How to Set Up Utilities and Home Services in Houston, TX

Setting up water

In the City of Houston, water, sewage and garbage collection are bundled as a part of the city's services and managed by the Houston Public Works.

How do I set up water service?

Houston residents can set up water online using the city's move in service request form. You can also call 713-371-1400 for phone setup.

What do I need to get my Houston water set up?

Requirements may vary based on your individual circumstances, but in general you will need:
-your driver's license of other government issued photo ID
-your social security number
-your new address
-your phone number

How do I pay my bill?

You can pay by mail, by phone, and online by registering your account with Houston Public works.

How do I transfer water service?

You can transfer service using the city's move-in service request form. If you need to cancel service, reach out to Houston Public Works' customer service department at 713-371-1400.

Houston Public Works isn't recognizing my address. What do I do?

Many residents of Harris county are served by individual municipal utility districts (MUDs). You may be located in one of these. To find your district, enter your address here.

Setting up internet

Houston, TX has several internet service providers (ISPs) offering various connection types, including fiber, cable, DSL, and satellite.

How do I set up internet service?

Identifying what is available at your address can be a time consuming process. You can check with each ISP at their individual website or your can check the FCC Broadband Map (though it's less than 100% reliable). 2TurnItOn has a centralized availability tool - give us a call at 888-300-6961 and we can quickly present you with options available for your new home.

What are my options?

Your options are dependent on your address, as all options and ISPs are not available at every location. Generally speaking, you may be able to choose from fiber, cable, DSL and/or satellite. A 2TurnItOn specialist can help you identify the best options for your home.

What ISPs serve the Houston area?

A list of common providers includes:
1. AT&T Internet – Offers fiber and DSL with speeds up to 5 Gbps in some areas.
2. Xfinity – Provides cable internet with speeds up to 1.2 Gbps.
3. Frontier – Offers fiber and DSL services, with fiber speeds up to 5 Gbps.
4. Google Fiber – Available in limited parts of the city, with speeds up to 2 Gbps.
5. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet – Wireless home internet using T-Mobile’s 5G network.
6. Verizon 5G Home Internet – Wireless internet via Verizon’s 5G network in select areas.
7. HughesNet – Satellite internet with speeds up to 25 Mbps, ideal for rural areas.
8. Viasat – Satellite internet offering speeds up to 100 Mbps in some locations.

What's the difference between the different kinds of internet?

The main difference between internet types lies in speed and reliability. Fiber uses light over fiber-optic cables, offering the fastest speeds and most reliable service. Cable uses coaxial cables and provides high speeds, though it can slow down during peak times. DSL delivers internet over phone lines and is slower but widely available. Satellite uses satellites to provide internet in remote areas but tends to have higher latency and lower speeds. 5G is a wireless option that uses cellular networks for fast speeds, though performance depends on proximity to 5G towers.

Setting up electricity

Houston residents get to choose their electricity provider.

What is electricity choice?

Electricity choice in Houston allows residents to select their electricity provider from a competitive marketplace. Instead of being limited to a single utility company, consumers can compare different electricity plans, rates, and services from multiple providers, choosing the one that best fits their needs. The local utility (Centerpoint) still manages power delivery and maintenance, but residents can shop for the best rates and contract terms that suit their energy usage. This competition helps offer more flexibility, lower costs, and tailored plans for consumers.

How do I choose a plan?

Choosing the right plan can be complicated. 2TurnItOn offers tools to comparison shop for electricity plans. Other sites, like Compare Power provide a robust set of tools for comparing energy plans. The Public Utilities Commission also offers a comparison site, Power to Choose.

Can someone discuss my options with me?

Our team of electricity specialists would be glad to discuss your options with you. We've been helping Houston residents with electricity for over 15 years. Call us at 888-300-6961

But I'm in a contract, what do I do?

If you are moving homes, Texas law states that you can terminate your existing energy contract with no penalties.

Who are the electricity companies in Houston?

Some of the top companies serving Houston include:
-TXU Energy
-Reliant Energy
-Direct Energy
-Green Mountain Energy
-Constellation
-Just Energy
-Gexa Energy

These providers offer diverse plans, from fixed rates to renewable energy options, tailored to meet different household needs. While consumers choose their provider, CenterPoint Energy handles electricity delivery and maintenance across the Houston area.

Setting up gas

Houston residents are served by a single gas provider.

Where do I sign up for gas service?

For residential gas in the Houston area, the provider is Centerpoint Energy. You can activate service on the phone at 713-659-2111 or through their online start service form.

Anything else I should know?

Be sure to sign up well before your move-in date, so a technician can come out to inspect gas lines and turn on pilot lights.

How do I pay my gas bill?

You can pay by mail or online. Customers who pay online can also sign up for autopay to make sure they don't miss a payment.

How to turn it on in Houston, TX