Setting Up Utilities in Waco, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Waco, Texas.
Waco Utility Guide
Setting up utilities in Waco 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, gas, and internet. You’ll find information on which companies serve the Waco area, what documents you’ll need, and how to initiate service with each provider. Whether you’re moving to a new home or transferring existing accounts, this resource covers everything you need to get started.
Water service in Waco
City of Waco Water Utility Services provides water to approximately 130,194 residents, with Lake Waco serving as the primary water source. New residents can set up service online, by phone at 254-299-2489, by email at [email protected], or in person at the Water Office located at 425 Franklin Avenue. The office is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with drive-thru service available.
City of Waco Water Utility Services
Phone: 254-299-2489
Website: https://www.waco-texas.com/Departments/Water-Utility-Services
Office: 425 Franklin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701
Sewage Service
Sewer and wastewater service is bundled with water service through the City of Waco. If your address has water, sewer, and solid waste services available, all charges are consolidated on a single utility bill. No separate setup is required for sewer service.
Garbage & Recycling
City of Waco Solid Waste Services provides residential curbside collection, included on your city utility bill. Trash (gray cart) is collected weekly, while recycling (blue cart) and yard waste (green cart) are collected bi-weekly. All collections occur on your designated pickup day based on your zone. Carts must be curbside by 7 AM. Download the Waco Curbside Services app for schedule reminders. For solid waste inquiries, call 254-299-2612.
You can start service online via the Start Service Form on the City of Waco website, by phone at 254-299-2489, by email at [email protected], or in person at 425 Franklin Avenue. Service activation typically takes 2-3 business days.
You'll need a Texas driver's license number, Social Security number for credit verification, your service address, and possibly a lease agreement or proof of property ownership. These documents help verify your identity and establish your account.
New accounts require a security deposit ranging from $75 to $300, depending on credit history and previous account standing. Your first bill will also include a $50 service fee and a $12.50 solid waste administration fee.
Electricity in Waco
Waco residents benefit from Texas’s deregulated electricity market, which allows consumers to choose their own electricity provider rather than being assigned to a single utility. This competition has created a robust marketplace in the Waco area, with rates varying significantly between providers. The difference between the lowest and average rates represents potential savings for households willing to compare options. For complete details on providers and plan types, visit our full Waco electricity page.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 7.58¢/kWh
Average rate: 15.61¢/kWh
Plans available: 121
Green energy plans: 119
Internet providers in Waco
Waco residents have access to several internet service providers offering a variety of connection types. Options include fiber, cable, satellite, and fixed wireless services, providing coverage across urban and rural areas of the city. Whether you need high-speed fiber for demanding applications or satellite service in less connected areas, Waco offers multiple choices to meet different household needs and budgets.
AT&T
Major telecommunications provider offering fiber and DSL internet services with various speed tiers for residential customers.
Spectrum
Cable internet provider delivering high-speed service without data caps and bundled options for TV and phone.
Viasat
Satellite internet provider serving rural and underserved areas where traditional wired connections may not be available.
HughesNet
Nationwide satellite internet service offering connectivity to homes in remote locations throughout the Waco area.
T-Mobile
Wireless carrier providing fixed wireless home internet using 5G and 4G LTE networks for residential customers.
Internet FAQ
Fiber internet offers the fastest speeds in Waco, with some providers delivering up to 5 Gbps. Fiber provides symmetrical upload and download speeds, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and remote work applications.
Yes, satellite providers like Viasat and HughesNet serve rural areas where cable and fiber infrastructure may not reach. Fixed wireless from T-Mobile is another option depending on cellular coverage in your specific location.
Consider your household's speed requirements, the number of connected devices, data caps, and availability at your address. Fiber and cable typically offer faster speeds, while satellite provides broader coverage in underserved areas.
Natural gas service in Waco
Natural gas service in Waco is provided exclusively by Atmos Energy, the regulated utility for the area. Most Waco homes rely on natural gas for heating, water heaters, and cooking appliances. To set up service, contact Atmos Energy at 888-286-6700 or visit atmosenergy.com. For gas emergencies, residents should call the dedicated emergency line at 866-322-8667.
Submit a request online through the Atmos Energy Start Service form at atmosenergy.com or call 888-286-6700. You'll need a government-issued photo ID, Social Security number, and your new service address. Schedule 3-5 business days before your move-in date.
Atmos Energy charges a start-up fee of approximately $60. A deposit of around $90 may be required based on credit check results. Deposits are refundable after maintaining one year of good payment history with the utility.
Yes, an Atmos Energy technician must visit your home to inspect gas lines and light pilot lights on appliances such as water heaters and furnaces. This is why scheduling 3-5 business days in advance of your move-in date is recommended.
Common questions about utilities in Waco
When moving to Waco, you'll need to establish electricity service (through a retail electric provider of your choice), water and wastewater service through the City of Waco, natural gas through Texas Gas Service, and internet/cable from providers like Spectrum or AT&T. Trash collection is typically included with City of Waco water service.
Electricity can typically be connected within 24-48 hours through your chosen retail provider. City of Waco water service usually requires 2-3 business days' notice. Texas Gas Service generally needs 3-5 business days for activation. Internet installation appointments may take 1-2 weeks depending on provider availability and infrastructure at your address.
Most Waco utility providers require government-issued photo identification, your new service address, and a Social Security number for credit verification. You may also need a lease agreement or proof of property ownership. Some providers accept alternative identification or may require a security deposit if credit history is limited.
Electricity providers in Texas offer full online enrollment through PowerToChoose.org. Texas Gas Service allows online applications. Internet providers typically offer online ordering. However, City of Waco water service as of April 2026 requires completing an application either in person at the Waco Water Utility Office or by phone.