Setting Up Utilities in Alice, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Alice, Texas.
Alice Utility Guide
Setting up utilities in Alice 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, documentation requirements, and step-by-step instructions for each utility type to help you get all services running efficiently in your Alice home.
Water service in Alice
The City of Alice Water Department provides water service to residents and businesses in Alice, Texas. To establish service, customers must visit the utility billing office at 500 E Main Street during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm). For questions about water service, contact the department at 361-668-7226 or visit their website at cityofalice.org.
City of Alice Water Department
Phone: 361-668-7226
Website: https://www.cityofalice.org/government/departments/water_billing___collection/index.php
Office: 500 E Main Street, Alice, TX 78332
Sewage Service
Sewer service in Alice is bundled with water service and managed by the City of Alice. When you establish water service, sewer is automatically included and appears on your combined utility bill. For after-hours sewer emergencies, contact the Water Treatment Plant at 361-664-9082.
Garbage & Recycling
The City of Alice Sanitation Division handles trash collection, which is typically included with residential water service. Collection occurs twice weekly: Mondays and Thursdays for residents west of Cameron Street, and Tuesdays and Fridays for those east of Cameron Street. Residents with a water bill showing a garbage fee receive one free landfill disposal per week, plus free disposal all day on Saturdays with valid ID and proof of residency.
You'll need a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or state photo ID card), proof of address for the service location such as a lease agreement or closing documents, and payment for the required deposit.
Residential deposits range from $75 to $150 inside city limits and $113 to $226 outside city limits, depending on your past credit experience with the city. Commercial deposits start at $125 inside city limits.
Utility services are connected Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Depending on the time of your request, services may be connected the same day or the following business day.
Electricity in Alice
Alice residents benefit from Texas’s deregulated electricity market, which allows consumers to choose their own electricity provider rather than being assigned to a utility monopoly. This competition among retail electric providers creates a range of pricing options and plan types. With rates starting well below the market average, Alice offers favorable conditions for electricity shoppers. For comprehensive plan comparisons and provider details, visit our full Alice electricity page.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 7.1¢/kWh
Average rate: 15.43¢/kWh
Plans available: 118
Green energy plans: 116
Internet providers in Alice
Alice residents have access to a diverse range of internet service providers, with eight options serving the area. Connection types include fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless, and satellite, giving households flexibility based on their location and speed requirements. Whether you need basic connectivity or high-speed service for streaming and remote work, multiple providers compete for service in this South Texas community.
AT&T
Major national provider offering fiber and DSL services with a range of speed tiers for residential customers.
Spectrum
Cable internet provider delivering high-speed connections without data caps and bundled service options.
EarthLink
Established internet provider offering service through partnerships with local network infrastructure.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Wireless carrier providing fixed wireless home internet using their cellular network infrastructure.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider offering coverage to rural and underserved areas with various plan options.
HughesNet
Satellite-based provider delivering internet access to locations where wired connections are unavailable.
Starlink
SpaceX's low-earth orbit satellite service providing high-speed internet with lower latency than traditional satellite.
VTX Communications
Regional telecommunications provider serving South Texas communities with local customer support.
Internet FAQ
Fiber internet offers the fastest speeds in Alice, with some providers delivering up to 5 Gbps. Cable internet is the next fastest option, typically reaching speeds up to 1 Gbps. Availability depends on your specific address.
Satellite providers like Starlink, Viasat, and HughesNet offer coverage in rural areas where wired connections may not reach. Fixed wireless from T-Mobile Home Internet is another option if cellular coverage is available at your location.
Most households find 100-200 Mbps sufficient for streaming, video calls, and general browsing with multiple devices. Larger households with heavy streaming or gaming may benefit from 300 Mbps or higher speeds.
Natural gas service in Alice
Natural gas service in Alice is provided by CenterPoint Energy Entex, the primary utility serving Jim Wells County. Gas is commonly available throughout the city for residential heating, water heating, and cooking appliances, though it is not required as some homes operate on all-electric systems. CenterPoint Energy Entex operates over 22,000 miles of distribution pipelines across Texas, serving nearly 1.2 million customers. To set up service, contact them at 1-800-427-7142 or visit centerpointenergy.com.
New service can be requested online at move.centerpointenergy.com or by calling 1-800-427-7142. Have your address, identification, and payment details ready. Connections typically take 3-5 business days, so begin the process at least one week before moving in.
A credit check determines deposit requirements. Deposits follow the Railroad Commission of Texas 'one-sixth rule,' calculated as up to one-sixth of estimated annual billing. Good credit or qualifying documentation may waive the deposit, which is typically refunded after 12-36 months of consistent payment.
Natural gas is not required in Alice. While it is widely available throughout the city for heating, water heating, and cooking, some homes operate entirely on electric systems. Availability depends on your specific property and personal preferences.
Common questions about utilities in Alice
When moving to Alice, Texas, you'll need to establish electric service (typically through AEP Texas or a retail electric provider), water and sewer service through the City of Alice, natural gas through CenterPoint Energy, and internet/cable through providers like Spectrum or AT&T. Trash collection is usually included with city water service.
Most utilities in Alice can be connected within 1-3 business days. Electric service through retail providers often activates same-day or next-day. City water typically requires 24-48 hours after application approval. Natural gas may take 2-3 days if a technician visit is required. Plan to start the process at least one week before moving.
Generally, you'll need a valid government-issued ID, Social Security number, proof of residence such as a lease agreement or closing documents, and your new service address. Some providers may require a deposit based on credit history. The City of Alice water department may request additional identification for new accounts.
Electric service through retail providers and CenterPoint Energy gas service can typically be established online. Internet providers like Spectrum also offer online signup. However, as of May 2026, City of Alice water service generally requires an in-person visit to City Hall or the utility billing office to complete your application and verify identification.