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 for essential services. This guide walks you through the process of establishing water, sewage, garbage, electricity, gas, and internet service at your new residence. You’ll find information on which companies serve the McAllen area, what documents you’ll need, and the steps involved in activating each utility for your home.
Water service in Mcallen
McAllen Public Utility manages water service for approximately 168,909 residents in McAllen. The utility sources water from the Rio Grande River and handles all residential and commercial water accounts. To set up service or ask questions, contact McAllen Public Utility at 956-681-1600 or visit mcallenpublicutility.com. The Customer Relations office is located at McAllen City Hall, 1300 Houston Avenue, open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
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
Wastewater and sewer service is provided by McAllen Public Utility and bundled with your water account. No separate application is needed—your deposit covers water, sewer, and garbage combined. For wastewater issues during business hours, call 956-681-1750. For after-hours wastewater emergencies, contact 956-648-4010.
Garbage & Recycling
Garbage collection is handled by the City of McAllen Solid Waste Department and included in your city water billing. All residents receive a black cart for trash. Find your specific collection day by entering your address at mcallenpublicworks.net/my-collection-day. Bins must be curbside by 7:00 AM on collection day. Optional curbside recycling is available for $15.50 per month. For questions, call the Solid Waste Department at 956-681-4020.
You'll need a driver's license or state-issued ID (Mexican Nationals may use a passport, Visa Laser, or Matricula Consular), plus a formal rental lease agreement or closing documents if purchasing property. Commercial accounts require additional business structure documentation.
Deposits range from $100 to $1,000 depending on your location, as required by City Ordinance. The deposit cannot exceed one-sixth of estimated annual billings and covers water, sewer, and garbage. It's refundable after 12 consecutive months of on-time payments.
Apply online by downloading the application from mcallenpublicutility.com, completing it, and emailing it with required documents to [email protected]. You can also apply in person at McAllen City Hall. Service typically activates within 1-3 business days.
Electricity in Mcallen
McAllen residents benefit from Texas’s deregulated electricity market, which allows consumers to compare providers and select their own electricity plans. With 112 plans currently available in the area, shoppers can find rates starting as low as 6.9¢/kWh—significantly below the average market rate of 14.62¢/kWh. The local market also offers strong options for environmentally conscious consumers. Visit our full McAllen electricity page for detailed plan comparisons and provider information.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 6.9¢/kWh
Average rate: 14.59¢/kWh
Plans available: 111
Green energy plans: 109
Internet providers in Mcallen
McAllen residents have access to a variety of internet service options to meet different connectivity needs. The city is served by five internet providers offering fiber, cable, fixed wireless, and satellite connections. Whether you need high-speed fiber for demanding applications or satellite coverage in outlying areas, McAllen provides multiple choices for home internet service.
Spectrum
Major cable internet provider offering widely available service throughout the McAllen area with no data caps.
AT&T
Telecommunications company providing fiber and fixed wireless internet options in select McAllen neighborhoods.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider offering coverage across McAllen, including rural and underserved areas.
HughesNet
Satellite-based internet service available throughout McAllen regardless of location or infrastructure limitations.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Fixed wireless home internet service utilizing T-Mobile's cellular network infrastructure in the McAllen region.
Internet FAQ
Fiber internet offers the fastest speeds in McAllen, with providers like AT&T delivering up to 5 Gbps in select areas. Cable internet from Spectrum also provides high-speed options up to 1 Gbps for most residential customers.
Yes, satellite providers like Viasat and HughesNet offer coverage throughout the McAllen area, including rural locations. T-Mobile Home Internet may also be available where cellular coverage exists, providing alternatives where cable and fiber aren't accessible.
Cable internet uses coaxial lines and offers reliable speeds suitable for most households. Fiber internet transmits data via light through fiber-optic cables, providing faster speeds, lower latency, and more consistent performance, particularly for uploading large files.
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 the mild winter months. Due to South Texas’s warm climate, gas usage tends to be lower than in northern regions. To set up service, contact Texas Gas Service at 1-800-700-2443 or visit texasgasservice.com.
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 a government-issued ID and proof of occupancy. An adult must be present for connection. Contact at least one week before move-in.
A security deposit may be required based on your credit history. The deposit cannot exceed one-sixth of estimated annual billings and is refundable after 12 consecutive months of on-time payments. You may waive the deposit by enrolling in e-statements or automatic payment.
If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and do not use electrical switches or phones inside the building. Once you're safely outside, call Texas Gas Service's emergency line at 1-800-959-5325. Gas leaks require immediate professional attention for your safety.
Common questions about utilities in Mcallen
When moving to McAllen, you'll need to establish electricity service (available through various retail providers), water and wastewater service through the City of McAllen Public Utilities, natural gas through Texas Gas Service, and internet/cable through providers like Spectrum or AT&T. Trash collection is typically included with city water service.
Electricity in McAllen typically connects within 1-3 business days through your chosen retail provider. City water service usually requires 24-48 hours notice. Natural gas connections through Texas Gas Service generally take 3-5 business days. Internet installation may require a technician visit scheduled 3-7 days out, depending on provider availability.
Most McAllen utility providers require government-issued photo identification, your new service address, and Social Security number for credit verification. The City of McAllen Public Utilities may also request a lease agreement or property deed. Some providers accept alternative documentation like a passport or utility deposit in lieu of credit checks.
As of July 2026, electricity providers and Texas Gas Service offer full online enrollment for McAllen residents. Internet providers also support online signup with scheduled installation. However, City of McAllen water service requires visiting the Public Utilities office at City Hall or calling directly to establish new residential accounts.