Compare Utility Providers in Arlington, TX

Best Electric Providers in Arlington

Best Natural Gas Providers in Arlington

Top 7 Internet Providers in Arlington

*Not all internet providers and speeds available in all areas. **2 Gbps speed available in select markets.

Solar Providers in Arlington

Water & Sewage Providers in Arlington

Top 10 Trash and Recycling Providers in Arlington

Utilities Summary for Arlington, TX

Electric Companies:	47
Natural Gas Companies:	1
Water & Sewage Providers:	1
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers:	10
Municipal Electricity:	No

Your Guide to Setting Up Utilities in Arlington, TX

Nestled between Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington is a vibrant city known for its sports culture, entertainment venues, and family-friendly neighborhoods. Whether you’re catching a game at AT&T Stadium, spending a day at Six Flags, or settling into your new home, getting your utilities set up is one of the first steps to feeling at home. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from electricity and natural gas to water, trash, internet, and financial support programs.

How to Choose Electricity in Arlington (And Why You Can’t Call Oncor)

If you are moving from a state with regulated utilities, the Arlington electricity market can be confusing. Arlington is part of the Texas deregulated grid (ERCOT), which means you have the power to choose who bills you, but you cannot choose who delivers your electricity.

Use this guide to avoid “teaser rates” and know exactly who to call when the lights go out.

The Two Companies You Need to Know

In Arlington, two different companies handle your electricity service. Understanding the difference is critical for handling outages and billing issues.

Role	Company	What They Do	When to Call
The Delivery Company (TDU)	Oncor	Owns the poles, wires, and meters. They are responsible for physical delivery and repairs.	Call Oncor (888.313.4747) if your power goes out, a street light is out, or a line is down.
The Retail Provider (REP)	You Choose (e.g., TXU, Reliant, Rhythm)	Buys electricity wholesale and sells it to you. They handle customer service and billing.	Call your Provider for billing questions, to set up new service, or to switch plans.

Top 5 Electric Suppliers in Arlington, TX

Arlington residents have dozens of choices for electricity, but not all plans are created equal. We’ve applied our data-driven methodology, weighting price (35%), reliability (20%), and transparency (15%), to identify the five best retail electric providers (REPs) currently serving the city.

1. Rhythm Energy – 4.9 / 5.0

Best Overall for Value & Service

Rhythm Energy is a Houston-based provider that has quickly become a favorite in North Texas for its “fairness” guarantee, ensuring existing customers can access the same low rates as new ones. They focus exclusively on 100% renewable energy and provide a tech-forward experience that eliminates much of the friction found with legacy providers.

Why They Rank: Rhythm takes the top spot due to its perfect scores in Customer Sentiment (10%) and Fees & Fine Print (15%). In a market often plagued by hidden charges, Rhythm’s “no-gimmick” 12-to-36 month fixed plans offer the highest level of price certainty for Arlington homeowners.

Arlington Sentiment: Residents in neighborhoods like Viridian and Southwest Arlington frequently praise Rhythm’s intuitive mobile app and proactive renewal alerts. Locals note that while their headline rate is occasionally a fraction higher than “teaser” plans, the lack of surprise billings makes them the most trusted choice in the 76010 zip code.

Best For: Tech-savvy homeowners who want 100% renewable power and a simple, predictable monthly bill.

2. Octopus Energy – 4.8 / 5.0

Best for Green Energy & Innovative Tech

Octopus Energy has brought a global reputation for innovation to the Texas grid. They specialize in 100% clean energy and use advanced “smart” technology to help customers lower their bills through usage tracking and specialized programs for EV owners.

Why They Rank: Octopus scores exceptionally well in Price & Value (35%), with January 2026 rates starting as low as 8.6¢ per kWh in the Oncor territory. Their commitment to transparency and very low complaint volume (20% weight) keeps them near the top of our rankings.

Arlington Sentiment: Arlington shoppers often cite the “Intelligent Octopus” features as a major benefit for those with home EV chargers. Reviewers highlight the friendly, human customer service and the ease of setting up service in new-build developments near the Entertainment District.

Best For: Environmentally conscious residents and electric vehicle owners looking for the best price-per-kWh on green power.

