- Free modem and anti-virus software
- No contracts and unlimited data
- Bundle with TV to save more
- Speeds up to 2 Gbps**
Quick Utility Facts
- Call your electric utility, Ameren, if you are experiencing a power outage or see a downed power line.
- The natural gas utility in St. Louis is Spire.
- High-Speed internet is widely available from both Spectrum and AT&T Fiber.
- The cheapest internet plan in St. Louis is $30.00/month from Spectrum.
- Trash, recycling, and drinking water are provided by the City of St. Louis.
Electric Providers in St. Louis
Electricity across the Gateway City is supplied exclusively by Ameren Missouri, an investor-owned utility operating under a regulated monopoly framework overseen by the Missouri Public Service Commission. Because service is bound to Ameren’s territorial grid, you set up your account directly through their customer portal. Standard residential rates average roughly 13.7 to 14.5 cents per kWh, but Ameren applies seasonal rate increases during the summer months (June through September) when humid Midwestern heatwaves push power demand to its peak. To keep summer cooling expenses under control, Ameren offers optional Time-of-Use plans like Smart Hours and Overnight Advantage, where power consumed during afternoon peak windows (typically 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays) carries a higher rate. Pre-cooling your home earlier in the day and shifting heavy chores like laundry, running the dishwasher, and charging an electric vehicle to late-night or morning hours can meaningfully cut down your electric bill.
Natural Gas Providers in St. Louis
Natural gas across the metro area is distributed and supplied by Spire Missouri, which owns the physical gas mains, reads meters, and handles leak emergencies under state regulatory oversight. Because natural gas is fully regulated, your fuel commodity price is tied to a state-approved Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) that passes wholesale natural gas costs through to consumers without broker markups. Spire assesses a mandatory fixed monthly customer charge ($22.00 per month for residential accounts) alongside Infrastructure System Replacement Surcharges (ISRS) and volumetric delivery rates. Because St. Louis winters bring freezing temperatures and cold snaps, gas-fired boilers, forced-air furnaces, and water heaters run heavily from November through March. Consumption drops significantly once spring arrives, but Spire’s mandatory $22 basic customer charge ensures your natural gas statement will carry a persistent baseline cost year-round, even in July or August when your heating system is turned off completely.
Top 10 Internet Providers in St. Louis
- 2 Gbps**
- Cable
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 96.19%
- $30.00/mo
- Most Affordable Plans
- 5 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 96.12%
- $35.00/mo
- Get a $200 Reward Card*
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 100%
- $35.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Great for Renters
- 498 Mbps
- 5G
- 1.2 TB
- Mobile
- 100%
- $50.00/mo
- Wireless Internet
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 99.1%
- $40.00/mo
- Wireless Internet
- 400 Mbps
- Satellite
- Unlimited
- 100%
- $55.00/mo
- 150 Mbps
- Satellite
- 150-850 GB
- Phone
- 100%
- $39.99/mo
- Varies
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Varies
- 95%
- $39.95/mo
- 2 Gbps
- Fiber
- 1 TB
- 8.3%
- $29.00/mo
- 7 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Phone
- 2.26%
- $29.99/mo
Getting your internet set up in St. Louis is straightforward, though what is available at your door comes down to your specific block. Your two primary wired options are symmetrical multi-gigabit fiber from AT&T Fiber and widespread hybrid-cable coverage from Spectrum, along with growing regional fiber providers like Gateway Fiber and 5G home wireless from T-Mobile and Verizon. If you are moving into one of the city’s historic brick neighborhoods — like Soulard, Lafayette Square, Shaw, Tower Grove, or the Central West End — thick solid-masonry walls and rear alley overhead lines can sometimes complicate running fiber lines directly into the home. In newer downtown lofts and Midtown apartment buildings, high-speed lines are often pre-wired, though some buildings have exclusive marketing agreements with a single provider.
Water & Sewage Providers in St. Louis
Water, sewer, and stormwater services operate through a two-agency system that catches many new residents by surprise. Drinking water is supplied by the City of St. Louis Water Division (sourcing raw river water from the Missouri and Mississippi rivers via the Chain of Rocks and Howard Bend plants) and billed quarterly by the Collector of Revenue. In many older historic brick homes, water is still billed as a flat rate based on your property’s room and plumbing fixture count rather than a physical meter. Meanwhile, wastewater collection, regional treatment, and stormwater management are billed monthly on a separate statement by the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD). MSD fees are heavily driven by “Project Clear” — a multi-billion-dollar federal consent decree upgrade to modernize the region’s combined sewer system. Because MSD calculates volumetric sewer treatment from your water data, fixing running toilets and plumbing leaks quickly is essential to avoid compounding costs across both utilities.
