- 5 Year Price Lock
- Free WiFi Equipment
- Free Xfinity Mobile Line for 1 year
- Speeds up to 2 Gbps
- Plans starting at $45/month
Electric Providers in Albuquerque
Electricity in Albuquerque is provided by PNM (Public Service Company of New Mexico), and you should schedule your service start at least three business days before moving in by visiting their website or calling. Be aware that a connection fee (typically around $12 if the power is already on, or $23 if it is off) will be automatically added to your first bill.
Natural Gas Providers in Albuquerque
Natural gas is managed by the New Mexico Gas Company, and we recommend setting up your account through their online portal or calling approximately one week before your move. To avoid a security deposit, you can often provide a utility “Letter of Credit” from your previous provider or agree to a soft credit check during the application process.
Top 9 Internet Providers in Albuquerque
Internet options in Albuquerque include Xfinity, CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber), and T-Mobile Fiber, which has a massive footprint across the city. While Google Fiber is not currently available here, Vexus Fiber is rapidly expanding in several neighborhoods; we suggest checking for fiber availability at least two weeks before move-in to secure the highest speeds for the city’s many remote tech workers.
- 2 Gbps
- Cable & Fiber
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 99.48%
- $45.00/mo
- 940 Mbps
- Fiber
- 1 TB
- Phone
- 84.25%
- $50.00/mo
- 8 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Phone
- 84.25%
- $30.00/mo
- 415 Mbps
- 5G
- 1.2 TB
- Mobile
- 100%
- $20.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 97.42%
- $65.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 100%
- $35.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 150 Mbps
- Satellite
- 150-850 GB
- Phone
- 100%
- $39.99/mo
- 400 Mbps
- Satellite
- Unlimited
- 99.99%
- $50.00/mo
- Varies
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Varies
- 95%
- $39.95/mo
Water & Sewage Providers in Albuquerque
Water and sewer services are provided by the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA), which is unique because they bill the property rather than the person. If you are a renter, you likely won’t have a separate account in your name; instead, the bill stays in the owner’s name, so you must coordinate with your landlord or property manager to ensure the service stays active.
Top 24 Trash and Recycling Providers in Albuquerque
Trash and recycling collection is managed by the City of Albuquerque Solid Waste Management Department, and the fees are conveniently bundled into your monthly Water Authority bill. You should download the Recycle Coach app immediately to find your specific pickup day and to learn the city’s specialized rules for “Green Waste” collection, which occurs twice a year in the spring and fall.
Utilities Summary for Albuquerque, NM
| Electric Companies: | 1 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 1 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 4 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 24 |
| Municipal Electricity: | No |
Your Essential Guide to Utilities in Albuquerque: Get Connected with Ease
Albuquerque, nestled in the high desert of central New Mexico, is known for its stunning sunsets, vibrant cultural heritage, and laid-back lifestyle. With over 550,000 residents, it combines big-city amenities with that neighborly, small-town feel. Plus, you’ll enjoy abundant sunshine year-round, great for energy savings and outdoor living!
Electricity: Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM)
PNM is the primary electric utility provider in Albuquerque and much of New Mexico. They’ve been around for over 100 years and currently serve over 500,000 customers. PNM is regulated by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) and is actively investing in renewable energy and sustainability initiatives. They also own and operate multiple solar fields across New Mexico and were one of the first U.S. utilities to voluntarily commit to 100% carbon-free energy without state mandates.
Energy Efficiency Rebates
PNM offers a robust menu of rebates and incentives through its “Power Saver” and “Home Energy Efficiency” programs:
- Refrigerator recycling: Free pick-up + $75 rebate.
- Smart thermostat rebate: Up to $50 off qualifying models.
- Efficient cooling/heating systems: Rebates for ENERGY STAR® evaporative coolers and refrigerated AC units.
- Home energy kits: For income-qualified households, including LED bulbs, low-flow showerheads, etc.
Green Initiatives
- PNM plans to exit coal by 2025 and has committed to 100% emissions-free electricity by 2040.
- Offers voluntary enrollment in the “Sky Blue” program, allowing customers to support wind and solar energy by paying a small premium.
