Setting Up Utilities in Dallas, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Dallas, Texas.
Dallas Utility Guide
Setting up utilities in Dallas requires coordinating with multiple providers, and this guide walks you through each step of the process. Whether you’re moving into a new apartment or purchasing a home, you’ll need to establish accounts for water, electricity, gas, and internet service. We’ve compiled the essential information for each utility type, including provider details, required documentation, and typical setup timelines to help you get your new Dallas residence fully connected.
Water service in Dallas
Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) provides water service to Dallas residents and 31 surrounding communities. As a non-profit City of Dallas department, DWU typically requires 2-3 business days to activate new service. Residents can set up water service online through 2TurnItOn, the city’s official online partner, or by calling 214-651-1441 during business hours. Note that Highland Park and University Park have separate water providers.
2TurnItOn — Official Water Utility Partner
Dallas residents can set up their water service through 2TurnItOn, the official online water utility service for this city.
Set Up Water Service
Sewage Service
Wastewater and sewer service is automatically bundled with your Dallas Water Utilities account. The wastewater fee appears on your combined utility bill and is calculated based on your actual water usage or your winter average, whichever is lower. No separate setup is required.
Garbage & Recycling
City of Dallas Sanitation Services provides weekly garbage and recycling collection for single-family homes and duplexes. Service begins automatically when you set up water service, with fees included on your combined utility bill. Collection days vary by address—download the Dallas Sanitation Services app or call 311 to find your schedule. Blue carts are provided for single-stream recycling, and monthly brush and bulky item pickup is available.
You'll need a government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number for credit verification, your new service address, move-in date, proof of property ownership or a signed lease agreement, and a payment method for the $50 deposit.
Yes, Dallas Water Utilities requires a $50 deposit added to your first bill. This deposit may be waived if you can provide proof of 12 consecutive on-time payments from a previous utility account. Contact DWU directly to request a waiver.
Dallas Water Utilities generally requires 2-3 business days for new service activation. You can set up service online, by phone Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or in person at the DWU service lobby at Dallas City Hall.
Electricity in Dallas
Dallas residents benefit from Texas’s deregulated electricity market, which allows consumers to choose their own electricity provider rather than being assigned to a default utility. This competition creates a wide range of pricing options and plan types. With rates currently ranging from 7.7¢ to well above the market average of 15.62¢ per kWh, comparing plans is essential. Visit our full Dallas electricity page for detailed provider comparisons and plan breakdowns.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 7.58¢/kWh
Average rate: 15.61¢/kWh
Plans available: 116
Green energy plans: 116
Internet providers in Dallas
Dallas residents have access to a competitive internet market with five major providers serving the area. Connection options include fiber, cable, and fixed wireless technologies, giving households flexibility based on their location and speed requirements. Fiber availability continues to expand throughout the metro area, while cable and fixed wireless provide reliable alternatives in neighborhoods where fiber infrastructure is still developing.
AT&T
Major telecommunications provider offering extensive fiber coverage throughout Dallas with widespread availability in urban and suburban neighborhoods.
Spectrum
Cable internet provider delivering broad coverage across the Dallas metro area with no data caps on residential plans.
Frontier
Regional provider offering fiber internet service in select Dallas neighborhoods following network infrastructure upgrades.
Verizon
National carrier providing fixed wireless home internet using 5G and LTE networks in covered Dallas locations.
T-Mobile
Wireless carrier offering 5G home internet as an alternative to traditional wired connections in eligible Dallas addresses.
Internet FAQ
Most households with multiple users and devices function well with speeds between 100-300 Mbps. Homes with heavy streaming, gaming, or remote work demands may benefit from plans offering 500 Mbps or higher.
Fiber availability varies by neighborhood in Dallas. Central and newer suburban areas typically have better fiber coverage, while some older neighborhoods may be limited to cable or fixed wireless options until infrastructure expands.
Cable generally offers more consistent speeds and lower latency than fixed wireless. However, fixed wireless provides a viable alternative where cable infrastructure is unavailable or for customers preferring contract-free service options.
Natural gas service in Dallas
Atmos Energy (Mid-Tex Division) is the sole natural gas provider for Dallas residents, operating as a regulated utility with no alternative suppliers available. Natural gas is commonly used throughout Dallas homes for heating, water heaters, cooking, and clothes dryers. To set up service, contact Atmos Energy at 888-286-6700 or visit atmosenergy.com. A technician appointment is required for activation, and an adult must be present during the visit.
Contact Atmos Energy online at atmosenergy.com or call 888-286-6700. You'll need your Social Security number for credit verification and must schedule a technician appointment. An adult (18+) must be present during the Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm appointment window. Begin the process 1-2 weeks before moving.
Deposit requirements depend on your credit check. With good credit, the deposit may be waived. Otherwise, expect approximately $90 deposit plus a $60 start-up fee. Deposits are typically refundable after 12 months of consistent on-time payments.
Leave the area immediately and call the Atmos Energy 24/7 emergency line at 866-322-8667 or dial 911. Do not use electrical switches or create sparks. Additionally, always call 811 before digging on your property to have underground gas lines marked.
Common questions about utilities in Dallas
When moving to Dallas, you'll need to establish electricity service through a retail provider of your choice, water and wastewater through Dallas Water Utilities, natural gas through Atmos Energy, and internet or cable through providers like AT&T, Spectrum, or Frontier. Trash collection is typically included with city water service.
Most Dallas utilities can be connected within 1-3 business days. Electricity often activates same-day or next-day. Water service through Dallas Water Utilities typically requires 2-3 business days. Natural gas connections with Atmos Energy usually take 1-2 business days. Plan to start the process at least one week before moving.
Generally, you'll need government-issued ID, your new Dallas address, and a Social Security number. Most providers also require a lease agreement or proof of ownership. Some utilities may run credit checks and request deposits based on credit history. Dallas Water Utilities specifically requires a valid photo ID and service address documentation.
Electricity providers and Atmos Energy gas service offer full online enrollment. Internet providers also support online signup. However, Dallas Water Utilities requires either an in-person visit to a customer service center or phone registration as of April 2026. You cannot complete water service setup entirely online through the city.