Free Austin Area Utility Concierge

Moving to a new home should feel simple, not exhausting. Our free Austin utility concierge sets up electricity, water, internet, and trash for you. Compare plans, schedule installs, and see the lowest available energy rates beyond Austin Energy. Save hours and avoid hold times with one coordinated setup.

Connect Your Utilities in the Austin Metro Area

Moving to Austin or the surrounding area is hard enough. Get connected fast with this complete guide to local utility providers.

Setting up essential services for a new apartment or a home purchase is not complicated. Across downtown Austin, the northern suburbs, and rural roads, our free directory guide shows who serves your new address but if you’d rather not do it on your own – we can help you connect to all the right service providers for free!

Keep scrolling to see who handles electricity, water, trash, gas, and internet, then get phone numbers and links in one place. Some prefer to call around on their own, but that often means longer wait times and repeat forms. Use our resource guide to make the right calls the first time and start service fast.

Quick Setup Checklist

Before you move in, you’ll typically need to arrange:

• ✓ Water/wastewater service
• ✓ Electricity connection
• ✓ Natural gas (if applicable)
• ✓ Trash & recycling pickup
• ✓ Internet/cable services

Pro Tip: Submit the short form above 5 to 7 business days before move-in. This timing gives us room to schedule same-day or next-day connection. If you’re moving on short notice, apply now and note your date. Some accounts need in-person ID checks or a deposit, which can add a day.

Water & Wastewater Providers

City-Operated Water Departments

If you live within city limits, your municipal utility department usually manages your water service, billing, and repairs. Some cities outsource operations to a regional authority, yet service requests still go through the city. Rural homes may rely on wells, which follow different rules.

Start by calling your city office. Many municipalities bundle water, sewer, trash, and even power into one account, which simplifies billing and reduces setup calls. You may handle deposits or a credit check once instead of repeating it with separate agencies. If your city does not bundle, they can point you to the right utility contacts, saving you back-and-forth.

Water Supply Corporations & Special Districts

Outside city limits, these organizations supply water to defined neighborhoods and subdivisions: They handle distribution, billing, and upkeep within their mapped service areas. City utilities do not serve these zones.

If you’re unsure which water district serves your address, review your closing papers, deed, or property tax statement for the district name. Renters should check the welcome letter from the leasing office or ask the property manager. You can also contact your HOA, which keeps records for your subdivision. Water districts follow property boundaries, not ZIP codes, so online guesses may be wrong.

Electricity Providers

Austin’s electric market includes regulated cooperatives and competitive retail providers, depending on where you live. Some addresses in and around the city are served by a co-op that sets its own rates and plans. Other neighborhoods fall in a competitive area, so customers pick from multiple retail suppliers. Many people expect full choice across Austin, yet service areas still hinge on boundary lines.

Electric Cooperatives (Membership-Based)

Cooperative benefits may include a member-owned structure with voting rights. Rates generally stay stable and are tied to actual operating costs. Strong local customer service from people who know your area while often the profits return to members or fund upgrades, not distant investors. Some worry co-ops move slowly, yet transparent boards and community input keep projects timely and focused.

Municipal Electric Utilities

Competitive Retail Electric Providers

In deregulated areas, you can shop for electricity plans, compare rates, contract terms, and renewable options. The utility still delivers power and handles outages, you simply choose the supplier. In regulated markets, your choice is limited to the default provider.

Shopping for plans and want more options? Our utility concierge experts compare rates, fees, and contract terms across dozens of providers at your address. Get explanations on the fine print, flag promo traps, and match plans to your usage, so you choose with confidence, not guesswork.

Regional Utility Companies

Natural Gas Service

Primary Gas Provider

Texas Gas Service handles natural gas connections throughout most of the Austin metro area.

• Phone: 800.700.2443
• Website: texasgasservice.com
• Service Notes: Schedule installation 3-5 days in advance; technician must be present for initial connection

Alternative: Propane Service

Texas Community Propane serves homes outside natural gas line coverage.

• Phone: 512.272.5503
• Website: texascommunitypropane.com
• Best for: Rural properties, temporary housing, backup heating systems

Waste Management & Recycling

Municipal Trash Services

Most cities listed above include trash collection, recycling, and other solid waste services as part of their standard utilities. Some offer extras like yard waste or bulk item pickup, while a few use private haulers, so coverage and schedules can vary. See the water/utilities table for your city’s phone, website, pickup schedules, and billing contacts.

