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, including water, sewage, garbage collection, electricity, internet, and gas. You’ll find information on which companies serve the Laredo area, what documents you’ll need, and how to contact each provider to start service at your new address.
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 new 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 AM to 5:00 PM. For questions, call 956-727-6402. A 24-hour emergency line is available at 956-721-2010 for water main breaks or pipeline issues.
City of Laredo Utilities Department
Phone: 956-727-6402
Website: https://laredoutilities.com/
Office: 1102 Bob Bullock Loop, Laredo, TX 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 sewer infrastructure throughout the city.
Garbage & Recycling
City of Laredo Solid Waste Services handles residential garbage collection on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays depending on your location. Recycling is collected Thursdays or Fridays based on zip code. Residents receive a green 96-gallon ‘Willie Bote’ cart for trash and a blue ‘Billie Bote’ cart for recycling. Garbage fees are included on your water utility bill. Check www.laredoroutes.com or call 3-1-1 to find your specific collection day. Containers must be curbside by 7:00 AM.
You'll need a valid picture ID or driver's license to open a new account. The department may also request a Social Security number for verification. Proof of residency such as a lease agreement or closing documents may be helpful to bring.
Service typically takes 2-3 business days to connect for accounts where a meter already exists. For new construction requiring connection to water or wastewater lines, contact the Billing Division at 956-727-6402 for specific timelines.
Yes, a deposit is required for all new accounts. The amount varies based on meter size. There is also a $10.00 service connection fee for each new account. Contact the Utilities Department at 956-727-6402 for specific deposit amounts.
Electricity in Laredo
Laredo residents benefit from Texas’s deregulated electricity market, which allows consumers to select their own electricity provider rather than being assigned a default utility. With 118 plans currently available in the area, households can compare options based on rate structure, contract length, and energy source. The competitive market in Laredo offers rates well below the regional average for those who take time to compare providers. See the full Laredo electricity page for detailed plan comparisons.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 7.1¢/kWh
Average rate: 15.43¢/kWh
Plans available: 118
Green energy plans: 116
Internet providers in Laredo
Laredo residents have access to several internet service providers offering a variety of connection types. Options include fiber, cable, fixed wireless, and satellite services, providing flexibility for different household needs and locations. Whether you’re in an urban neighborhood or a more rural area of Laredo, you can find connectivity solutions ranging from high-speed fiber to widely available satellite coverage.
Spectrum
Major cable internet provider offering widely available service throughout the Laredo area.
AT&T
Telecommunications company providing fiber and fixed wireless internet options in select Laredo neighborhoods.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider offering coverage across Laredo, including rural and underserved areas.
HughesNet
Satellite-based internet service available throughout Laredo regardless of location.
T-Mobile
Wireless carrier offering fixed wireless home internet service using its cellular network.
Internet FAQ
Fiber internet offers the fastest speeds in Laredo, with some providers delivering up to 5 Gbps. Fiber is available in select areas and provides symmetrical upload and download speeds, making it ideal for heavy internet users.
Yes, satellite providers like Viasat and HughesNet offer coverage in rural areas where cable and fiber are unavailable. Fixed wireless from T-Mobile may also be an option depending on cellular tower proximity in your location.
Cable or fiber connections typically provide the most reliable service for remote work, offering consistent speeds for video conferencing and file transfers. Fixed wireless can also work well if cable or fiber infrastructure isn't available at your address.
Natural gas service in Laredo
CenterPoint Energy provides natural gas service throughout Laredo. Natural gas is commonly used in local homes for heating, cooking, and water heating, though some newer construction may be all-electric. To set up service, contact CenterPoint Energy at 1-800-427-7142 or visit centerpointenergy.com. Plan ahead, as gas connections typically take 3-5 business days to complete. A local office is located at 1901 Market St, Laredo, TX 78043.
You'll need a government-issued photo ID and proof of residency, such as a lease agreement or closing documents. A credit check determines if a deposit is required. Request service at least one week before your move-in date, as a technician appointment may be needed to turn on the meter.
A deposit may be required based on your credit check results. If needed, it cannot exceed two months' billing. You may avoid a deposit by providing a letter of credit from another utility. Deposits are typically refunded as an account credit after 12 months of on-time payments.
Leave the area immediately and call CenterPoint Energy's emergency line at 713-659-2111 or 888-752-8036. Do not use light switches, phones, or anything that could create a spark while inside. Move to a safe location before making the call.
Common questions about utilities in Laredo
When moving to Laredo, you'll need to establish electricity service (available through multiple retail providers), water and wastewater 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 typically included with city water service.
Electricity can typically be connected within 24-48 hours through retail providers. City of Laredo 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 begin utility setup at least one week before your move-in date.
Most Laredo utility providers require government-issued photo identification, your new service address, and proof of residence such as a lease agreement or closing documents. The City of Laredo Utilities Department may also request a Social Security number or deposit. Some providers accept alternative identification for customers without SSNs.
Electricity providers and internet companies typically offer full online enrollment. CenterPoint Energy allows online gas service requests. However, as of May 2026, the City of Laredo Utilities Department requires new water service applications to be submitted in person at their customer service office on Shiloh Drive, along with required identification documents.