New to Texas? How to Set Up Your Utilities Step by Step
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Relocating to Texas is an exciting experience — wide open skies, welcoming communities, and vibrant cities from Austin to Houston and Dallas. But if you’ve just moved to the Lone Star State, you’ll quickly realize that setting up your utilities may not work the same way as it did back home.
Texas has its own unique utility landscape, especially when it comes to electricity. Whether you're a renter or new homeowner, this guide will walk you through how to set up your utilities in Texas step by step, without the confusion or stress.
Know Which Utilities You’ll Need to Set Up
Start by listing the essential services your household requires. These typically include:
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Electricity
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Water and sewer
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Natural gas (if applicable)
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Trash and recycling
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Internet and cable
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Optional: Home security, pest control, or propane
Depending on your city and home type, some utilities may be bundled or managed by the city, while others will need to be set up individually.
Understand Texas’s Deregulated Electricity Market
One of the biggest differences for newcomers is Texas’s deregulated electricity system. In most parts of the state (except for some municipalities and co-op areas), residents can choose their electricity provider from a list of Retail Electric Providers (REPs).
This means:
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You get to compare electricity plans based on rates, contract length, and renewable energy options.
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Your local utility company still maintains the power lines and responds to outages — but you buy your electricity through a REP.
What You Need to Do:
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Go to PowerToChoose.org – the state’s official comparison tool.
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Enter your ZIP code to see available electricity providers and plans.
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Compare:
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Price per kilowatt-hour (kWh)
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Contract terms
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Early termination fees
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Renewable energy percentages
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Select your provider and sign up online or by phone.
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Provide your move-in date, new address, and basic info (some may request ID or a deposit).
Tip: Schedule activation 1–2 days before your move-in date to ensure power is already on.
Set Up Water and Sewer Services
Water and sewer services are usually city-operated in Texas. You’ll need to set up an account directly with your local municipality or water utility department.
How to Set Up Water in Texas:
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Search your city’s official website (e.g., Plano.gov, AustinTexas.gov, etc.).
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Find the “Utility Services” or “Water Billing” section.
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Complete an online form or call the utility office to:
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Start service
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Provide move-in date and address
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Upload a lease or proof of ownership
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Pay a deposit (if required)
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Activation often takes 24–48 hours, so plan ahead.
Set Up Natural Gas (If Your Home Uses It)
Many homes in Texas use natural gas for:
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Heating
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Cooking
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Water heaters
In most areas, the natural gas provider is Atmos Energy, though there are exceptions depending on your region.
What to Do:
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Visit AtmosEnergy.com
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Use the “Start Service” feature
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Provide your address, move-in date, and identification
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Schedule a technician visit (if gas needs to be turned on)
Important: You’ll need to be present during activation for safety reasons.
Establish Trash and Recycling Services
Trash and recycling pickup is also typically managed by your city. Once you set up your water service, trash may be automatically included, but you should still confirm:
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Your collection schedule
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Rules about bins, recycling, and bulk items
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Whether you need to request bin delivery
Visit your city’s public works or sanitation department website for instructions.
Choose an Internet and Cable Provider
Internet availability in Texas varies by neighborhood. In urban and suburban areas, you’ll usually have multiple options like:
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AT&T Fiber
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Spectrum
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Frontier
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Xfinity
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T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
To Set Up:
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Visit each provider’s website to check service availability at your new address.
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Compare:
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Speed tiers (download and upload)
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Equipment fees
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Contracts and promotions
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Schedule installation — many providers can activate service remotely or deliver equipment to self-install.
If you work from home or stream often, consider fiber or gigabit-speed plans for better reliability.
Don’t Forget Optional Services
Depending on your lifestyle and home type, you may also need to set up:
Home Security:
Companies like ADT, Ring, and Vivint offer home security with monitoring options. Choose one that fits your budget and home layout.
Propane (for rural homes):
If you live outside city limits and don’t have access to gas lines, you may need to arrange propane delivery.
Pest Control:
Insects like fire ants, wasps, and roaches are common in Texas. Consider monthly or quarterly pest control services, especially in warmer months.
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Track All Activation Dates and Account Info
As you set up each utility, keep a simple spreadsheet or digital note that includes:
| Utility | Provider | Account # | Start Date | Contact Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | [Your REP] | 123456 | MM/DD/YYYY | 1-800-XXX-XXXX |
| Water | [City Utility] | 987654 | MM/DD/YYYY | [City contact] |
| Gas | Atmos Energy | 112233 | MM/DD/YYYY | 1-888-286-6700 |
| Internet | Spectrum | A123456 | MM/DD/YYYY | 1-844-XXX-XXXX |
This makes bill management and troubleshooting much easier later on.
Watch for Your First Bills
Expect your first utility bills to arrive within 30–45 days, often including:
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A prorated amount if you moved in mid-cycle
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Setup or activation fees
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Any security deposit details
Set up autopay or email reminders to avoid missed payments as you get settled in.
Final Thoughts
Texas has a unique utility system, especially when it comes to choosing your electricity provider. But with a little planning, setting up your utilities can be simple and seamless.
Start early, keep track of your accounts, and don’t hesitate to ask your landlord, realtor, or neighbors if you’re unsure who services your area. Once you’ve got power, water, and internet running, you’ll be ready to enjoy everything your new Texas home has to offer.
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