Setting Up Utilities in Mcallen, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Mcallen, Texas.
Mcallen Utility Guide
Setting up utilities in McAllen requires coordinating with several different providers to get your home fully connected. This guide walks you through the process for each essential service—water, sewage, garbage, electricity, natural gas, and internet. You’ll find information on which companies serve the McAllen area, what documents you’ll need, and how to initiate service with each provider. Use this page as your central reference when moving to a new residence.
Water service in Mcallen
McAllen Public Utility provides water service to approximately 168,909 residents within city limits. Residents can set up service online by downloading the application from mcallenpublicutility.com and emailing it to [email protected], or by visiting McAllen City Hall at 1300 Houston Avenue, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For assistance, call 956-681-1600 or visit mcallenpublicutility.com.
McAllen Public Utility
Phone: 956-681-1600
Website: https://www.mcallenpublicutility.com
Office: McAllen City Hall Main Lobby, 1300 Houston Avenue, McAllen, TX 78501
Sewage Service
Sewer and wastewater service is provided by McAllen Public Utility and is bundled with water service. Your deposit covers water, sewer, and garbage combined. For wastewater issues during business hours, call 956-681-1750. After-hours emergencies can be reported at 956-648-4010.
Garbage & Recycling
Garbage collection is included with city water billing through the City of McAllen Solid Waste Department. All residents receive a black cart for trash, which must be curbside by 7:00 AM on collection day. Find your specific pickup schedule by entering your address at mcallenpublicworks.net. Optional recycling service is available for $15.50/month. Contact the Solid Waste Department at 956-681-4020 for questions.
You'll need a driver's license or state-issued ID. Mexican Nationals require a Passport, Visa Laser, or Matricula Consular. Depending on your situation, you may also need a formal rental lease agreement or closing documents if purchasing a home.
Residential deposits range from $100 to $1,000 depending on location. This deposit covers water, sewer, and garbage services as required by City Ordinance. It's refundable after two continuous years of on-time payments.
Requests submitted before 1:00 PM are processed the same day, while requests after 1:00 PM are processed the next business day. Service typically begins within two business days of your application being processed.
Electricity in Mcallen
McAllen residents benefit from Texas’s deregulated electricity market, which allows consumers to select their own electricity provider rather than being assigned to a single utility. With 118 available plans currently on the market, McAllen offers substantial choice for households comparing rates and plan structures. The competitive landscape has produced rates well below the market average for those who shop around. Visit our full McAllen electricity page for detailed plan comparisons and provider information.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 7.1¢/kWh
Average rate: 15.43¢/kWh
Plans available: 118
Green energy plans: 116
Internet providers in Mcallen
McAllen residents have access to several internet service options to meet various connectivity needs. The city is served by five providers offering fiber, cable, fixed wireless, and satellite connections. Whether you need high-speed fiber for demanding applications or satellite coverage in less accessible areas, McAllen’s internet infrastructure provides multiple choices for homes and businesses throughout the region.
Spectrum
Major cable internet provider offering widespread coverage with reliable speeds for residential and business customers.
AT&T
Telecommunications company providing fiber and internet services with various speed tiers across McAllen neighborhoods.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider delivering coverage to areas where traditional wired connections may be unavailable.
HughesNet
Satellite-based internet service offering connectivity options for rural and underserved locations in the McAllen area.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Fixed wireless provider using cellular network infrastructure to deliver home internet without traditional wiring.
Internet FAQ
McAllen offers fiber, cable, fixed wireless, and satellite internet connections. Fiber and cable typically provide the fastest speeds in urban areas, while satellite and fixed wireless options extend coverage to locations where wired infrastructure is limited.
Internet availability varies by location within McAllen. Contact providers directly or check their websites using your street address to confirm service availability, as coverage can differ significantly between neighborhoods and specific addresses.
Speed requirements depend on usage and household size. Basic browsing needs 25 Mbps, while streaming, gaming, and multiple devices typically require 100-300 Mbps. Larger households with heavy usage may benefit from speeds of 500 Mbps or higher.
Natural gas service in Mcallen
Natural gas service in McAllen is provided exclusively by Texas Gas Service, as the market is regulated and residents cannot choose alternative suppliers. Many homes use natural gas for water heating, cooking, and occasional heating during cooler months. Due to South Texas’s mild climate, gas usage tends to be lower than in northern regions. Contact Texas Gas Service at 1-800-700-2443 or visit texasgasservice.com to establish service.
Apply online at texasgasservice.com, through their mobile app, or call 1-800-700-2443 (Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM CT). You'll need government-issued ID and proof of occupancy. An adult must be present for connection. Service typically begins within 2-5 business days.
A security deposit may be required based on your credit history. The deposit cannot exceed one-sixth of estimated annual billings. It's refundable after 12 consecutive months of on-time payments and can be paid by credit card, debit card, or e-check.
Leave the area immediately and do not use electrical switches or phones inside the affected space. Once safely outside, call 911 and the Texas Gas Service emergency line at 1-800-959-5325. Do not re-enter until authorities confirm it's safe.
Common questions about utilities in Mcallen
When moving to McAllen, you'll need to establish electric service (typically through AEP Texas as the delivery provider with a retail electric provider of your choice), water and wastewater service through McAllen Public Utility, gas service through Texas Gas Service, and internet/cable through providers like Spectrum or AT&T.
Electric service in McAllen can often be activated within 24-48 hours. Water service through McAllen Public Utility typically requires 1-3 business days. Gas service with Texas Gas Service usually takes 2-5 business days. Internet installation may take 3-7 days depending on provider availability and whether professional installation is needed.
Most McAllen utility providers require government-issued photo identification, proof of residence such as a lease agreement or closing documents, your Social Security number for credit verification, and a deposit or credit check. McAllen Public Utility may also request proof of property ownership or landlord authorization for rental properties.
Electric service through retail providers and internet services typically offer full online enrollment. Texas Gas Service allows online applications. However, McAllen Public Utility for water service requires customers to apply in person at their customer service office on Bicentennial Boulevard, bringing required identification and deposit payment.