Setting Up Utilities in Baytown, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Baytown, Texas.
Baytown Utility Guide
Setting up utilities in Baytown requires coordinating with several different providers for your 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 which providers serve the Baytown area, what documents you’ll need, and the steps to get each utility connected before your move-in date.
Water service in Baytown
The City of Baytown Utility Services Division manages water service for Baytown residents. The city sources its water from the Baytown Area Water Authority through the Coastal Water Authority Canal, which draws from the Trinity River. New residents can apply for water service online, with next-day connections available once applications are processed. Contact the utility office at 281-420-6515 or visit baytown.org/300/Water-Utility-Accounts. The office is located at 315 W Texas Ave and is open Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Friday 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
City of Baytown Utility Services Division
Phone: 281-420-6515
Website: https://www.baytown.org/300/Water-Utility-Accounts
Office: 315 W Texas Ave, Baytown, TX 77520
Sewage Service
Sewer service is bundled with water service through the City of Baytown, requiring no separate setup. Residential and commercial sewer charges are calculated based on monthly water consumption—your total water usage determines your sewer charges. Both services appear together on your city utility bill.
Garbage & Recycling
Garbage collection is provided by Best Trash LLC under contract with the City of Baytown and is included in your city utility bill. Trash is collected twice weekly, either Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday depending on your location. Weekly recycling and brush pickup are also included. Place trash at the curb by 7 AM on collection days. For new or replacement recycling bins, contact Public Works at 281-420-5300. The Baytown Green Center accepts recyclables, electronic waste, brush, and household debris (proof of residency required).
You'll need a valid driver's license or ID card. Property owners must provide proof of ownership such as a Bill of Sale, Settlement Statement, or Closing Disclosure. Renters need a Lease Agreement or Utility Billing form signed by their landlord.
Property owners pay a $100 deposit per unit, while renters pay $200 per unit. There's also a $30 service fee per meter. Deposits can be paid by cash, check, money order, or credit card with valid identification.
For water emergencies, call 281-420-7160, which is available 24 hours a day. For general account inquiries during business hours, contact the Utility Services Division at 281-420-6515.
Electricity in Baytown
Baytown 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 gives households access to a wide range of plans and pricing options. With over 100 plans currently available in the Baytown area, residents can compare rates and select coverage that fits their usage patterns and preferences. Visit our full Baytown electricity page for detailed plan comparisons.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 8.79¢/kWh
Average rate: 16.37¢/kWh
Plans available: 109
Green energy plans: 107
Internet providers in Baytown
Baytown residents have access to a variety of internet service options to meet different household needs. The city is served by six providers offering fiber, cable, satellite, and fixed wireless connections. Whether you need high-speed fiber for demanding applications or satellite coverage in less connected areas, Baytown’s internet infrastructure provides multiple choices for reliable home connectivity.
AT&T
Major telecommunications provider offering fiber and DSL internet services with various speed tiers for residential customers.
Xfinity
Comcast's residential brand delivering cable internet with widespread availability and multiple plan options.
Spectrum
Cable internet provider known for no-contract plans and bundled service offerings.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider serving rural and underserved areas where ground-based connections are limited.
HughesNet
Satellite-based internet service offering coverage across Baytown regardless of ground infrastructure availability.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Fixed wireless service utilizing T-Mobile's cellular network to deliver home internet without traditional wiring.
Internet FAQ
Fiber internet offers the fastest speeds in Baytown, with some providers delivering up to 5 Gbps. Fiber connections also provide symmetrical upload and download speeds, making them ideal for video conferencing, streaming, and large file transfers.
Yes, satellite providers like Viasat and HughesNet offer coverage throughout Baytown and surrounding rural areas. T-Mobile Home Internet's fixed wireless service may also be available where cellular coverage exists, providing alternatives to traditional wired connections.
Basic browsing and email require 25 Mbps, while streaming HD video needs 50-100 Mbps. Households with multiple users streaming, gaming, or working remotely should consider plans offering 200 Mbps or higher for consistent performance.
Natural gas service in Baytown
Natural gas service in Baytown is provided exclusively by CenterPoint Energy (operating as CenterPoint Energy Entex). Unlike electricity, natural gas is not deregulated in Texas, meaning CenterPoint is the sole provider for residents. Natural gas is commonly used throughout the Baytown area for home heating, water heaters, and cooking appliances. For service inquiries or emergencies, contact CenterPoint Energy at 713-659-2111 or visit centerpointenergy.com.
Contact CenterPoint Energy online at centerpointenergy.com, by phone at 713-659-2111 or 800-752-8036, or by email. A credit check determines if a deposit is required. Home access may be needed for meter activation, and new construction may require a pressure test.
A deposit may be required based on credit check results. The amount is based on estimated billing. Deposits can be waived with a guaranty agreement from an existing CenterPoint customer in good standing for 12+ months or a credit reference letter showing good payment history.
If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the area immediately and call CenterPoint Energy's emergency line at 713-659-2111 or 800-752-8036. 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 Baytown
When moving to Baytown, you'll need to establish electricity service through a retail provider of your choice, water and sewer through the City of Baytown, natural gas through CenterPoint Energy, and internet/cable through providers like Xfinity or AT&T. Trash collection is typically included with city water service.
Electricity can typically be connected within 24-48 hours through most retail providers. City of Baytown water service usually requires 2-3 business days notice. Natural gas connections through CenterPoint Energy generally take 3-5 business days. Plan to initiate all utility requests at least one week before your move-in date.
Most Baytown utility providers require government-issued photo identification, your new service address, and a Social Security number for credit verification. The City of Baytown water department may also request proof of residency such as a lease agreement or closing documents. Some providers accept alternative identification for customers without SSNs.
Electricity providers in Baytown's deregulated market offer full online enrollment. CenterPoint Energy allows online gas service requests. However, City of Baytown water service currently requires visiting City Hall or calling their utility billing department to establish new accounts. Internet providers typically offer online or phone signup options.