Setting Up Utilities in Temple, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Temple, Texas.
Temple Utility Guide
Setting up utilities in Temple requires coordinating with multiple providers for essential services like water, electricity, gas, and internet. This guide walks you through the process for each utility type, including contact information, required documentation, and what to expect during activation. Whether you’re moving into a new home or transferring services to a different address, you’ll find the details you need to get your water, power, gas, and internet connected efficiently.
Water service in Temple
The City of Temple Utility Business Office manages water service for Temple residents. You can set up service online, by email at [email protected], by fax at 254-298-5263, or in person at their office located at 401 N. 3rd St, Temple, TX 76501. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For questions, call 254-298-5616 or visit templetx.gov/departments/city_departments/utility_business_office.
City of Temple Utility Business Office
Phone: 254-298-5616
Website: https://www.templetx.gov/departments/city_departments/utility_business_office/index.php
Office: 401 N. 3rd St, Temple, TX 76501
Sewage Service
Wastewater and sewer service is provided by the City of Temple and included on your monthly utility bill alongside water, solid waste, and drainage fees. The city operates its own wastewater collection and treatment facilities, so no separate account setup is required.
Garbage & Recycling
The City of Temple Solid Waste Division provides weekly garbage and curbside recycling collection on the same day. Routes follow a color-coded Monday through Friday schedule. Residents can find their specific collection day by entering their address at templetx.gov/solidwaste. Service costs $22.50 per month plus tax and appears on your utility bill. For questions, contact Solid Waste Services at 254-298-5725.
You'll need a driver's license, Social Security card (or Military ID), a lease agreement or proof of ownership, and a completed Request for New Service and Confidentiality form. Some accounts may require an in-person visit to the Utility Business Office.
Residential deposits range from $75 to $115 depending on meter size. A $25 new account fee is also applied to your first bill. Deposits are typically refunded after one year of on-time payments or when your account closes.
Water service requires one business day's notice. For same-day connections, submit your request by 12:00 PM. Water is connected during a scheduled two-hour window, and someone must be present at the property during the connection.
Electricity in Temple
Temple residents benefit from Texas’s deregulated electricity market, which allows consumers to compare and select their preferred electricity provider rather than being assigned a default utility. With 109 available plans currently on the market, Temple offers a competitive landscape for electricity shoppers. Rates vary significantly across providers, making it worthwhile to review options before committing to a plan. Visit our full Temple electricity page for detailed plan comparisons and provider information.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 8.71¢/kWh
Average rate: 15.96¢/kWh
Plans available: 109
Green energy plans: 107
Internet providers in Temple
Temple residents have access to multiple internet service providers offering various connection types to suit different needs and budgets. Available options include fiber, cable, satellite, and fixed wireless connections. With five providers serving the area, households can choose from high-speed fiber for demanding usage or satellite options for more remote locations within the Temple area.
AT&T
Major telecommunications provider offering fiber and DSL internet services with a range of speed tiers for residential customers.
Spectrum
Cable internet provider delivering high-speed connections without data caps and bundled service options.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider offering coverage in rural and underserved areas where wired connections may be unavailable.
HughesNet
Satellite-based internet service providing nationwide coverage including remote locations throughout the Temple area.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Fixed wireless internet service utilizing cellular network infrastructure to deliver home broadband without traditional wired installation.
Internet FAQ
Fiber internet offers the fastest speeds in Temple, with providers like AT&T delivering up to 5 Gbps. Fiber connections provide symmetrical upload and download speeds and are ideal for households with multiple users or devices.
Yes, satellite providers like Viasat and HughesNet serve rural areas around Temple where cable and fiber may not reach. T-Mobile Home Internet's fixed wireless service may also be available depending on cellular coverage in your location.
For basic streaming and remote work, speeds of 25-50 Mbps are typically sufficient. Households with multiple users streaming in 4K or participating in video calls simultaneously should consider plans offering 100 Mbps or higher.
Natural gas service in Temple
Natural gas service in Temple is provided exclusively by Atmos Energy, as gas utilities are not deregulated in Texas. Many Temple homes use natural gas for heating, water heaters, and cooking appliances, though all-electric homes are also common. To start service, contact Atmos Energy at 888-286-6700 or visit atmosenergy.com. A technician appointment is required to activate service, and someone must be present at the property during the scheduled window.
Visit atmosenergy.com and click 'Start/Transfer Service' or call 888-286-6700 (Monday-Friday, 7 AM – 6 PM Central). You'll need to schedule an appointment for a technician visit, and someone must be home during the 8 AM – 5 PM weekday window.
Deposit requirements are based on a credit check. Providing your Social Security Number during signup helps determine if a deposit is needed. Typical residential deposits are around $90 and are refundable after approximately one year of good payment history. A $60 connection fee may also apply.
If you suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately and call Atmos Energy's emergency line at 866-322-8667. Do not use electrical switches or create sparks. Before any digging projects, call 811 at least 3 business days in advance to have underground utilities marked.
Common questions about utilities in Temple
When moving to Temple, you'll need to establish electricity service through a retail electric provider of your choice, water and wastewater service through the City of Temple, 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 Temple utilities can be connected within 1-3 business days if requested in advance. Electricity through retail providers often activates same-day or next-day. City of Temple water service typically requires 24-48 hours notice. Natural gas connections through Atmos Energy usually take 1-3 business days depending on scheduling availability.
Generally, you'll need government-issued photo identification, your new Temple service address, and proof of residency such as a lease agreement or closing documents. Some providers may require a Social Security number for credit checks. The City of Temple water department may request a deposit depending on credit history.
Electricity providers and Atmos Energy gas service offer full online enrollment. Internet providers like AT&T and Suddenlink also support online setup. However, City of Temple water service requires visiting City Hall or calling their utility billing department directly, as online-only enrollment is not currently available as of February 2026.