- Free Installation
- Free 360 Wi-Fi Equipment
- Speeds up to 8 Gbps
- $20 off per month with a AT&T Wireless Unlimited bundle
- Get 1 Gbps for $45/month
Electric Providers in Tucson
Electricity in Tucson is provided by Tucson Electric Power (TEP), and you should schedule your service start at least three business days before move-in by visiting their website or calling. We highly recommend exploring their Time-of-Use or Peak Demand plans immediately, as shifting your heavy appliance use to off-peak hours can save you hundreds of dollars during the peak of the Arizona summer.
Natural Gas Providers in Tucson
Natural gas is managed by Southwest Gas, and you can set up your account online or by calling at least a week in advance. Because many Tucson homes use gas for heating and water heaters, ensure a technician has access to your property on move-in day to safely relight pilot lights and perform a required safety inspection.
Top 10 Internet Providers in Tucson
Internet options in Tucson are lead by Cox and CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber), with 5G home internet from T-Mobile and Verizon also becoming popular in the foothills. We suggest checking for fiber availability in your specific neighborhood at least two weeks before your move, as speeds can vary significantly between historic mid-town bungalows and newer developments on the outskirts.
- 8 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Phone
- 72.39%
- $30.00/mo
- 2 Gbps
- Cable
- 1.25 TB
- TV & Phone
- 81.78%
- $30.00/mo
- 940 Mbps
- Fiber
- 1 TB
- Phone
- 72.39%
- $50.00/mo
- 415 Mbps
- 5G
- 1.2 TB
- Mobile
- 99.98%
- $20.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 99.92%
- $65.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 100%
- $35.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 400 Mbps
- Satellite
- Unlimited
- 100%
- $50.00/mo
- 150 Mbps
- Satellite
- 150-850 GB
- Phone
- 100%
- $39.99/mo
- Varies
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Varies
- 95%
- $39.95/mo
- 2 Gbps
- Cable & Fiber
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 5.16%
- $45.00/mo
Water & Sewage Providers in Tucson
Water and sewer services are provided by Tucson Water, and you can establish your account by calling (520) 791-3242 or visiting the City of Tucson’s utility portal. Your water bill is a “super-bill” that also includes your sewer fees and your city trash services, making it the most important monthly statement to track for your household budget.
Top 10 Trash and Recycling Providers in Tucson
Trash and recycling collection is a municipal service managed by the City of Tucson Environmental Services, with the fees conveniently bundled into your monthly water bill. You should download the Recycle Coach app right away to find your specific “A” or “B” week for recycling and to stay updated on the city’s holiday collection schedules.
Utilities Summary for Tucson, AZ
| Electric Companies: | 1 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 1 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 3 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 10 |
| Municipal Electricity: | No |
Tucson Utility Guide: Electricity, Water, Gas, Trash & Internet Made Easy
Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant desert city surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, filled with colorful sunsets, rich culture, and a laid-back lifestyle. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s a beautiful place to call home, but staying cool and comfortable means getting your utility services up and running right away. Whether you’re renting a house in Sam Hughes or buying in the Catalina Foothills, this guide will walk you through electricity, gas, water, trash, and internet, plus tips for conservation and financial assistance.
Electricity
Tucson Electric Power (TEP) provides electricity for most of the Tucson metro area, while Trico Electric Cooperative serves some rural parts. Arizona is a regulated market, so you don’t choose from different suppliers, instead, you’ll work directly with TEP to select a plan that fits your usage.
TEP offers several useful programs and rebates
- Efficient Home Program: You can get instant rebates up to $1,000 when installing a new ENERGY STAR air conditioning or heat pump system through a participating contractor.
- Insulation Rebates: Receive 15¢ per square foot for professionally installed attic insulation, up to a $1,000 limit.
- Time-of-Use Plans: Lower your electric bills by using appliances during off-peak hours (like nights and weekends).
Other noteworthy details about TEP
- Around 30% of their power comes from renewable sources.
- TEP’s “GoSolar Shares” program lets renters buy blocks of solar energy.
- Newer homes often come solar-ready, reducing future installation costs.
- Low-income households can qualify for the Lifeline Discount, which takes $20 off the monthly electric bill.
Natural Gas
Most Tucson homes that use natural gas are served by Southwest Gas. Starting service is simple, just apply online or call, and expect a one-time connection fee of $35 on your first bill.
Rebates available through Southwest Gas
- $40 for a high-efficiency storage water heater.
- $300 for installing a tankless water heater.
- Up to $1,200 for solar water heating systems, depending on therms saved.
Sustainability options
- You can opt into their Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) program, which allows you to offset part of your household emissions by purchasing green gas in blocks.
Water
Tucson Water is the city-run provider that supplies water to most homes in the area. The utility relies on a sophisticated groundwater recharge system and responsibly manages its Colorado River water allocation, making conservation a top priority.
Rebates and incentives for water conservation
- Up to $200 for replacing an old washing machine with a high-efficiency model.
- $1 per gallon of storage for installing rainwater harvesting cisterns (up to $2,000).
- 50% of the cost (up to $1,000) for adding gray water plumbing to your home.
What makes Tucson Water stand out
- The “Beat the Peak” program notifies residents when water demand is high, encouraging reduced use on specific days.
- Your bill includes charges for water, sewer, and trash, all rolled into one convenient statement.