3. 4Change Energy – 4.6 / 5.0

Best for Community Impact

4Change Energy was founded on the principle that electricity should be affordable and give back to the community. They donate 4% of their annual profits to Texas-based charities, including Feeding Texas and the American Cancer Society, allowing customers to choose which cause their bill supports.

Why They Rank: With rates consistently among the lowest in Arlington (currently starting near 9.1¢), 4Change is a powerhouse in the Price & Value category. Their 60-day satisfaction guarantee significantly boosts their Reliability score, offering a “safety net” for residents moving into the area.

Arlington Sentiment: Many Arlington families mention choosing 4Change specifically for the charitable component. It remains a popular choice for those who want their monthly utility spend to support hunger relief and cancer research in the North Texas region.

Best For: Budget-conscious shoppers who want their utility provider to have a positive social impact on Texas.

4. Gexa Energy – 4.5 / 5.0

Best for Low Fixed Rates

Gexa Energy is one of the most established REPs in the state and is widely known for offering some of the most competitive 100% renewable fixed-rate plans in the Oncor service area.

Why They Rank: Gexa dominates the Price & Value category (35%). Their ability to leverage scale to offer sub-10-cent rates makes them a top contender for anyone focused on the bottom-line cost. They also hold an A+ rating from the BBB, contributing to a strong Independent Trust Signal (10%).

Arlington Sentiment: People in Arlington often point to Gexa as the most reliable way to find the absolute lowest rate during the high-demand winter and summer months. While some reviewers caution to watch the usage tiers on their bill-credit plans, most find the raw savings to be substantial.

Best For: Residents with consistent energy usage (typically 1000–2000 kWh per month) who are primarily focused on price.

5. Energy Texas – 4.3 / 5.0

Best Customer Experience & Simple Terms

Energy Texas leans into its “Texas-first” identity with transparent pricing, 100% renewable plans, and customer support that isn’t outsourced. They avoid the complex tiered-pricing structures that often lead to “bill shock.”

Why They Rank: They earn high marks for Fees & Fine Print (15%) and Customer Sentiment (10%). By offering “gimmick-free” plans, they score higher than larger legacy providers that often hide fees in the fine print of their Electricity Facts Labels (EFLs).

Arlington Sentiment: Local sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding their straightforward billing. Arlington residents frequently mention that the company “feels local” and that their customer service agents are knowledgeable about specific Arlington-area billing issues.

Best For: Shoppers who are tired of “teaser rates” and want a simple, honest relationship with their electric provider.

Why Trust Our Rankings?

At UtilitiesForMyHome, our rankings are 100% independent and data-driven. We evaluate every retail electric provider in Arlington based on a weighted formula that considers current price disclosures, contract transparency, regulatory complaint history from the PUC, and verified customer sentiment. Providers cannot pay for a higher ranking; our goal is to provide Arlington residents with the clearest possible picture of the energy market. For a deep dive into our scoring rules and data sources, view our full ranking methodology here.

How to Shop: Avoiding the “Teaser Rate” Trap

When shopping for plans on the official state marketplace, you will see rates as low as 8 or 9 cents per kWh. Be careful. Many of these are “tiered” plans that only offer that low rate if you use an exact amount of power (e.g., exactly 1000 kWh).

• Check the “EFL”: Every plan has an “Electricity Facts Label.” Open this document and look at the “Average Price per kWh” table.
• The Usage Trap: If a plan charges 9 cents at 1000 kWh but 18 cents at 500 kWh, your bill could double during mild months (like April or October) when you aren’t running the A/C.
• Our Recommendation: Look for Fixed-Rate Plans. These lock in your price per kWh for the length of your contract (usually 12, 24, or 36 months), protecting you from price spikes during the hot Arlington summers.

Average Usage in Arlington

To pick the right plan, you need to estimate your usage. Because of the Texas heat, air conditioning drives high consumption.

• Apartments: Average ~500–800 kWh per month.
• Large Homes: Average ~1,500–2,000+ kWh per month.

Essential Resources for Arlington Residents

Oncor Outage Map: Check the status of power outages in your neighborhood.

Report a Power Outage: Call Oncor at 888.313.4747.

Natural Gas: Safety, Setup & The “Address Trap”

In Arlington, residential natural gas is provided by a single franchise holder: Atmos Energy. While you don’t have to choose a provider, you do need to navigate their specific setup process carefully to avoid administrative headaches.

