Setting Up Utilities in Houston, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Houston, Texas.
Houston Utility Guide
Setting up utilities in Houston requires coordinating with multiple providers across different service categories. This guide walks you through the process of establishing water, electricity, gas, and internet services at your new residence. Houston’s deregulated electricity market means you’ll choose from competing providers, while water and sewage services are handled by the city. We’ll cover each utility step by step, including what documents you’ll need and typical activation timelines.
Water service in Houston
Houston Public Works provides water service to approximately 2.3 million residents across 671 square miles, making it the largest water and wastewater utility in Texas. Residents can set up new water service online at houstonwaterbills.houstontx.gov, by calling 713-371-1400, or by scheduling an appointment at the office located at 4200 Leeland Street. Note that some Houston-area residents may be served by Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) rather than the city.
Houston Public Works
Phone: 713-371-1400
Website: https://www.houstonwaterbills.houstontx.gov
Office: 4200 Leeland Street, Houston, TX 77023
Sewage Service
Wastewater and sewer service is bundled with water service through Houston Public Works. The department handles collection and treatment of wastewater, with rates combined on your monthly water bill. No separate signup is required—sewer service is automatically included when you establish water service.
Garbage & Recycling
The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department provides curbside garbage collection once weekly for single-family homes within city limits. Recycling is collected every other week using a 96-gallon green cart. Heavy trash pickup occurs monthly, alternating between tree waste (odd months) and junk waste (even months). Garbage service is typically established when you set up water service. Check your schedule at houstontx.gov/solidwaste or download the HTX Collects app for reminders. Contact 311 for service issues.
You'll need a driver's license or government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, your new service address, phone number, and proof of ownership (deed, mortgage statement, or closing documents) or a lease agreement for renters. The name on these documents must match the account name.
A security deposit may be required based on a credit review. Deposits can be paid by phone, through Quick Pay online, at local grocery store payment centers, or via Western Union. Some account types require one-third of the deposit paid by cashier's check or money order at application.
Phone support is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. In-person appointments at the Leeland Street office are available Tuesday through Thursday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Virtual appointments via Microsoft Teams can also be scheduled through the website.
Electricity in Houston
Houston 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 competition creates a wide range of pricing options and plan types. With over 100 plans currently available in the Houston area, residents can compare rates and select a provider that fits their usage patterns and preferences. See our full Houston 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 Houston
Houston residents have access to a competitive internet market with seven major providers offering diverse connection options. The city’s infrastructure supports fiber, cable, and fixed wireless technologies, giving households flexibility in choosing plans that match their speed requirements and budget. Whether you need basic connectivity or high-speed fiber for demanding applications, Houston’s internet landscape provides multiple viable options across most neighborhoods.
AT&T
Major telecommunications provider offering widespread fiber and internet coverage throughout the Houston metropolitan area.
Xfinity
Comcast's consumer brand delivering cable internet services with extensive availability across Houston neighborhoods.
Verizon
National carrier providing fixed wireless home internet options in select Houston service areas.
Astound Broadband
Regional provider offering cable internet services to Houston residents in covered service zones.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Wireless carrier delivering 5G and LTE-based home internet as an alternative to wired connections.
EarthLink
Internet service provider offering connectivity through partnerships with local network infrastructure.
Frontier
Telecommunications company providing fiber internet services in portions of the greater Houston region.
Internet FAQ
Houston supports three main connection types: fiber optic, cable, and fixed wireless. Fiber offers the fastest speeds and most reliable performance. Cable provides wide availability with strong speeds. Fixed wireless uses cellular networks and requires no physical installation.
Internet availability varies by neighborhood and street address in Houston. Most providers offer address-checking tools on their websites. Factors like building age, infrastructure development, and proximity to network equipment affect which services reach your specific location.
Speed requirements depend on household usage. Basic browsing and email need 25 Mbps. Streaming video and remote work typically require 100-200 Mbps. Households with multiple users, gaming, or 4K streaming should consider plans offering 300 Mbps or higher.
Natural gas service in Houston
CenterPoint Energy is the sole natural gas provider for the Houston area, serving nearly 1.2 million customers through over 22,000 miles of pipelines. Most Houston homes have gas service available for heating, water heaters, cooking, and clothes dryers, though some all-electric homes exist. Contact CenterPoint at 713-659-2111 or visit centerpointenergy.com to manage your gas service.
Submit your request online at move.centerpointenergy.com, by phone at 713-659-2111, or by email at least one week before your move-in date. Service typically activates within 1-3 business days. A technician may need inside access to your home.
CenterPoint performs a credit check through Experian to determine deposit requirements. If you pass, no deposit is typically needed. If credit cannot be verified, you may establish creditworthiness through alternative methods like proof of property ownership.
Leave the area immediately and call CenterPoint's emergency line at 713-659-2111 or 800-752-8036. Do not use electrical switches, phones, or anything that could create a spark while inside. Wait for a technician to confirm the area is safe.
Common questions about utilities in Houston
When moving to Houston, you'll need to set up electricity (through a retail provider of your choice), water and wastewater (through the City of Houston or your local MUD), natural gas (typically CenterPoint Energy), internet service, and optionally trash collection if not included with your water service.
Electricity can often be connected same-day or within 24-48 hours. Water service through the City of Houston typically takes 2-3 business days. Natural gas connections usually require 3-5 business days and may need a scheduled appointment for meter access. Plan to start the process at least one week before moving.
Most Houston utilities require government-issued ID, your new service address, and a move-in date. You may also need your Social Security number for credit checks, a lease agreement or closing documents, and a previous utility bill. Some providers accept alternative documentation if you lack traditional credit history.
Electricity and internet services can be set up entirely online. Natural gas through CenterPoint Energy offers online enrollment. However, City of Houston water service typically requires visiting a customer service center in person with identification and lease documentation, though some MUD districts do offer online or phone signup options.