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 operational. This guide walks you through the process of establishing service for water, sewage, garbage collection, electricity, natural gas, and internet. You’ll find information on local providers, required documentation, and contact details to help you get each utility connected efficiently when moving to the Laredo area.
Water service in Laredo
The City of Laredo Utilities Department provides water service to 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 AM to 5:00 PM. 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 including ‘Cease the Grease’ and ‘Toilets are not trashcans’ to help protect local sewer infrastructure.
Garbage & Recycling
City of Laredo Solid Waste Services handles garbage and recycling collection, with fees included on your water utility bill. Residents receive a green 96-gallon ‘Willie Bote’ cart for trash and a blue ‘Billie Bote’ cart for recycling. Garbage is collected Monday through Wednesday depending on location, while recycling is collected Thursday or Friday based on zip code. Containers must be curbside by 7:00 AM (6:30 AM for recycling). Check your specific collection day at www.laredoroutes.com or call 3-1-1. Residents can also request free bulky item pickup twice per year by calling 3-1-1.
You'll need a valid picture ID or driver's license, and your Social Security number may be requested for verification. Expect to pay a $10.00 service connection fee plus a deposit that varies based on your property's meter size. Any delinquent balances must be cleared before service transfers.
Service typically takes 2-3 business days after your application is approved. The office uses QLess registration software, allowing you to check in via kiosk or remotely using a QR code to manage wait times if you apply in person.
For water main breaks or pipeline emergencies, call the 24-hour emergency line at 956-721-2010. For general utility questions during business hours, contact the City of Laredo 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 a default utility. This competitive environment has created a robust marketplace in Laredo, with rates starting well below the market average. The city offers a wide selection of plans, including an unusually high proportion of green energy options for environmentally conscious households. See the full Laredo electricity page for complete plan details and provider comparisons.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 6.9¢/kWh
Average rate: 14.59¢/kWh
Plans available: 111
Green energy plans: 109
Internet providers in Laredo
Laredo residents have access to several internet service providers offering a variety of connection types to suit different needs and budgets. Options include fiber, cable, fixed wireless, and satellite connections, providing coverage throughout the city. With five providers serving the area, households can compare plans ranging from basic browsing speeds to high-speed options suitable for streaming and remote work.
Spectrum
Major cable internet provider offering widespread coverage throughout Laredo with various speed tiers.
AT&T
Telecommunications company providing fiber and DSL internet services to residential and business customers.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider offering coverage in rural and underserved areas where wired connections are unavailable.
HughesNet
Satellite-based internet service delivering connectivity to locations beyond the reach of traditional cable or fiber networks.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Fixed wireless internet service utilizing T-Mobile's cellular network infrastructure for home connectivity.
Internet FAQ
Fiber internet offers the fastest speeds in Laredo, with potential speeds up to 5 Gbps in select areas. Cable internet is the next fastest option, typically providing speeds up to 1 Gbps for most residential customers.
Yes, satellite providers like Viasat and HughesNet serve rural areas where cable and fiber infrastructure may not reach. T-Mobile Home Internet may also be available depending on cellular coverage in your specific location.
For basic streaming and remote work, speeds of 25-50 Mbps are typically sufficient for one or two users. Households with multiple devices, video conferencing, or 4K streaming should consider plans offering 100 Mbps or higher.
Natural gas service in Laredo
CenterPoint Energy is the sole natural gas provider for Laredo residents, as Texas has not deregulated natural gas utilities. Natural gas is commonly used in Laredo homes for heating, cooking, and water heating, though some newer construction may be all-electric. To set up service or inquire about your account, contact CenterPoint Energy at 1-800-427-7142 or visit centerpointenergy.com. Their local office is located at 1901 Market St, Laredo, TX 78043.
Contact CenterPoint Energy online at centerpointenergy.com or call 1-800-427-7142. You'll need a government-issued photo ID and proof of residency. Request service at least one week before moving in, as technician appointments may be required. Connections typically take 3-5 business days.
A deposit may be required based on credit check results and cannot exceed two months' billing. You can waive the deposit with a utility credit letter, a Guaranty Agreement from an existing customer, or by enrolling in autopay and e-statements. Deposits are refunded after 12 months of on-time payments.
If you detect a gas odor, leave the area immediately and move to a safe location. Call CenterPoint Energy's emergency line at 713-659-2111 or 888-752-8036. Do not use electrical switches, phones, or anything that could create a spark while inside.
Common questions about utilities in Laredo
When moving to Laredo, you'll need to establish electric service (typically through AEP Texas or retail electric providers), 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 usually included with city water service.
Electric service in Laredo typically activates within 1-3 business days. City water and wastewater connections usually take 2-5 business days. Natural gas through CenterPoint Energy generally requires 3-5 business days. Internet installation may take 1-2 weeks depending on provider availability. Plan to start utility requests at least one week before your move-in date.
Most Laredo utility providers require a valid government-issued ID, your new service address, and a Social Security number or ITIN. The City of Laredo Utilities Department may also request a lease agreement or proof of property ownership. Some providers require a deposit based on credit history, while others accept a letter of credit from previous utility companies.
As of July 2026, electric providers and CenterPoint Energy gas service offer full online enrollment. Internet providers like Spectrum and AT&T also support online setup. However, the City of Laredo Utilities Department for water and wastewater service typically requires an in-person visit to their customer service office with proper identification and documentation.