The Application “Gotcha”

When you apply for service online, the Atmos Energy portal has a quirk that often confuses movers.

• The Trap: The very first screen asks for your Billing/Mailing Address, not the home you are moving into.
• The Mistake: If you enter your new Arlington address here before you have keys or mailbox access, your initial welcome packet and first bill might be returned to sender.
• The Fix: Use your current address (where you live right now) as the Billing Address. You will enter the Service Address (the new house) on a later screen.

Financial Expectations: The “Base Charge”

New residents often ask, “Why is my gas bill $25 in July when I didn’t use the heater?”

• Base Customer Charge: Atmos charges a monthly administrative fee (typically around $20–$25) just to have the meter connected, regardless of usage.
• Deposits: If you do not have a history with Atmos, you may be charged a security deposit. This is typically calculated as 1/6th of the estimated annual billing for that address.

Safety First: The “Rotten Egg” Protocol

Natural gas is odorless, so Atmos adds a chemical called mercaptan that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur.

• If you smell it: Do not turn on lights, use a phone, or light a match inside the house. A spark could ignite the gas.
• Action: Leave the home immediately. From a safe distance (like a neighbor’s yard), call 911 and the Atmos Emergency Line at 866.322.8667.

Atmos Energy Contact Info:

• Customer Service: 888.286.6700 (Mon-Fri, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
• Start Service: Atmos Move-In Portal

Atmos Energy Rebates & Services

• Rebates for installing high-efficiency natural gas water heaters, furnaces, and dryers
• Online energy audits and usage tracking tools
• Safety services like free leak detection and repair support

Water & Sewer: The Municipal Monopoly

Unlike electricity, you cannot shop around for water service. In Arlington, water, sewer, and trash billing are all handled by a single entity: Arlington Water Utilities. While you don’t have a choice of provider, you do have control over your setup costs and long-term bills if you know the rules.

The “24-Hour Rule” for Activation

The most common mistake new residents make is waiting until moving day to set up water.

• The Rule: You must request service at least 24 hours in advance of your desired start date.
• The Penalty: If you forget and need same-day activation, the city charges an additional “Rush Fee” (typically ~$25) on top of the standard activation costs.
• How to Apply:
  • Online (Recommended): Use the online application to set up your account and view real-time usage.
  • Phone: Call Customer Care at 817-275-5931 (Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).

The Hidden Costs: Fees & Deposits

Be prepared for your first bill to be higher than normal. It will include one-time setup fees that often catch movers off guard.

• Activation Fee: A non-refundable fee of $47.00 is added to your first bill.
• Security Deposit: Most residential accounts require a security deposit (typically $160.00).

The “Winter Averaging” Hack (Lower Your Sewer Bill)

New residents are often shocked by high sewer charges. In Arlington, your sewer bill isn’t based on what you use every month, it’s based on what you use in the winter.

• How it Works: The city calculates your “Average Winter Consumption” (AWC) based on your water usage during December, January, February, and March.
• The Cap: This average becomes your maximum sewer charge for the entire following year.
• The Strategy: If you go crazy watering your lawn in December or fill a pool in February, you will pay a higher sewer rate all year long. Conserve water during these four months to lock in a lower rate for the rest of the year.

Conservation & Restrictions

Arlington takes water conservation seriously. To avoid fines, you need to know the schedule:

Watering Days: While there are usually no specific day-of-week restrictions, during drought stages, the city may limit watering to twice a week. Check the current drought status before setting your sprinkler timer.

Time-of-Day Ban: Sprinkler usage is prohibited between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. year-round to prevent evaporation.

Arlington participates in WaterSense programs and encourages residents to use efficient fixtures. The city also offers educational materials, rain barrel incentives, and irrigation audits to reduce water waste.

Waste Management: Trash, Recycling & The “Pizza Box” Rule

In Arlington, waste collection is managed by Republic Services but billed through your city utility account. In February 2024, the city transitioned to a fully automated cart system, meaning the days of leaving manual bags on the curb are over.

The Weekly Routine: Carts & Timing

Your trash, recycling, and bulk waste are all collected on the same day once a week.

