- Free modem and anti-virus software
- No contracts and unlimited data
- 30 day money-back gurantee
- Speeds up to 2 Gbps**
- Plans starting at $30/month
Top 2 Electric Providers in Austin
For most residents within the city limits, Austin Energy is the sole municipal provider, so you cannot choose a different retail electric provider. You can set up your account online or by calling; be prepared to provide a government-issued ID and a $200 deposit, which may be waived with a qualifying credit check or utility reference letter.
Top 3 Natural Gas Providers in Austin
Natural gas is provided by Texas Gas Service, a regulated utility that operates independently of the city’s combined billing system. New residents should visit their website or call at least one week before moving in to schedule a technician for meter activation or service transfer.
Top 10 Internet Providers in Austin
Austin offers a competitive market with top providers including Google Fiber, AT&T Fiber, and Spectrum, with availability varyng strictly by neighborhood. You should check your specific address on each provider’s website to see if high-speed fiber is available, as these services require separate installation appointments and independent billing.
- 5 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 71.03%
- $34.00/mo
- Best For Speed
- 2 Gbps**
- Cable
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 88.81%
- $30.00/mo
- Most Affordable Plans
- 400 Mbps
- Satellite
- Unlimited
- 99.99%
- $50.00/mo
- 415 Mbps
- 5G
- 1.2 TB
- Mobile
- 99.74%
- $50.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 99.93%
- $47.00/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
- Varies
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Varies
- 95%
- $39.95/mo
- 8 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- 46.71%
- $70.00/mo
- 5 Gbps
- Cable
- 1 TB
- 21.06%
- $19.95/mo
Water & Sewage Providers in Austin
Austin Water provides service for the vast majority of the city and is conveniently bundled into the same City of Austin Utilities account as your electricity. To start service, use the same online portal or phone number as the electric setup, which typically requires a 24-to-48-hour notice for activation.
Top 55 Trash and Recycling Providers in Austin
Curbside trash, recycling, and composting are handled by Austin Resource Recovery and are automatically included in your consolidated City of Austin Utilities bill. When you set up your electric and water service via phone, you will also select your trash bin size, which determines the monthly base rate for your waste collection.
Utilities Summary for Austin, TX
| Electric Companies: | 2 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 3 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 11 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 55 |
| Municipal Electricity: | Yes |
Austin Electricity, Water & Internet: Choosing the Best Providers
Known for its vibrant music scene, beautiful parks, and delicious barbecue, Austin is a city full of character and charm. Whether you’re enjoying a stroll around Lady Bird Lake or discovering the latest food truck hotspot, there’s always something exciting happening. As you settle into your new home, one of the first things you’ll want to do is get your utilities set up. Here’s everything you need to know about electricity, natural gas, water, trash, and internet services in Austin.
Electricity Services
Austin operates within a deregulated electricity market, giving you the power to choose your electricity provider. However, Austin Energy is the primary electricity provider for most residents within city limits. As a municipally owned utility, Austin Energy is committed to providing reliable service and supporting the city’s sustainability goals.
Austin Energy Efficiency Rebates:
- Rebates & Incentives: Offers rebates and bill credits for energy-efficient upgrades like insulation, HVAC systems, and ductwork.
- Power Partner Thermostats: Discounts and rebates are available when you install approved smart thermostats.
- Solar Rebate Program: Homeowners who install solar energy systems can receive incentives and rebates up to $2,500 to reduce their installation costs.
- Weatherization Assistance: Austin Energy provides home energy improvements to those that qualify.
Natural Gas Services
In Austin, Texas Gas Service is the primary natural gas provider. They offer reliable service to residential and commercial customers throughout the region.
Energy Efficiency Rebates:
- Appliance Rebates: Get rebates when you purchase energy-efficient natural gas appliances like water heaters or furnaces.
- Weatherization Assistance: Income-qualified households can receive free home weatherization services to improve energy efficiency.
Water and Trash Services
Water and trash services are managed by Austin Water and Austin Resource Recovery, both city-operated entities providing reliable service.
Water Services:
- Conservation Rebates: Rebates are available for installing water-saving appliances, irrigation systems, and drought-resistant landscaping.
- WaterWise Programs: Receive free tools like hose timers and showerheads to help reduce water consumption.
Trash and Recycling Services:
- Curbside Collection: The city offers weekly trash pickup, biweekly recycling, and composting services.
- Bulk and Brush Collection: Large items and yard waste are collected periodically by request.