Top 8 Trash and Recycling Providers in St. Louis
Trash and recycling in the City of St. Louis are managed by the City Refuse Division, with a $14 monthly fee billed directly onto your quarterly municipal water statement. How you handle garbage depends on your street layout: most residential neighborhoods use shared alley dumpsters (brown or gray dumpsters for bagged household trash and green dumpsters for loose yard waste), while blocks without alleys receive dedicated 96-gallon green roll carts. The city also runs a monthly Bulk Item Pickup program where crews collect up to three large household items (furniture, mattresses, or large appliances) during a designated week each month tied to your ward. For recycling, the city has phased out alley recycling dumpsters to reduce contamination, so residents either use dedicated blue curbside roll carts or drop off clean recyclables at designated drop-off sites around the city.
Utilities Summary for St. Louis, MO
| Electric Companies: | 1 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 1 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 3 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 8 |
| Municipal Electricity: | No |
Explore Utility Options for Your Home in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri, known for its iconic Gateway Arch, vibrant arts scene, and rich history, also prides itself on a strong sense of community. Whether you’re strolling through Forest Park or sampling local barbecue, you’ll feel that friendly Midwestern spirit right away. As a newcomer, navigating utilities can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to guide you gently through the essentials: electric, gas, water, trash, internet, green energy, and financial support options.
Electric Providers
Ameren Missouri is the primary electric utility provider in St. Louis, and it also supplies natural gas to many customers in other parts of the state. Ameren offers free home energy audits and community-focused programs, making upgrades easy and accessible.
- Energy-efficiency rebates:
- Free Smart Thermostat discounts
- Peak Time Savings: $50 enrollment bonus + $25 yearly
- Pay As You Save (PAYS®): zero‑up‑front energy upgrades after a free audit
- Energy Assistance Programs:
- LIHEAP: federally funded heating/cooling aid
- Keeping Current: credits on bills if you pay on time
- Keeping Cool: monthly $50 credits May-Sept for seniors, disabled, or households with young children
Natural Gas
Spire supplies natural gas to about 632,000 customers in St. Louis. Established in 1857, Laclede Gas (now Spire) has been lighting up homes since the 19th century, offering reliable gas distribution throughout the region.
- Rebates:
- Up to $300 for high-efficiency furnaces or tankless water heaters
- Thermostat rebates and financing for insulation & HVAC
Water in St. Louis
STL Water, the City of St. Louis’s Water Division, is your go-to for drinking water service. They handle account setup, quality monitoring, billing, and service issues, with a mission to deliver safe, dependable water economically. To start or restore service, you can apply online or call (314) 771‑2255. They also issue Boil Water Advisories when necessary, and offer helpful resources like Consumer Confidence Reports and conservation tips.
STL Water bills quarterly and has implemented rate increases to maintain and improve infrastructure, meanwhile, St. Louis city residents still pay less overall than many nearby communities. They also offer Service Line Replacement Funding and tips on conserving water, a great resource for sustainable living.
Trash & Recycling
The City’s Refuse Division manages residential refuse collection, covering weekly trash and recycling, spring–fall yard waste, and monthly bulk item pickup. They use automated dumpsters or roll-out carts depending on your block, and follow a set weekly schedule.
Getting started:
- Use your address to check collection days.
- Put out trash in black carts/containers for Monday or Tuesday pick-up.
- Yard waste goes in green carts on Wednesdays.
- Blue carts for recyclables come Thursday or Friday.
They also offer compost and wood-chip collection sites, bulk-item removal, and special BOAT-E pickup (batteries, oil, appliances, tires, electronics). It’s a comprehensive and well-organized program to keep your home, and the city clean and sustainable.
Conservation & Green Energy Choices
St. Louis welcomes energy-conscious residents! Through Ameren and Spire, you can:
- Install smart thermostats
- Add insulation or weather strip
- Upgrade to heat pumps
- Join community solar or install rooftop solar (Ameren supports local options)
Missouri also receives significant funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, over $75 million each dedicated to home efficiency and electrification rebates. Locally, Ameren and Spire partner with public agencies to provide those rebates and even financing for major upgrades.
Best Internet Providers in St. Louis
Here are the most reliable and popular internet providers in town:
- AT&T Fiber: Available in over 90% of the metro area and offers speeds up to 5 Gbps over it’s fiber network, no contracts, no equipment fees, plus bundling discounts.
- Spectrum: Widely available throughout the city, covering 92% of homes, Spectrum’s cable service offers speeds from 100 Mbps–2 Gbps plans, no data caps or contracts.
- Others include Verizon Home Internet (5G) and satellite options like Hughesnet or Viasat, but fiber generally offers the best mix of speed, reliability, and value.
Financial Assistance Programs for Utilities in St. Louis
1. LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
- Federal/state program for heating/cooling bills and crisis intervention
- Eligibility: Income ≤150% FPL or ≤60% state median, assets ≤$3,000
- Administered via Missouri DSS
2. City/Charity Programs
The City itself doesn’t directly issue assistance, but local nonprofits are a great help :
- City of St. Louis EnergyCare, Cardinal Ritter Senior Services, Guardian Angel, Father Bob’s Outreach, Heat Up/Cool Down St. Louis, various zip-code specific, faith-based, senior, children-focused aid
- Programs require ID, bill copy, income proof; some require $25 contribution (matched or doubled)
3. MSD Water Assistance
- CAP and LIHWAP help with water and sewer bills for low-income households
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.
