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 home or business. You’ll find information on which providers serve the Baytown area, what documents you’ll need, and the typical steps involved in activating each utility.
Water service in Baytown
The City of Baytown Utility Services Division provides water service to residents within city limits. New residents can apply online through the city website for next-day service connection, or visit the Utility Services office at 315 W Texas Ave. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Friday from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM. For assistance, call 281-420-6515 or visit baytown.org/300/Water-Utility-Accounts.
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 and requires no separate setup. Residential and commercial sewer charges are calculated based on your monthly water consumption, and both services appear together on your city utility bill.
Garbage & Recycling
Garbage collection in Baytown is provided by Best Trash LLC under contract with the city. Service is automatically included with your water utility account. Trash is collected twice weekly—either Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday depending on your location—with weekly curbside recycling pickup also provided. Place bins at the curb by 7 AM on collection days. The Baytown Green Center accepts recyclables, electronic waste, and household debris for additional disposal needs.
Property owners need a Bill of Sale, Settlement Statement, Title Transfer Warranty Deed, or Closing Disclosure. Renters need a Lease Agreement or Utility Billing form signed by the landlord. All applicants must provide a valid driver's license or identification card.
Property owners pay a $100 deposit per unit, while renters pay $200 per unit. A $30 service fee per meter also applies. Deposits can be paid by cash, check, money order, or credit card with valid identification.
For water main breaks and after-hours emergencies, call the 24-hour emergency line at 281-420-7160. For general service questions 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 to a single utility. This competitive environment has created a robust marketplace in Baytown, with rates currently starting well below the market average. With over 100 plans available from various retail electric providers, residents have significant flexibility in selecting options that match their usage patterns and preferences.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 7.18¢/kWh
Average rate: 15.2¢/kWh
Plans available: 118
Green energy plans: 116
Internet providers in Baytown
Baytown 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 services are available in many neighborhoods, providing high-speed options for households with demanding connectivity needs. Satellite and fixed wireless alternatives extend coverage to areas where wired infrastructure may be limited.
AT&T
Major telecommunications provider offering fiber and DSL internet services to residential and business customers.
Xfinity
Cable internet provider delivering high-speed connections through existing coaxial cable infrastructure.
Viasat
Satellite internet service offering coverage to rural and underserved areas without ground-based infrastructure requirements.
HughesNet
Satellite-based internet provider serving customers in locations where traditional wired connections are unavailable.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Fixed wireless service utilizing cellular network technology 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 provide symmetrical upload and download speeds and are generally more reliable than cable or satellite alternatives.
Yes, satellite providers like Viasat and HughesNet serve rural areas where cable and fiber are unavailable. T-Mobile Home Internet's fixed wireless service may also reach some outlying locations depending on cellular tower proximity.
For streaming HD video and basic remote work, speeds of 25-50 Mbps are typically sufficient. Households with multiple users streaming 4K content or participating in video conferences simultaneously may benefit from speeds of 100 Mbps or higher.
Natural gas service in Baytown
Natural gas service in Baytown is provided exclusively by CenterPoint Energy (operating as CenterPoint Energy Entex), as natural gas is not deregulated in Texas. Residents cannot choose an alternative gas supplier. Gas service is common throughout Baytown for home heating, water heaters, stoves, and dryers, though all-electric homes are also an option. Contact CenterPoint Energy at 713-659-2111 or visit centerpointenergy.com to manage your service.
CenterPoint Energy (operating as CenterPoint Energy Entex)
Phone: 713-659-2111
Website: https://www.centerpointenergy.com
Request new service through CenterPoint Energy's website, by phone at 713-659-2111, or by email. You'll need a government-issued photo ID, your service address, and Social Security number for credit verification. Initiate requests at least one week before move-in, as connections typically take 3-5 business days.
A deposit may be required based on your credit history, with the amount determined by estimated monthly billing. Deposits are refunded with interest after 3 years of prompt payment or sooner if you establish creditworthiness. Deposit waivers and assistance programs are available for qualifying customers.
For gas emergencies or suspected leaks, call CenterPoint Energy immediately at 713-659-2111 or 800-752-8036. Leave the area if you smell gas and avoid using electrical switches or open flames. Additionally, always call 811 before any digging projects to prevent damaging gas lines.
Common questions about utilities in Baytown
When moving to Baytown, you'll need to establish electricity service through a retail electric provider of your choice, water and sewer service 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 after application approval. Natural gas connections through CenterPoint Energy generally take 3-5 business days. Plan to start the process at least one week before your move-in date.
Most Baytown utility providers require government-issued photo identification, your new service address, and proof of residence such as a lease agreement or closing documents. Some providers may request your Social Security number for credit verification. The City of Baytown water department may also require a deposit based on credit history.
Electricity providers in Baytown offer full online enrollment through the Power to Choose marketplace. CenterPoint Energy allows online gas service requests. However, City of Baytown water service typically requires visiting City Hall or calling their utility billing department directly, as online self-service options remain limited as of May 2026.