Trash & Recycling
Trash, recycling, and yard waste pickup are handled by the City of Tucson Environmental Services. Weekly trash and bi-weekly recycling collection are standard for all residents, and each home gets two carts, one for each.
Key features of Tucson’s trash services
- Twice a year, the “Brush & Bulky” service picks up large items and yard debris for free.
- Monthly hazardous waste collection occurs on the first Saturday, making it easy to responsibly dispose of chemicals, paints, and more.
- Qualified low-income households may receive a $12 monthly credit on their trash and recycling bill.
Best Internet Providers in Tucson
Tucson has strong internet coverage, with both fiber and cable options available across much of the city. You’ll find fast speeds suitable for streaming, remote work, or gaming.
- Cox Communications: Available to over 80% of the city. Known for fast cable service and the option to add smart Wi-Fi mesh pods.
- Quantum Fiber: Along with it’s sister company, CenturyLink providers service to about 73% of Tucson. Offers fiber-to-the-home service with speeds up to 8 Gbps in select areas, plus symmetrical upload/download rates.
- T-Mobile and Verizon 5G Home Internet: These wireless options are growing in popularity due to easy self-install and no long-term commitments.
- Starlink and Hughesnet: Satellite internet options are available for more remote or rural parts of the region.
Conservation, Sustainability & Green Choices
Tucson has embraced desert living by making energy and water efficiency a community priority. If you want to lower your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact, you’ll find a number of valuable programs.
Green energy and conservation programs to explore:
- State Heat-Pump Rebates: Arizona homeowners can receive up to $8,000 through Inflation Reduction Act funds for switching from traditional AC units to high-efficiency heat pumps.
- Shade Tree Program: TEP partners with Trees for Tucson to offer up to two desert-adapted shade trees for just $5 each. Planted correctly, they can cut cooling costs by 15%.
- Solar Energy Options: While TEP no longer offers full net metering, solar customers still receive a credit based on the utility’s avoided cost, making rooftop solar a smart long-term investment. In Tucson’s sunny climate, systems often pay for themselves in 7-10 years.
Financial Assistance & Utility Bill Help in Tucson
If you’re on a tight budget or facing financial hardship, there are a number of local and state programs to help reduce or cover your utility costs.
Programs offering help with utility bills include:
- TEP Lifeline Discount: Offers a $20/month discount for electric customers earning less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- Southwest Gas Energy Share: A one-time grant of up to $400 is available to gas customers experiencing hardship. Applications are handled by The Salvation Army.
- Tucson Water CARES Program: Offers income-based monthly discounts for water, sewer, and trash bills. You’ll need to apply with income documentation.
- Low-Income Trash Credit: Eligible households can also receive a $12 monthly credit on city trash services.
- LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Provides up to $1,000 annually for gas or electric bills. Applications go through the Pima County Community Action Agency.
- LIHWAP (Low Income Household Water Assistance Program): Offers up to $1,500 toward water bill arrears for qualified applicants.
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.
Tucson Internet Connectivity
Fastest Internet Providers in Tucson
| Provider | Connection Type | Download Speed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum Fiber | Fiber | 8 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Cox | Cable | 2 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| CenturyLink | Fiber | 940 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | 5G | 415 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| AT&T Air | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Verizon 5G Home Internet | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Starlink | Satellite | 400 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Earthlink | Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite | Varies Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Xfinity | Cable & Fiber | 2 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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Tucson Drinking Water Quality Information
Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.
Tucson's Primary Drinking Water Source: Ground Water
Drinking Water Contaminant Levels
Legal limit: 15 ppb
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Legal limit: 100 ppb
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Legal limit: 60 ppb
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Legal limit: 0.01 ppb
Legal limit: 0.004 ppb
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Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it true I can't put glass in my blue recycling bin?
Yes, this is a major “Tucson quirk.” To save on processing costs and improve safety, the city removed glass from curbside recycling. You’ll need to take your glass bottles and jars to one of the many purple glass-only drop-off sites located at fire stations and parks around the city.
What is "Brush & Bulky" and when is my turn?
Twice a year, the city will come to your curb to haul away up to 10 cubic yards of large items like old furniture, tires, and desert brush for free. It’s a massive neighborhood event; check the city’s “Brush & Bulky” map to find your specific “Zone” dates so you don’t miss your window.
How do I survive the summer electric bill?
Tucson Electric Power’s “Peak Demand” plan is your best friend. From May through September, power is most expensive between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. A local “Knowledgeable Neighbor” tip: “Super-cool” your house in the morning, then turn your AC up to 78° or 80° during those four peak hours to avoid a massive bill.
Can I get paid to save rainwater?
Absolutely. Tucson is a world leader in Water Harvesting. The city offers rebates of up to $2,000 for installing cisterns or “active” harvesting systems, and up to $500 for “passive” earthworks (basins and swales). It’s the best way to keep your desert landscaping lush without using a drop of tap water.
What should I do during a Monsoon?
From June through September, Tucson gets intense “monsoon” storms. These often cause localized flooding and downed power lines. Keep the TEP Outage Map bookmarked, and never drive through a flooded “wash” (even if it looks shallow), Tucson has a “Stupid Motorist Law” where you may be billed for the cost of your own rescue if you bypass a barricade.
Why is there a "Groundwater Protection" fee on my bill?
Because Tucson relies on a mix of Central Arizona Project (Colorado River) water and underground aquifers, this fee helps fund the protection and recharge of our local water table. It’s a small price to pay for ensuring the city has a sustainable water future in the Sonoran Desert.