Private Waste Collection

TDS Landfill, Inc (Texas Disposal Systems)

• Phone: 512.421.1363
• Website: texasdisposal.com
• Serves: Unincorporated areas, commercial properties, supplemental services
• Notable: Highly-rated local company with comprehensive recycling programs

Internet, TV & Phone Services

Spectrum (formerly Time Warner Cable)

• Phone: 512.485.5555
• Website: spectrum.com
• Services: High-speed internet, cable television, digital phone
• Coverage: Extensive throughout Austin metro area

ATT

• Phone: 800.288.2020
• Website: att.com
• Services: High-speed internet, wireless, bundled services and digital phone
• Coverage: Widespread and available throughout Austin metro area

Astound (formerly Grande Communications)

• Phone: 800.427.8686
• Website: astound.com
• Services: High-speed internet, cable television, digital phone
• Coverage: Limited coverage throughout Austin metro area

Google Fiber

• Phone: 866.777.7550
• Website: fiber.google.com
• Services: High-speed internet, cable television, digital phone
• Coverage: Large coverage area throughout Austin metro area

Additional options may be available at your exact address, including AT&T Fiber, Google Fiber, Grande Communications, or satellite services. Coverage can change by block or building, and fiber often needs existing lines or new installs. Satellite reaches most areas, but speeds, latency, or data caps can limit use. Run an address lookup on each provider’s site, include your unit number, to see real availability, pricing, and install dates. Maps look close enough, but only the address check confirms service.

Service Connection Timeline & Tips

Recommended Setup Schedule

Money-Saving Tips

1. Bundle when possible: If your city offers water, trash, power, or internet on one account, you get one invoice and fewer due dates. Some cities add bundle discounts or waive fees. If separate providers offer lower rates, run the numbers and stick with the cheaper
2. Ask about deposits: If you have strong credit, request a waiver or a lower amount. Some utilities set deposits by credit history, so ask for a review and written terms. If they decline, ask about a payment plan or a reduction after on-time bill payment.
3. Compare electric rates: Switching providers often saves $200 or more per year, based on plan rates and your kWh use. Check the energy charge, contract length, and early termination fees. Watch for promo rates that expire. If your usage is low or fees are high, savings shrink. Use your last bill to match kWh tiers and estimate the real annual cost.
4. Set up autopay: Many providers offer small discounts for automatic payments, and you avoid late fees. If you worry about overdrafts, schedule the draft right after payday or route it to a credit card, then pay the card in full each month. Review statements monthly to catch errors and confirm the discount applies.
5. Check for new customer promotions: Internet and electric providers often run short-term deals, such as free installation, bill credits, or 6 to 12 month introductory rates. Review provider sites, mailers, and comparison tools, then call sales to confirm eligibility and fees. Ask about equipment charges, data caps, and contract terms. If you are not new, request a retention offer or a price match.

Common Questions

Do I Need to Be Home? Internet vs. Power, Water, and Gas

Be home for internet installs since the technician may need to enter your unit. For standard electricity, water, and gas activations, presence is usually not required. Outdoor internet work sometimes proceeds without you if access is arranged with codes and clear paths.

What Documents Should I Have Ready?

• Photo ID
• Lease or closing documents
• Move‑in date
• Full service address and unit number
• Social Security Number or EIN
• Gate or building access codes

Keep these in one folder for quick calls.

When Should I Schedule Each Utility?

• Order 5 to 7 business days before move‑in when possible.
• Electricity often starts same‑day if you order early in the morning.
• Water and gas usually need 1 to 3 business days.
• Internet ranges from self‑install same‑day to technician visits within 3 to 7 days.

Prep Your Place for Technicians

• Unlock gates and doors.
• Clear paths to meters, demarc boxes, and utility panels.
• Secure pets.
• Label the unit and confirm parking or access.
• Ensure someone 18 or older is on site for internet installs.

Short on Time? Let a Utility Concierge Handle It

A local concierge service sets up power, water, gas, and internet by address. The team compares plans, secures promotions, schedules installs, and coordinates inspections when needed. You get working power and Wi‑Fi on day one without long hold times.

Ready to get connected. Use the tables above to contact each provider directly. Have your address, unit number, and move-in date ready to speed things up. Most services activate within 1 to 3 business days with proper notice. Some setups may take longer due to building access or credit checks, so plan ahead. Need faster help at no extra cost? Our free utility concierge can coordinate calls, confirm appointments, and often shorten timelines.