Setting Up Utilities in Victoria, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Victoria, Texas.
Victoria Utility Guide
Setting up utilities in Victoria 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 information on local providers, required documentation, contact details, and typical setup timelines. Whether you’re moving to Victoria for the first time or relocating within the city, this resource covers what you need to get your services connected.
Water service in Victoria
The City of Victoria Utility Billing Office manages water service for approximately 62,592 residents, with water sourced from the Guadalupe River. New customers can set up service online, by phone at 361-485-3400, or in person at 700 Main Center, Suite 110. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm, with drive-thru service available 7:30am-5:30pm. Visit victoriatx.gov/295/Utility-Billing-Office for more information.
City of Victoria Utility Billing Office
Phone: 361-485-3400
Website: https://www.victoriatx.gov/295/Utility-Billing-Office
Office: 700 Main Center, Suite 110, Victoria, TX 77901
Sewage Service
Sewer service is bundled with water and billed together through the City of Victoria Utility Billing Office. The city operates two wastewater treatment plants—the Regional Plant and the Odem Street Plant—with a combined capacity of 14 million gallons per day. No separate setup is required for sewer service.
Garbage & Recycling
The City of Victoria Environmental Services handles garbage collection, which is included in your utility bill. Curbside garbage pickup occurs weekly, while recycling in green carts is collected every other week. Collection schedules vary by address—use the city website’s Schedule Search to find your pickup day. Carts must be curbside by 7:00 AM. For large item or tree limb collection, call 361-485-3220 to schedule an appointment.
Allow at least 24 hours (Monday through Friday) after submitting your application for service to be activated. A Customer Service Representative will contact you by phone to validate your application before service begins.
You'll need a valid government-issued ID. Your account cannot have any late or bad debt status with the city, and the meter at your service address must not be locked. Business accounts may require a commercial inspection.
Some areas outside city limits are served by Victoria County WCID 2, a separate water district. Contact the City of Victoria Utility Billing Office at 361-485-3400 to confirm which provider serves your specific address.
Electricity in Victoria
Victoria residents benefit from Texas’s deregulated electricity market, which allows consumers to choose their own electricity provider rather than being assigned a default utility. This competitive environment has produced 111 available electricity plans in the Victoria area, with rates ranging significantly based on contract terms, usage levels, and energy sources. The full Victoria electricity page provides detailed plan comparisons and provider information.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 6.48¢/kWh
Average rate: 16.28¢/kWh
Plans available: 109
Green energy plans: 107
Internet providers in Victoria
Victoria residents have access to a variety of internet service providers offering multiple connection types to suit different needs. Available technologies include fiber, cable, fixed wireless, and satellite options. With eight providers serving the area, households can choose from high-speed fiber connections for demanding usage or satellite service for broader coverage in outlying areas.
AT&T
Major national provider offering fiber and DSL internet services with a range of speed tiers for residential customers.
Optimum
Cable internet provider delivering high-speed connections with various plan options for home internet users.
Sparklight
Regional cable provider offering internet services with multiple speed packages for residential and business customers.
Infinium
Local fixed wireless provider serving Victoria with high-speed internet using wireless transmission technology.
EarthLink
Established internet service provider offering connectivity through partnerships with local network infrastructure.
HughesNet
Satellite internet provider offering coverage throughout Victoria, including rural areas beyond traditional wired networks.
Viasat
Satellite-based internet service delivering connectivity to homes across Victoria regardless of location.
Internet FAQ
Victoria offers four main connection types: fiber optic for the fastest speeds, cable internet through coaxial lines, fixed wireless using radio signals, and satellite internet which provides coverage in areas without wired infrastructure.
Fiber or cable connections typically work best for remote work due to their reliable speeds and lower latency. These options support video conferencing, large file transfers, and multiple connected devices simultaneously without significant performance issues.
Satellite internet serves as a reliable option for Victoria residents in rural areas where fiber or cable isn't available. While it offers broader coverage, users should expect higher latency compared to wired connections, which may affect real-time applications.
Natural gas service in Victoria
CenterPoint Energy provides natural gas service throughout Victoria and the surrounding South Texas region. Natural gas is commonly used in Victoria homes for heating, water heating, cooking, and clothes drying. Since Texas has not deregulated natural gas utilities, CenterPoint Energy is the sole provider for residential and commercial customers in the area. For service inquiries, contact CenterPoint at 800-427-7142 or visit centerpointenergy.com.
Request service online at move.centerpointenergy.com, call 800-427-7142, or email CenterPoint Energy. You'll need to provide information for rate classification and billing. A technician will need access inside your home to activate service.
A deposit may be required based on credit evaluation, typically calculated from your estimated monthly billing. Deposits earn interest and are refunded after three years of prompt payment. You may waive the deposit with a guaranty agreement or utility credit reference letter.
If you suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately and call CenterPoint Energy's emergency line at 800-427-7142. Do not use electrical switches or open flames. Always call 811 before any digging projects to locate underground gas lines.
Common questions about utilities in Victoria
When moving to Victoria, you'll need to establish electricity service through a retail electric provider of your choice, water and wastewater through the City of Victoria Utilities, natural gas through CenterPoint Energy, and internet/cable through providers like Suddenlink or AT&T. Trash collection is typically included with city water service.
Electricity can often be connected within 24-48 hours through your chosen provider. City water service typically requires 1-3 business days after application approval. Natural gas connections through CenterPoint Energy usually take 2-5 business days. Plan to start the process at least one week before your move-in date.
Most Victoria utility providers require government-issued photo identification, your new service address, and a Social Security number for credit verification. The City of Victoria water department may also require a signed lease agreement or proof of property ownership. Some providers accept alternative identification for customers without SSNs.
Electricity providers in Victoria generally offer full online enrollment through their websites. CenterPoint Energy allows online gas service requests. However, the City of Victoria water utility department typically requires in-person registration at their Customer Service office on North Main Street, along with valid identification and lease documentation.