Setting Up Utilities in Lubbock, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Lubbock, Texas.
Lubbock Utility Guide
Setting up utilities in Lubbock 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 Lubbock, electricity from your choice of retail providers, natural gas service, garbage collection, and internet options available in your area. Below you’ll find the contact information, requirements, and steps needed to establish each account.
Water service in Lubbock
City of Lubbock Utilities (COLU) provides water service to residents within city limits. You can establish service by calling 806-775-2509, visiting the Citizens Tower office at 1401 Avenue K, or submitting an online request through the COLU Forms portal at coluforms.ci.lubbock.tx.us. Service typically activates within 2-3 business days, so plan to initiate requests at least one week before your move-in date. COLU provides consolidated billing for water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste services.
City of Lubbock Utilities (COLU)
Phone: 806-775-2509
Website: https://mylubbock.us/departments/city-of-lubbock-utilities
Office: 1401 Avenue K, Lubbock, TX 79401 (directly southeast of Citizens Tower)
Sewage Service
Wastewater and sewage service is provided by the City of Lubbock Water Utilities Department and is automatically included when you establish water service. No separate setup is required. Sewage charges appear on your consolidated COLU bill alongside water, stormwater, and solid waste fees.
Garbage & Recycling
Garbage collection through the City of Lubbock Solid Waste Management Department is automatically included with water service at approximately $16.25 monthly. Collection occurs twice weekly—either Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday, depending on your address. Carts must be curbside by 7:00 AM on collection days. Call 806-775-2495 to verify your schedule. Bulk items are not collected curbside; residents must self-haul to one of four Citizen Convenience Stations, which are free for Lubbock residents with valid ID. No curbside recycling is available, but 10 drop-off locations accept paper, cardboard, plastics #1-2, aluminum, tin, and appliances.
You'll need a valid government-issued photo ID, Social Security number for credit verification, signed lease agreement or proof of property ownership, and your new service address. Some cases may require a previous utility bill.
Residential customers pay a $150 refundable deposit. Exemptions are available for seniors and domestic violence victims. The deposit may be waived with proof of creditworthiness and is refundable after 12 consecutive months of on-time payments.
The Citizens Tower office at 1401 Avenue K is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A 24/7 outdoor automated payment kiosk is available on-site for bill payments. Street parking is available along Avenues K and L.
Electricity in Lubbock
Lubbock residents benefit from Texas’s deregulated electricity market, meaning they have the freedom to choose their own electricity provider rather than being assigned to a single utility. With 65 plans currently available in the area, shoppers can compare options based on rate, contract length, and energy source. The competitive market has produced rates starting as low as 9.3¢/kWh. For complete plan comparisons and provider details, visit our full Lubbock electricity page.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 9.1¢/kWh
Average rate: 16.47¢/kWh
Plans available: 68
Green energy plans: 66
Internet providers in Lubbock
Lubbock residents have access to several internet service options across multiple connection types. The city is served by fiber, cable, and satellite providers, offering flexibility for different needs and locations. Urban areas typically have access to high-speed fiber and cable connections, while satellite options extend coverage to surrounding rural communities where wired infrastructure may be limited.
AT&T
National telecommunications provider offering fiber and DSL internet services to residential and business customers in Lubbock.
Vexus Fiber
Regional fiber-optic provider delivering high-speed internet services throughout the Lubbock area.
Suddenlink
Cable internet provider serving Lubbock with broadband connections for homes and businesses.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider offering coverage to Lubbock residents, including those in areas without wired infrastructure.
HughesNet
Satellite-based internet service available throughout Lubbock and surrounding rural areas.
Internet FAQ
Fiber-optic internet offers the fastest speeds in Lubbock, with providers like AT&T and Vexus Fiber delivering up to 1 Gbps. Fiber connections also provide symmetrical upload and download speeds, making them ideal for remote work and streaming.
Yes, satellite internet providers like Viasat and HughesNet offer coverage in rural areas surrounding Lubbock where cable and fiber infrastructure may not reach. Satellite service requires a clear view of the southern sky for dish installation.
Consider your household's speed requirements, the number of connected devices, and whether your address has fiber or cable availability. Rural residents may need to rely on satellite options, which typically have higher latency than wired connections.
Natural gas service in Lubbock
Natural gas service in Lubbock is provided exclusively by Atmos Energy (West Texas Division), as Texas has not deregulated natural gas utilities. Many Lubbock homes use natural gas for heating, water heaters, and cooking, though some properties operate on all-electric systems. To set up service, contact Atmos Energy at 888-286-6700 or visit atmosenergy.com. A technician appointment is required for activation, and an adult must be present.
You'll need a government-issued photo ID, your service address, and optionally your Social Security number (which helps determine deposit requirements). Schedule service 1-2 weeks before your move-in date. An adult 18 or older must be home during the technician appointment to activate gas and relight pilot lights.
Deposits are credit-based. Providing your SSN during signup allows Atmos Energy to check your credit history—good credit may waive the deposit entirely. Without an SSN or with poor credit, expect approximately $90 deposit plus a $60 start-up fee. Deposits are typically refundable after 12 months of on-time payments.
If you suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately and call the Atmos Energy 24/7 emergency line at 866-322-8667. Do not use electrical switches or open flames. Additionally, always call 811 before any digging projects to have underground gas lines marked for safety.
Common questions about utilities in Lubbock
When moving to Lubbock, you'll need to establish electricity service through a retail electric provider of your choice, water and wastewater through the City of Lubbock, natural gas through Atmos Energy, and internet/cable through providers like Suddenlink or AT&T. Trash collection is typically included with city water service.
Most Lubbock utilities can be connected within one to three business days when scheduled in advance. Electricity through retail providers often activates same-day or next-day. City water typically requires 24-48 hours notice. Gas connections through Atmos Energy may take two to five business days, especially during peak moving seasons.
Generally, you'll need government-issued photo ID, your new Lubbock address, and Social Security number for credit verification. Some providers may request a lease agreement or proof of ownership. The City of Lubbock water department may require a deposit depending on credit history. Previous utility account information can help expedite processing.
Most Lubbock utilities offer online enrollment as of June 2026. Electricity providers and Atmos Energy gas service allow complete online signup. However, City of Lubbock water service may require an in-person visit to City Hall or a customer service center for new accounts, particularly for deposit payments and identity verification.