Natural Gas: New Mexico Gas Company (NMGC)
NMGC is the largest natural gas distributor in New Mexico, serving more than 540,000 customers statewide, including all of Albuquerque. It is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a Canada-based energy company. NMGC promotes community outreach and sponsors educational energy-awareness campaigns, especially during high-usage winter months.
Rebate Programs
NMGC offers residential energy efficiency rebates to encourage conservation and reduce monthly bills:
- Smart thermostat rebate: Up to $50.
- Water heater rebate: $300–$375 for ENERGY STAR®-certified models.
- Boiler and furnace upgrades: Up to $375 for high-efficiency units.
- Free water/energy saving kits: Includes aerators and showerheads.
Energy-Saving Program
- NMGC’s “Income Qualified Energy Efficiency Program” offers no-cost upgrades for income-eligible households, including insulation, weather-stripping, and furnace tuning.
Water: Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA)
ABCWUA is responsible for providing drinking water and wastewater services to Albuquerque and some unincorporated areas of Bernalillo County. The utility serves more than 650,000 residents and is nationally recognized for water conservation and reuse strategies. ABCWUA has reduced overall water use by 33% per capita since 1995 despite significant population growth, making Albuquerque one of the top U.S. cities for water conservation.
Rebates and Conservation Programs
ABCWUA is a leader in water conservation, offering one of the most generous rebate programs in the region:
- Xeriscape conversion: $1.00/sq ft rebate for replacing grass with water-efficient landscaping (up to $1,500).
- High-efficiency toilets and washing machines: Rebates range from $50 to $100.
- Rainwater harvesting systems: Up to $150 rebate for barrels and cisterns.
- Smart irrigation controllers: Up to $100 off with qualifying devices.
Sustainability Efforts
- Operates a cutting-edge water reclamation plant that treats and reuses wastewater for irrigation and industry.
- Promotes “Water by the Numbers,” a voluntary outdoor watering schedule based on your street address to prevent overwatering.
Trash & Recycling: City of Albuquerque Solid Waste Management Department
The City of Albuquerque handles solid waste, recycling, and yard waste for single-family homes and some small businesses. Weekly curbside pickup is standard, and you can manage services online or by phone. Albuquerque’s Recyclothes initiative encourages residents to donate clothing/textiles through curbside collection events that benefit local nonprofits.
Services Offered
- Weekly trash and recycling pickup.
- Composting drop-off and green waste collection twice per year.
- Bulk item pickup (e.g., appliances, furniture) on request.
- Household hazardous waste drop-off through city partnerships.
Digital Tools
- ABQ WasteWise App (formerly “Recycle Coach”): Provides customized pickup reminders, a “What Goes Where?” recycling guide, and service alerts.
Recycling
- The city has single-stream recycling, no need to sort materials.
- Acceptable materials include cardboard, paper, plastics #1 & #2, steel/tin cans, and aluminum. Glass is not accepted in curbside recycling but can be dropped off at designated bins.
Best Internet Providers in Albuquerque
Xfinity is the largest cable internet provider in Albuquerque, offering fast speeds, reliable uptime, and widespread coverage.
- Speeds: 300 Mbps – 2 Gbps.
- Extras: xFi Gateway (with parental controls), access to 20M+ nationwide Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Contracts: Optional, but cheaper prices may require a 1-year agreement.
- Availability: Over 99% of the city
Good for: Streaming, work-from-home, smart homes, gaming.
Quantum Fiber (Lumen/CenturyLink)
Quantum Fiber offers fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) internet in select neighborhoods, delivering lightning-fast, symmetrical speeds.
- Speeds: 500 Mbps – 8 Gbps (varies by address).
- No data caps, no contracts.
- Equipment: Wi-Fi 6 routers included in many plans.
- Availability: Around 85% of Albuquerque
Good for: Households with multiple power users, remote work, creative professionals uploading large files.
A great alternative for those outside fiber areas, T-Mobile delivers fixed wireless internet over its 5G network.
- Speeds: Typically 100–245 Mbps, but may vary.
- No contracts, no data caps.
- Plug-and-play setup via wireless gateway.
Good for: Renters, small households, casual users who want simple setup and portability.