- Zero Waste Initiative: Austin is committed to achieving zero waste by 2040, offering numerous programs to reduce landfill waste.
Internet Providers
Staying connected in Austin is easy, with numerous internet providers offering a range of speeds and pricing to suit your needs. Some of the top options include:
- AT&T Fiber: Provides ultra-fast fiber-optic internet with speeds up to 5 Gbps, ideal for remote workers and gamers.
- Spectrum: Offers reliable cable internet service with flexible pricing and speeds suitable for most households.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: A wireless internet option using 5G technology, perfect for areas without traditional broadband access.
- Google Fiber: Available in select areas of Austin, offering some of the fastest speeds in the city with up to 8 Gbps.
- Starlink: A satellite internet service best suited for rural or underserved areas where traditional broadband isn’t available.
Utility Financial Assistance in Austin
Travis County offers utility assistance for electric, natural gas, water and trash to qualified residents. Apply online for more information. The City of Austin also offers financial assistance through their Customer Assistance Program. Programs for customers who participate in certain other state, federal or local assistance programs and those who are medically vulnerable. Their Financial Support Plus 1 fund also assists financially in times of emergency.
Many other assistance programs are also available through a variety of institutions. See the list of assistance programs on the United Way of Austin site to find one that is applicable to you.
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.
Austin Internet Connectivity
Fastest Internet Providers in Austin
| Provider | Connection Type | Download Speed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber | 5 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Spectrum | Cable | 2 Gbps 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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| 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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| Earthlink | Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite | Varies Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Google Fiber | Fiber | 8 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Astound Broadband | Cable | 5 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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Austin 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.
Austin's Primary Drinking Water Source: Surface Water
Drinking Water Contaminant Levels
Legal limit: 15 ppb
Legal limit: 100 ppb
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: 60 ppb
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
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Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: 0.01 ppb
Legal limit: 0.004 ppb
Legal limit: No Limit Set
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Legal limit: No Limit Set
Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my own electricity provider in Austin?
Unlike most of Texas, the electricity market in Austin is regulated. This means if you live within the Austin Energy service area, you must use Austin Energy as your provider and cannot switch to a different retail electric provider (REP).
How much lead time do I need to start service?
It is recommended to submit your “Start Service” request at least one week (7 days) before your move-in date. While the City of Austin can often activate service within 24–48 hours, scheduling a week in advance ensures you avoid “priority” fees or delays during peak moving seasons (like July and August).
How can I get my utility deposit waived?
The standard $200 electric deposit can be waived if you provide a Letter of Reference from your previous utility provider showing 12 months of on-time payments. Waivers are also available for residents 65+, active-duty military, or those who enroll in Autopay and Paperless Billing at the time of setup.
Why is my summer electric bill so much higher?
Austin Energy uses a five-tier pricing structure. As you use more electricity (common during Austin’s hot summers for AC), the price per kilowatt-hour increases. To manage this, you can sign up for Budget Billing, which averages your annual costs into equal monthly payments to avoid “bill shock” in the summer.
What services are included in my "City of Austin" bill?
Austin uses a consolidated billing system. Your monthly bill from “City of Austin Utilities” will typically include charges for electricity, water, wastewater (sewer), trash/recycling collection, and a “drainage fee” for flood management. Natural gas and internet are the only major utilities billed separately.
Does Austin offer any assistance for low-income residents?
Yes, the Customer Assistance Program (CAP) provides substantial monthly discounts to residents who participate in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, or whose household income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. There is also the Plus 1 Fund for one-time emergency financial assistance.
Who is the natural gas provider for Austin?
Natural gas is provided by Texas Gas Service. This is a separate company from the City of Austin, so you must create an account directly through them at TexasGasService.com.
Is Google Fiber available at every address in Austin?
No. While Austin was one of the first “Fiber Cities,” availability varies strictly by neighborhood (or “fiberhood”). You must check your specific address on the Google Fiber, AT&T Fiber, or Astound (formerly Grande) websites to see which high-speed options serve your home.
How do I report a power outage?
You can report outages to Austin Energy by calling 512-322-9100 or by texting “OUT” to 287846 if you have registered for Outage Alerts. You can also view a live outage map at outagemap.austinenergy.com.
What should I do if I smell gas?
If you smell a “rotten egg” odor, leave the building immediately and do not use any electronic devices or light switches. Once you are a safe distance away, call 911 and the Texas Gas Service emergency line at 1-800-959-5325.