Houston Utilities Setup Guide

⚠️ Set up electricity and water 1-3 business days BEFORE your move-in date to ensure service is active when you arrive.

1. Electricity (Choose Your Provider)

Texas has a deregulated electricity market — you choose your Retail Electric Provider (REP). In Houston, CenterPoint Energy handles delivery but you pick who bills you.

  • Compare plans at PowerToChoose.org
  • Recommended: 12-month fixed-rate plan for new residents
  • Budget: $100-200/month for apartments, $150-400 for houses (expect higher summer bills due to AC — Houston summers average 95°F+)
  • See our Texas Electricity Guide for detailed comparison tips

2. Water

Water is provided by City of Houston Public Works (not deregulated — one provider for your area).

  • Sign up online or in person before move-in
  • Average bill: $40-80/month
  • Deposit may be required for new accounts

MUD Fee Note: If you're moving to a suburban Houston address in a Municipal Utility District (MUD), you may have a separate water/sewer provider and an additional MUD tax of 0.2%-0.8% on your property. Check with your builder or HOA to confirm your MUD status.

3. Natural Gas

CenterPoint Energy handles both electricity delivery and natural gas in Greater Houston. Gas is used for heating, water heaters, and some stoves.

  • Sign up at centerpointenergy.com
  • Average bill: $20-50/month (Houston uses less gas due to milder winters)

4. Internet & TV

Major providers in Houston:

  • Comcast Xfinity: Dominant cable provider in Houston, wide coverage
  • AT&T Fiber: Available in many areas, up to 5 Gbps
  • T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: No contracts, fixed pricing
  • Tachus Fiber: Local Houston fiber provider with excellent reviews (limited areas)

Pro tip: Check availability at your specific address before signing a lease. Fiber availability varies block by block.

5. Trash & Recycling

In Houston city limits, trash and recycling service is provided by the City of Houston Solid Waste Management and included in your water bill. Suburban areas and MUD districts typically use private haulers — check with your HOA or landlord.

Setup Timeline

2 weeks before Choose electricity provider, schedule water service
1 week before Set up gas, schedule internet installation
Move-in day Verify all utilities active, meet internet installer

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up electricity in Houston?

Texas has a deregulated electricity market in most areas. Visit PowerToChoose.org to compare plans from dozens of retail electric providers. Look at the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for true pricing. Set up service 2-3 business days before your move-in date.

How do I start water and sewer service in Houston?

Water service is handled by your local city utility department, not a private provider. Call or visit the city utility office with your lease or deed, government-issued ID, and Social Security number to start service. Expect a deposit of $50-$200.

Do I need gas service in Houston?

It depends on your home. Many Houston homes use natural gas for heating, water heaters, and stoves. If your home has gas appliances, contact the local gas provider to start service before move-in. All-electric homes do not need gas service.

What internet providers are available in Houston?

Major providers in the Houston area include AT&T (fiber and DSL), Spectrum (cable), T-Mobile Home Internet (fixed wireless), and various local fiber providers. Availability varies by address — check coverage before signing a lease.

How much do utilities cost per month in Houston?

Average total utility costs for a standard Houston apartment run $150-$250 per month, including electricity, water, gas, and trash. Summer electricity bills are often the largest expense due to air conditioning. Budget $200-$350 for summer months.

What is a retail electric provider and how do I choose one?

A retail electric provider (REP) sells you electricity on the deregulated Texas grid. Plans vary by rate type (fixed vs. variable), contract length, and renewable energy content. Compare the price per kWh at your expected usage level — not just the advertised rate.

Related Resources

→ Texas Electricity Guide → Moving Guide & Checklists → Find Internet Providers → Cost of Living Calculator → Housing Overview → Browse Neighborhoods