Setting Up Utilities in Laredo, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Laredo, Texas.
Laredo Utility Guide
Setting up utilities in Laredo requires coordinating with several different providers to get your home fully connected. This guide walks you through the process for each essential service: water and sewage through the City of Laredo Utilities Department, electricity options in the deregulated Texas market, natural gas service, garbage collection, and internet providers serving the area. Below you’ll find contact information, required documents, and step-by-step instructions for each utility.
Water service in Laredo
The City of Laredo Utilities Department provides water service to approximately 259,113 residents within city limits. You can apply for service online at laredoutilities.com or visit the City Hall Annex at 1102 Bob Bullock Loop (drive-thru available). The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For questions, call 956-727-6402. Note that Webb County Water Utilities serves some areas outside city limits.
City of Laredo Utilities Department
Phone: 956-727-6402
Website: https://laredoutilities.com/
Office: City Hall Annex, 1102 Bob Bullock Loop, Laredo, Texas 78043
Sewage Service
Wastewater and sewer services are provided by the City of Laredo Utilities Department and included on your water bill. The department runs public education programs like ‘Cease the Grease’ and ‘Toilets are not trashcans’ to help protect the city’s sewer infrastructure.
Garbage & Recycling
The City of Laredo Solid Waste Services handles residential garbage collection on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays depending on your location—check laredoroutes.com for your specific day. Containers must be curbside by 7:00 a.m. Recycling is collected Thursdays or Fridays based on zip code. Accepted recyclables include paper, cardboard, metal cans, and plastic containers. For trash questions, call 956-796-1098 or dial 3-1-1.
You'll need a valid picture ID or driver's license. A deposit is required for all new accounts, with the amount varying by meter size. There's also a $10.00 service connection fee. Service typically begins within two business days of applying.
You can apply online through the utility application form at laredoutilities.com, or visit the City Hall Annex at 1102 Bob Bullock Loop in person. Drive-thru service is available at the Annex location during regular business hours.
For emergencies involving broken water mains, call the 24-hour emergency line at 956-721-2010. For general service questions during business hours, contact the Utilities Department at 956-727-6402.
Electricity in Laredo
Laredo 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. With 111 available plans currently on the market, Laredo households have significant options when selecting a provider and rate structure. The competitive marketplace has produced rates starting as low as 6.48¢/kWh, well below the current average market rate. For comprehensive plan comparisons and provider details, visit our full Laredo electricity page.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 6.48¢/kWh
Average rate: 16.28¢/kWh
Plans available: 109
Green energy plans: 107
Internet providers in Laredo
Laredo residents have access to several internet service options across different connection types. The city is served by four providers offering fiber, cable, and satellite connections. Urban areas typically have access to faster cable and fiber options, while satellite internet extends coverage to more remote locations throughout Webb County. Availability and speeds vary by neighborhood and address.
Spectrum
Major cable internet provider offering widespread coverage throughout Laredo's urban and suburban neighborhoods.
AT&T
Telecommunications company providing fiber and traditional internet services in select Laredo areas.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider offering coverage across Laredo, including rural areas without wired infrastructure.
HughesNet
Satellite-based internet service available throughout Laredo regardless of location or terrain.
Internet FAQ
Fiber internet offers the fastest speeds in Laredo, with potential speeds up to 5 Gbps in eligible areas. Cable internet is the next fastest option, typically offering speeds up to 1 Gbps in most neighborhoods.
Yes, satellite internet providers like Viasat and HughesNet offer coverage in rural Webb County areas. These services don't require ground-based infrastructure, making them available virtually anywhere with a clear view of the sky.
Internet availability varies by specific address in Laredo. You can verify service availability by contacting providers directly or checking their websites with your street address to confirm which connection types and speeds are offered at your location.
Natural gas service in Laredo
CenterPoint Energy provides natural gas service throughout Laredo. Natural gas is commonly used in area homes for heating, cooking, and water heating, though some newer construction may be all-electric. To start service, contact CenterPoint Energy at 1-800-427-7142 or visit centerpointenergy.com. For gas leak emergencies, call 713-659-2111 or 888-752-8036 immediately. The local office is located at 1901 Market St, Laredo, TX 78043.
New service can be started online through CenterPoint Energy's website, by phone, or by email. A credit check determines if a deposit is required, and a technician appointment may be needed to turn on the meter. Request service at least one week in advance.
A deposit may be required based on credit check results. If needed, it cannot exceed the equivalent of two months' billing. You can avoid deposits by providing a letter of credit from another utility or demonstrating good credit history.
CenterPoint Energy typically refunds deposits after 12 months of on-time payments. The refund is usually applied as a credit to your account. Contact CenterPoint Energy at 1-800-427-7142 to verify your deposit status and refund eligibility.
Common questions about utilities in Laredo
When moving to Laredo, you'll need to establish electric service (typically through AEP Texas or a retail electric provider), water and wastewater service through the City of Laredo Utilities Department, natural gas through CenterPoint Energy, and internet/cable through providers like Spectrum or AT&T. Trash collection is included with city water service.
Electric service in Laredo typically connects within 1-3 business days when requested in advance. City water service usually requires 2-3 business days. Natural gas connections through CenterPoint Energy generally take 3-5 business days. Internet installation may require a technician visit scheduled 5-7 days out, depending on provider availability.
Most Laredo utility providers require government-issued photo identification, your new service address, and proof of residency such as a lease agreement or closing documents. The City of Laredo Utilities Department may request a Social Security number for account verification. Some providers require a deposit based on credit history.
Electric service through retail providers and CenterPoint Energy gas service offer full online enrollment. Internet providers like Spectrum and AT&T also support online signup. However, as of February 2026, the City of Laredo Utilities Department requires in-person registration at their customer service office for new water and wastewater accounts.