St. Louis Internet Connectivity
Fastest Internet Providers in St. Louis
| Provider | Connection Type | Download Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Cable | 2 Gbps |
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber | 5 Gbps |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | 5G | 300 Mbps |
| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | 5G | 498 Mbps |
| AT&T Air | 5G | 300 Mbps |
| Starlink | Satellite | 400 Mbps |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps |
| Earthlink | Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite | Varies |
| Brightspeed | Fiber | 2 Gbps |
| Frontier | Fiber | 7 Gbps |
*Not all speeds available in all areas
Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I contact Ameren and Spire?
We recommend reaching out at least three to five business days before your move-in date. This ensures your electricity and natural gas are active the moment you start unloading the truck. If you’re moving into an older home, it’s always a good idea to have Spire double-check the pilot lights on your furnace and water heater.
What should I do if I smell gas in my new place?
Safety is the top priority! If you smell a “rotten egg” odor, stop what you are doing, leave the building immediately, and do not use any electronics or light switches. Once you are safely away from the house, call 911 and the Spire emergency line at (800) 887-4173.
Does Ameren offer any green energy options?
They do! While your electricity comes from Ameren Missouri, you can sign up for their Pure Power program. It’s a simple way to support regional wind and solar projects through a small addition to your monthly bill—perfect for making your new St. Louis life a little greener.
Why is my water, trash, and sewer all on one bill?
If you live within St. Louis city limits, the city makes things easy by bundling these services. Your monthly statement from the City of St. Louis Water Division covers your water usage, sewer fees, and your refuse (trash/recycling) collection. It’s one less login to manage!
What if I’m moving to St. Louis County?
The setup is a bit different in the county. You’ll likely get your water from Missouri American Water and your sewer service from the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD). For trash, you’ll need to contact a private hauler like Waste Management or Republic Services unless your specific municipality provides it.
Is St. Louis tap water really safe?
It’s more than just safe, it’s award-winning! St. Louis water is consistently ranked as some of the best-tasting in the country. If you’re in an older home and worried about lead, you can always contact the Water Division to ask about testing, but generally, the tap water here is top-tier.
How do I know when my trash day is?
For city residents, you can find your schedule by visiting the city’s website or calling (314) 622-4800. If your new home is missing its roll-out trash or recycling bin, the Refuse Division can usually get a replacement delivered to you within a few business days.
What can I put in the blue recycling bins?
St. Louis keeps it simple: paper, cardboard, plastic bottles/containers, and aluminum/steel cans.
Pro tip: Do not put your recycling in plastic bags! Bagged recycling often ends up in the landfill because the sorting machines can’t open them. Just toss your items into the blue bin “naked.”
How do I get rid of large items like a mattress or a couch?
The city offers monthly bulk pickup for items that are too big for your regular bin. Each neighborhood has a designated week for this, just be sure to put your items out at the curb (not in the alley) to ensure the claw truck can reach them.
Who is the fastest internet provider in St. Louis?
AT&T Fiber and Spectrum are the main players here. However, some neighborhoods are now seeing Gateway Fiber, a local Missouri provider known for great speeds. We recommend checking availability for your specific address at least two weeks before you move.
Are there ways to lower my utility bills in the winter?
Definitely. Missouri winters can be chilly, and heating costs can add up. We recommend looking into Spire’s Budget Billing, which levels out your payments over 12 months so you don’t get a “sticker shock” bill in January. You can also check if you qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) if you need a little extra help during the colder months.
How do Ameren Missouri's summer rates and Time-of-Use plans work?
Ameren applies higher volumetric electricity rates during the summer months (June through September). If you enroll in their Smart Hours Time-of-Use plan, electricity consumed during weekday afternoon peak windows (typically 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM) carries the highest rate. Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher during peak afternoon hours and running large appliances early in the morning or late at night helps keep summer bills manageable.
Why do I receive two separate water and sewer bills in St. Louis?
Clean tap water and wastewater processing are handled by two completely separate public agencies. You receive a quarterly water bill from the City of St. Louis Water Division (collected by the Collector of Revenue), and a separate monthly sewer bill from the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) for regional sewage treatment and stormwater drainage.
What is the difference between flat-rate and metered water in older St. Louis homes?
Many historic brick homes in the city do not have water meters installed and are billed a flat quarterly rate based on the number of rooms, bathrooms, and fixtures in the building. You can hire a licensed plumber to install a meter box outside your home and request a water meter from the Water Division, which switches your account to metered volumetric billing and may lower your costs if you have low water usage.