Green Energy & Conservation Choices
Albuquerque residents have several eco‑friendly pathways:
- Xeriscaping: ABCWUA rebates support desert-wise landscaping.
- Smart thermostats & weatherization: NMGC and PNM both incentivize these upgrades.
- Energy‑efficient appliances: Look out for ENERGY STAR rebates from PNM and NMGC.
- Heat pump adoption: NM’s statewide home energy rebate program gives up to $14,000 for efficient appliances like heat pumps (must be installed by certified pros).
Financial Assistance for Utilities in Albuquerque
If you’re looking for help paying utility bills, here are some solid options:
1. PNM’s Assistance Options
- Offers payment plans, emergency bill assistance, and help during cold weather season. Check their customer service or website for local aid programs.
2. Xfinity Internet Essentials
- Provides low-cost internet (~$10–20/mo) for families eligible for school lunch programs.
3. State & Federal Rebates
- NM’s Home Energy Rebate Program offers rebates up to $14,000 per household on appliances and efficiency improvements, great if you’re teeing up a larger project.
- Low-income discounts are available at point-of-sale for insulation materials, up to $1,600 off.
4. ABCWUA Payment Help
- Offers guidance for renters & homeowners facing difficulty paying water bills.
5. NM Gas Company and PNM
- Both utilities participate in Energy Assistance Programs (EAP), part of LIHEAP: income-qualified families may receive discounted rates or assistance during winter months; details available on utility websites.
6. Albuquerque Utility Assistance
- Assistance in Albuquerque for gas, water, and electricity is available from several agencies. For more information dial 2-1-1 or see the United Way website.
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.
Albuquerque Internet Connectivity
Fastest Internet Providers in Albuquerque
| Provider | Connection Type | Download Speed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | Cable & Fiber | 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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| Quantum Fiber | Fiber | 8 Gbps 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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| Viasat | Satellite | 150 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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| Earthlink | Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite | Varies Not all speeds available in all areas |
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Albuquerque 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.
Albuquerque's Primary Drinking Water Source: Surface Water
Drinking Water Contaminant Levels
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Legal limit: 60 ppb
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Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I put glass in my blue recycling bin?
This is the most famous “ABQ quirk.” To save on processing costs and keep materials clean, the city does not allow glass in curbside bins. You’ll need to take your jars and bottles to one of the many Purple Glass Drop-off sites located at fire stations and parks, look for the bright purple bins!
What is "Water by the Numbers"?
Albuquerque doesn’t use mandatory “odd/even” watering days. Instead, the “Water by the Numbers” program suggests frequency based on the month: once a week in March, twice a week in April/May, and three times a week in June/July/August. Following this keeps you in the good graces of your neighbors and helps conserve the precious Rio Grande aquifer.
How do I handle "Large Item" pickup?
Moving into a new place often means extra trash. Albuquerque offers Free Large Item Pickup (furniture, appliances, or up to four tires) by appointment. You must call 311 or request it online at least 24 hours in advance; don’t just leave it on the curb, or the city will fine you for “wildcat dumping.”
What is the "Gross Receipts Tax" on my bill?
New Mexico doesn’t have a traditional sales tax; instead, it uses a Gross Receipts Tax (GRT). You’ll see this on your utility bills. It functions similarly to a sales tax but is charged to the service provider and passed on to you, which is why the percentage might look slightly different than expected.
Can I get a rebate for my desert landscape?
Yes! The Water Authority is famous for its Xeriscaping Rebates. If you remove high-water-use grass and replace it with desert-friendly plants, the city will literally pay you per square foot. They also offer rebates for Rainwater Harvesting (rain barrels) and “Smart” irrigation controllers.
What's with the "Red or Green" question?
While not a utility, it’s the most important question you’ll answer as a new resident. It refers to your preference for New Mexico Chile. If you can’t decide, just say “Christmas” to get both. Welcome to the neighborhood!
How does the altitude affect my appliances?
Albuquerque sits at over 5,000 feet. If you’re moving from sea level, your gas stove or dryer might need a slight adjustment for the thinner air. Also, remember that the sun is much stronger here, any plastic utility bins or outdoor gear will degrade faster in the UV than you might be used to.