• The 7:00 AM Rule: Carts must be at the curb by 7:00 a.m. Trucks often run different routes each week, so “they usually come at noon” is a risky strategy.
• Placement: Place carts with the wheels facing the curb. Leave at least 3 feet of space between the trash cart, recycling cart, and any mailboxes or fences so the automated arm can grab them.
• Missed Pickup? If your trash was missed, do not call the City Hall main line. Call Republic Services directly at 817-317-2000 or report it via the Ask Arlington app.

The Recycling “Yes/No” Matrix

Arlington uses single-stream recycling (all in one cart). To avoid contamination fees, follow this guide:

Item	Curbside Status	The Rules
Glass Bottles/Jars	YES	Allowed. (Unlike many other cities). Remove lids.
Pizza Boxes	YES (With Caveat)	Clean parts only. If the bottom is greasy, tear it off and trash it. Recycle the clean lid.
Plastic Bags	NO	Never. They tangle in the sorting machines. Return these to grocery store bins.
Cardboard	YES	Must be flattened to prevent jamming the truck.
Styrofoam	NO	Even if it has a recycling symbol, it cannot go in the curbside cart.
Cartons	YES	Milk, juice, and broth cartons (Tetra Pak) are accepted.

Bulk Waste & Brush: The “2 Cubic Yard” Limit

You don’t need to call ahead for bulk trash (like old furniture), but there is a strict limit.

• Limit: You are allowed 2 cubic yards of bulk items per week (roughly the size of two washing machines side-by-side).
• Brush: Tree limbs must be cut to 4-foot lengths and bundled.
• The Leaf Bag Warning: Bagged leaves placed at the curb are not recycled; they go to the landfill. If you want your leaves recycled, you must transport them yourself to the Arlington Landfill (800 Mosier Valley Rd) and debag them there.

Hazardous Waste (Chemicals, Paint, Batteries)

Do not throw paint, motor oil, or pool chemicals in your trash cart. It is illegal and dangerous.

• Where to go: Arlington residents have access to the Environmental Collection Center (ECC).
• Location: 6400 Bridge Street, Fort Worth, TX.
• Cost: Free for Arlington residents (Must bring a current water bill or driver’s license as proof).

Best Internet Providers in Arlington

Arlington has access to a variety of high-speed internet providers, including both fiber and cable options. Availability may vary by neighborhood, so it’s a good idea to check specific addresses for service.

• AT&T Fiber: Offers ultra-fast symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps in many neighborhoods. Known for reliability and competitive pricing.
• Spectrum: Widely available cable internet service with speeds up to 1 Gbps. No data caps, and often bundled with TV and phone.
• Frontier Communications: Offers DSL and fiber in select areas. Fiber plans are competitive and come with no data caps.
• T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: A wireless option powered by T-Mobile’s 5G network. Great for renters or those looking for a no-contract plan.

Tips for Choosing a Plan:

• Compare speed needs (e.g., streaming, remote work, gaming)
• Ask about installation fees and equipment costs
• Look for deals on bundling internet with mobile or streaming services

The “Hidden” Utilities: Permits, Parking & Taxes

Beyond water and electricity, Arlington residents must navigate a layer of municipal “utilities” that regulate safety and taxes. Ignoring these can lead to surprise fines or towed vehicles.

The Mandatory Alarm Permit

If you have a home security system (even a self-monitored one like Ring or SimpliSafe) that is capable of summoning police, you are required by city ordinance to have a valid permit.

• The Cost: $50.00 per year.
• The Risk: If your alarm goes off and you do not have a permit, you may be fined for a false alarm, or police may decline to respond to the signal.
• Exemptions: Residents over 65 or 100% disabled veterans are exempt from the fee but must still register.
• Action: Register online.

The “Entertainment District” Parking Trap

If you are moving to a neighborhood near AT&T Stadium or Globe Life Field (typically zip codes 76011 and 76013), street parking is a regulated utility.

• The Rule: During major events (Cowboys games, concerts), the city enforces “No Parking” zones on residential streets to prevent fan congestion. Folding signs are flipped open to indicate enforcement.
• Moving Day Warning: Do not schedule your moving truck for a game day if you need to park on the street. Your truck will be ticketed or towed.
• Check the Schedule: Always consult the special events calendar before finalizing your move-in date.

Homestead Exemption (The “Tax Utility”)

Texas has high property taxes to offset the lack of state income tax. To protect your budget, you must interact with the Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD).

