Setting Up Utilities in Brownsville, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Brownsville, Texas.
Brownsville Utility Guide
Setting up utilities in Brownsville requires coordinating with several different providers to get your home fully operational. This guide walks you through the process for each essential service, including water and sewage, electricity, natural gas, garbage collection, and internet. You’ll find information on which companies serve the Brownsville area, what documents you’ll need, and how to initiate service with each provider.
Water service in Brownsville
Water service in Brownsville is provided by the Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB), a municipally-owned utility serving approximately 55,954 water customers throughout the city. BPUB is the largest water provider in the area, though some locations outside city limits may be served by smaller water supply corporations. Contact BPUB at 956-983-6121 or visit brownsville-pub.com to manage your water service.
Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB)
Phone: 956-983-6121
Website: https://www.brownsville-pub.com/
Office: 1425 Robinhood Drive, Brownsville, TX 78520
Sewage Service
Wastewater and sewer service in Brownsville is provided by BPUB and bundled with water service. BPUB operates two wastewater treatment plants serving the city. Sewer charges appear on the same monthly bill as your water and electric services, so no separate setup is required.
Garbage & Recycling
Residential trash collection in Brownsville is handled by Republic Services under contract with the city. Collection occurs weekly, with schedules varying by neighborhood quadrant. Trash service is billed through your BPUB utility bill. Curbside recycling is provided by Redfish Recycling every other week using red single-stream carts, with a $0.86 monthly fee. Brush and bulky item pickup follows a separate schedule by quadrant. For your collection schedule or missed pickups, call 956-546-HELP (4357). Residents paying for collection through BPUB can use the Brownsville Municipal Landfill at no additional charge.
Apply online through the BPUB Customer Self-Service portal or visit the BPUB Administration Building at 1425 Robinhood Drive. You'll need a valid government-issued ID, your property address, and a lease agreement if renting. Same-day service is available for residential online applications.
BPUB requires a $101 residential deposit, which is refundable after 12 months of on-time payments. A $25 service charge also applies when establishing new service. These fees are standard for all new residential accounts.
BPUB's office at 1425 Robinhood Drive is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Main lobby visits require an appointment, but drive-up service is available during regular business hours without an appointment.
Electricity in Brownsville
Brownsville residents benefit from Texas’s deregulated electricity market, which allows consumers to compare providers and select the plan that best fits their needs. With 111 available electricity plans in the area, shoppers have substantial options ranging from budget-friendly rates to renewable energy plans. The competitive market in Brownsville offers rates well below the regional average for those who compare options. Visit our full Brownsville electricity page for 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 Brownsville
Brownsville residents have access to several internet service providers offering diverse connection types to suit various needs. Options include fiber, cable, fixed wireless, and satellite connections, providing flexibility for both urban and rural areas of the city. With five providers serving the area, residents can compare plans based on speed requirements, reliability, and budget to find suitable internet service for their households.
Spectrum
Major cable internet provider offering widespread coverage throughout Brownsville with various speed tiers for residential customers.
AT&T
Telecommunications company providing fiber and fixed wireless internet options with multiple plan choices for different usage needs.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider offering coverage across Brownsville, including areas where ground-based connections may be limited.
HughesNet
Satellite-based internet service available throughout the region, providing connectivity options for rural and underserved locations.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Fixed wireless internet service utilizing cellular network infrastructure to deliver home broadband without traditional wired connections.
Internet FAQ
Brownsville offers fiber, cable, fixed wireless, and satellite internet connections. Fiber and cable typically provide faster speeds in urban areas, while satellite and fixed wireless options extend coverage to more remote locations throughout the city.
Fiber internet generally offers the fastest speeds available in Brownsville, with some providers delivering multi-gigabit connections. Cable internet also provides high-speed options, while satellite and fixed wireless services offer moderate speeds suitable for standard household use.
Yes, satellite providers like Viasat and HughesNet offer coverage in rural areas where cable and fiber may not reach. T-Mobile Home Internet's fixed wireless service also provides an alternative option depending on cellular network availability in your location.
Natural gas service in Brownsville
Texas Gas Service, a division of ONE Gas, Inc. and the third-largest natural gas distributor in Texas, provides natural gas to Brownsville residents. While gas service is available throughout the area, it is not required for all homes. Many residents use natural gas for heating, water heaters, and cooking appliances. To set up, stop, or transfer service, contact Texas Gas Service at 1-800-700-2443 or visit texasgasservice.com.
You can start, stop, or transfer service online through the Texas Gas Service website or mobile app (iOS and Android), or by calling 1-800-700-2443. Customer service is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CT.
A deposit may be required based on credit history, not exceeding one-sixth of estimated annual billings. It can be waived with satisfactory credit history showing 12 months of on-time utility payments or a written guarantee. Deposits are refunded after 12 consecutive months of on-time payments.
If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and call 911, then contact Texas Gas Service's emergency line at 800-959-5325. Do not attempt to turn gas service on or off yourself—only authorized Texas Gas Service personnel may do so.
Common questions about utilities in Brownsville
When moving to Brownsville, you'll need to establish electricity service (typically through AEP Texas or a retail electric provider), water and wastewater through Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB), natural gas through Texas Gas Service, and internet/cable through providers like Spectrum or AT&T. Trash collection is handled through BPUB.
Most Brownsville utilities can be connected within 1-3 business days if requested in advance. Electricity through retail providers often activates same-day or next-day. BPUB water service typically requires 24-48 hours notice. Gas service through Texas Gas Service usually takes 2-3 business days and requires someone home for the technician visit.
Generally, you'll need a valid government-issued ID, Social Security number, current mailing address, and service address. Most providers require proof of residence such as a lease agreement or closing documents. BPUB may request a deposit based on credit history. Having a previous utility account number can expedite the verification process.
As of February 2026, most utilities offer online enrollment. Retail electricity providers and Texas Gas Service allow complete online signup. Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) offers online service requests for water, but new customers may need to visit their office at 1425 Robinhood Drive to complete identity verification and pay deposits in person.