas
Phone: 1-800-368-3749
Website: https://www.myentergy.com/s/newservice
Deposit: If satisfactory credit cannot be demonstrated, a deposit may be required. The deposit amount is one sixth (1/6) of the total estimated annual bill, payable in one installment. Deposit is refundable after 12 consecutive months of on-time payments with no more than two late payments.
Setup: New customers can sign up for electric service online at myEntergy.com or by calling 1-800-ENTERGY. Online self-service options allow you to start, stop, or move services through the myEntergy customer portal.
Internet providers in Port Arthur
Port Arthur residents have access to several internet service options across multiple connection types. The city is served by five providers offering fiber, cable, satellite, and fixed wireless connections. Fiber and cable options deliver higher speeds for households with demanding connectivity needs, while satellite and fixed wireless extend coverage to areas where wired infrastructure may be limited.
AT&T
Major telecommunications provider offering fiber and DSL internet services with widespread availability throughout Port Arthur.
Xfinity
Cable internet provider delivering high-speed connections through the existing coaxial cable network in the area.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider offering coverage across Port Arthur, including rural and underserved locations.
HughesNet
Satellite-based internet service available throughout the region regardless of ground infrastructure limitations.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Fixed wireless internet service utilizing cellular network technology for home broadband connectivity.
Internet FAQ
Fiber internet offers the fastest speeds in Port Arthur, with potential speeds up to 5 Gbps. Cable internet is the next fastest option, typically reaching speeds up to 1200 Mbps depending on the provider and plan selected.
Yes, satellite providers like Viasat and HughesNet offer coverage in rural areas where cable and fiber infrastructure may not reach. T-Mobile Home Internet's fixed wireless service may also be available depending on cellular tower proximity.
Consider your household's speed requirements, the number of connected devices, monthly data needs, and budget. Fiber and cable suit heavy streaming and gaming, while satellite and fixed wireless work well for basic browsing and email.
Natural gas service in Port Arthur
Texas Gas Service provides natural gas to Port Arthur residents, serving approximately 11,138 residential customers in the area. While natural gas is commonly used for home heating and water heaters, many Port Arthur homes also rely on electric heating alternatives. About 35% of Texas homes use gas heating. To set up service or manage your account, contact Texas Gas Service at 1-800-700-2443 or visit texasgasservice.com.
Texas Gas Service
Phone: 1-800-700-2443
Website: https://www.texasgasservice.com
Deposit: Deposit amount is typically not to exceed one-sixth of the estimated annual billing. Deposits may be waived with proof of good payment history from a previous utility (12 consecutive months with no more than one late payment). Enrolling in automatic payment may allow deposit waiver. Deposits are refunded after 12 consecutive on-time payments.
Setup: You can start, stop, or transfer natural gas service online through the Texas Gas Service website or mobile app. The app allows you to start, stop or transfer service, pay bills, and manage your account. You can also call customer service at 1-800-700-2443, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CT. A technician visit may be required to turn on gas service.
You can start service online through the Texas Gas Service website or mobile app, or call 1-800-700-2443 Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CT. A technician visit may be required to turn on your gas service.
Deposits typically do not exceed one-sixth of your estimated annual billing. You may qualify for a waiver with proof of 12 consecutive months of good payment history or by enrolling in automatic payment. Deposits are refunded after 12 on-time payments.
Leave the area immediately and call 911, then contact the Texas Gas Service emergency line at 800-959-5325. Do not attempt to turn gas service on or off yourself—only authorized Texas Gas Service personnel may handle gas connections.
Common questions about utilities in Port Arthur
When moving to Port Arthur, you'll need to establish electricity service through a retail electric provider of your choice, water and sewer service through the City of Port Arthur, gas service through Entergy Texas, 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 with same-day options available. City water service usually requires 2-3 business days after application approval. Gas connections through Entergy Texas generally take 3-5 business days. Plan to begin the process at least one week before your move-in date.
Most Port Arthur utility providers require government-issued photo identification, your new service address, and proof of residence such as a lease agreement or closing documents. The City of Port Arthur water department may also require a deposit. Some electricity providers run credit checks, while others offer prepaid alternatives.
Electricity providers in Port Arthur offer full online enrollment through the Power to Choose marketplace. Entergy Texas gas service allows online applications. However, as of February 2026, City of Port Arthur water service requires visiting their customer service office in person at City Hall to complete the application process.