• The Benefit: Filing a Homestead Exemption significantly lowers the taxable value of your home for school and city taxes.
• The Deadline: You must file between January 1 and April 30.
• Prerequisite: Your Texas Driver’s License address must match the property address before TAD will accept your application. Update your license at the DMV immediately after moving.

Safety Utility: Safe Exchange Zones

If you are buying or selling furniture or appliances on Marketplace/Craigslist for your new home, the Arlington Police Department offers designated Safe Exchange Zones.

• Locations: These are video-monitored spaces in the parking lots of all four police stations (e.g., Ott Cribbs Public Safety Building at 620 W Division St).
• Usage: They are available 24/7 for residents to conduct private property transactions safely.

Green Energy and Conservation Options

Arlington residents have several ways to support clean energy and reduce their environmental footprint. Most electricity providers offer 100% renewable energy plans, often sourced from Texas wind and solar.

Additionally, the City of Arlington offers conservation resources through its water utilities and promotes public sustainability initiatives.

Green Options to Consider:

• Choose a renewable electricity plan from providers like Gexa or Green Mountain Energy
• Use programmable or smart thermostats to reduce electricity use
• Participate in recycling and composting programs
• Attend sustainability events hosted by the city or local nonprofits

Utility Bill Assistance Programs in Arlington

If you’re facing financial hardship, several local and statewide programs can help you manage or reduce your utility bills in Arlington.

City and Provider Assistance:

• Arlington Water Assistance Program: Provides short-term help for eligible low-income households. Call 817-275-5931 to apply.
• Atmos Energy Sharing the Warmth: Offers bill payment assistance for qualifying customers through partner agencies like Community Action Partners.
• TXU Energy Aid: Offers emergency bill payment support for TXU customers. Apply through partner agencies or contact customer service.
• Reliant CARE Program: Offers energy bill assistance and deferred payment plans for qualifying customers.

State and Federal Programs:

• Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): A Texas-administered program that helps low-income households with electricity and gas bills. Apply through Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
• LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Federal program that helps with heating/cooling bills.

Schools & Education: The “District Map” Maze

For families moving to Arlington, assuming your address falls within the Arlington Independent School District (AISD) is a risky bet. Arlington’s city limits sprawl across five different school districts. Depending on your specific street, your taxes and your children could be assigned to a district headquartered in a neighboring city.

The 5-District Fragmentation

Before signing a lease or closing on a home, you must verify the specific Independent School District (ISD) assigned to that address. Do not rely on the “Arlington, TX” city address.

• Arlington ISD: Covers the majority of the city.
• Mansfield ISD: Covers large portions of Southwest and Southeast Arlington. It is common to have an Arlington address but attend Mansfield schools.
• Kennedale ISD: Serves parts of Southwest Arlington.
• HEB (Hurst-Euless-Bedford) ISD: Serves the Viridian master-planned community and parts of North Arlington.
• Fort Worth ISD: Covers specific neighborhoods on the Western edge of the city.

How to Verify Your District: Use the District Map or the School District Locator to pin your specific address.

Registration: The “Utility Bill” Catch-22

New resident registration in these districts has a strict “Proof of Residency” requirement that directly ties back to your utilities.

• The Rule: You typically cannot register your child for school until you can produce a utility bill (water, gas, or electric) in the parent/guardian’s name, dated within the last 30 days.
• The Strategy: Prioritize setting up your electricity or water immediately upon arrival. A lease agreement is often accepted temporarily (for the first 30 days), but a utility bill is the gold standard for finalizing enrollment.

Standard Required Documents:

• Parent/Guardian Government ID.
• Student’s Birth Certificate & Social Security Card.
• Current Immunization Records (Texas requirements).
• Proof of Residency: Current utility bill or lease/mortgage statement.

Higher Education Utilities (UTA Students)

For students moving to off-campus housing near the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA):

• The “All-Bills-Paid” Myth: Many older apartments near campus do not include electricity in the rent. You will likely need to choose a Retail Electric Provider (REP).
• Campus Commuting: If you live within the service area (generally 1.5 miles from campus), you may use the Arlington On-Demand rideshare service (via the app) often at discounted rates for students, reducing the need for a personal vehicle.

Learn more in our Student Utilities Guide

Arlington Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in Arlington

Arlington 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.