Compare Utility Providers in Houston, TX

Top 46 Electric Providers in Houston

Best Natural Gas Providers in Houston

Top 11 Internet Providers in Houston

*Not all internet providers and speeds available in all areas.

Solar Providers in Houston

Water & Sewage Providers in Houston

Top 24 Trash and Recycling Providers in Houston

Utilities Summary for Houston, TX

Electric Companies:	46
Natural Gas Companies:	1
Water & Sewage Providers:	48
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers:	24
Municipal Electricity:	No

How to Set Up Utilities in Houston: Electricity, Water, Gas & Internet

As the fourth-largest city in the United States, Houston is a vibrant metropolis known for its diverse culture, thriving arts scene, and status as the energy capital of the world. Whether you’re moving into a new home or considering switching utility providers, understanding the local services is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate electric, natural gas, water, trash, and internet services in Houston.

Electricity Services

In Texas, the electricity market is deregulated, giving consumers the power to choose their electricity provider. While CenterPoint Energy manages the transmission and distribution (TDU) of electricity in Houston, numerous Retail Electric Providers (REPs) offer various plans to suit your needs.

The Two Pillars: REP vs. TDU

To troubleshoot your bill or an outage, you must know who handles what:

• The REP (Retail Electric Provider): Companies like Reliant, TXU, Gexa, BKV, or Green Mountain.
  • Role: They buy power wholesale and sell it to you. They handle your billing, contract, and customer service.
  • Action: Call them for billing questions, plan changes, or move-in setup.
• The TDU (CenterPoint Energy): The regulated monopoly that owns the poles, wires, and meters in Houston.
  • Role: They deliver the electricity and maintain the grid. You cannot choose a different TDU.
  • Action: Call CenterPoint (713-207-2222) immediately if your power goes out. Your REP cannot fix a downed line.

Key Considerations When Choosing an Electricity Provider

• Rate Plans: Compare fixed-rate and variable-rate plans. Fixed-rate plans offer price stability, while variable-rate plans can fluctuate with the market.
• Contract Terms: Review the length of contracts and any early termination fees.
• Renewable Energy Options: Some providers offer plans that source electricity from renewable energy, supporting environmental sustainability.

5 Best Retail Electric Providers in Houston

#1 4Change Energy: Best Overall Value

Why we ranked it here: 4Change continued to post market-leading sub-11¢/kWh options in October (especially on longer terms) while keeping plans relatively clean and predictable. The trust signals stay solid, and the pro-rated ETF ($20 per remaining month) remains one of the most consumer-friendly terms in Houston.

If you want low, steady pricing without bill-credit guesswork, 4Change is still the most “set-and-forget” pick. You won’t get every perk the big brands tout, but you do get straightforward EFLs, stable bills, and fewer “gotchas”, which is what most households need.

#2 APG&E

Why we ranked it here: Through October, APG&E wasn’t always the day’s absolute cheapest like earlier snapshots, but it routinely hovered near the low end with competitive fixed-rate offers. The trade-off is a more traditional flat ETF (typically $150–$350 by term) and some variability in service feedback.

APG&E is a strong choice for shoppers focused on grabbing a good price right now and who will calendar their renewal. Read the EFL closely, pick a term that fits your horizon, and you can reliably land a below-average all-in rate.

#3 TriEagle Energy

Why we ranked it here: TriEagle’s value proposition didn’t change in October, plain fixed-rate plans, pro-rated ETF ($20 per remaining month), and a reputation for easier-to-understand bills. Pricing generally sits above the deepest discounters, but you’re paying for predictability and simple terms rather than chasing usage bands.

If you’d rather avoid bill-credit mechanics altogether, TriEagle is a great fit. It’s especially good for households whose usage varies and don’t want to obsess over hitting an exact kWh target to unlock a monthly credit.

#4 Reliant Energy

Why we ranked it here: October didn’t change the core calculus, excellent digital tools and support, strong brand stability, and wide availability, just at premium pricing versus discounters. Typical fixed plans use flat ETFs (often up to ~$295), so check your EFL before you commit.

Pick Reliant when a polished app, easier phone support, and same-day setup options matter more than squeezing every penny from your kWh. For many households that value a smooth experience, the premium can be worth it.

#5 TXU Energy

Why we ranked it here: TXU keeps a broad menu, including unique plan flavors and some $0-ETF month-to-month flexibility, but overall pricing remained premium-tier through October. Customer-review averages are mixed, so this is a features/brand buy, not a rock-bottom-rate play.

If you want a well-known provider with extras and you don’t mind paying more per kWh, TXU stays a reasonable pick. For pure bill savings, look to the top three on this list.

Why Trust Our Rankings

We built this list by pairing hard numbers with real-world signals and then cross-checking everything for clarity. Our ratings focus on CenterPoint (Houston) plans, last updated September 2025, using a standardized 1,000 kWh benchmark so you can compare apples-to-apples. We reviewed 20+ reputable sources (provider EFLs/ToS, BBB pages, independent plan trackers, and editorial roundups), read ~3,300 consumer reviews across major third-party sites, and sampled recent Reddit/forum threads to validate on-the-ground experiences and common “gotchas.”

In short, we reward providers that combine consistently competitive, non-gimmicky pricing with strong customer-satisfaction signals, clean BBB status, and consumer-friendly fees (we favor pro-rated ETFs over large flat penalties). We also open the EFLs, not just marketing pages, to verify base charges, bill-credit conditions, and how the average price shifts at 500/1,000/2,000 kWh. Pricing power matters, but transparency and predictable bills matter too.

See our full methodology for ranking REPs

The “Hidden” Cost: TDU Delivery Charges

Many residents are shocked when their first bill arrives higher than the advertised rate. This is usually due to TDU Pass-Through Charges or Delivery Charges.

Every electricity bill in Houston includes fees paid to CenterPoint Energy for maintaining the grid. Most REPs pass these costs directly to you on top of the energy charge.

• Current Rates (Est. 2026): CenterPoint charges a fixed monthly fee (approx. $4.90) plus a variable rate based on usage (approx. 6.0¢ per kWh).
• The “Resiliency” Factor: Recent rate increases are partly funding CenterPoint’s “Resiliency Plan” to replace wooden poles with steel and install stronger wires to withstand hurricanes.

Note: These rates are set by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and change twice a year (March and September).

Avoiding the Deposit: Texas Waiver Rules

You may be asked to pay a deposit ($150–$300) if you do not meet credit thresholds. However, Texas law provides specific waiver rights:

• Letter of Credit: If you have 12 months of payment history with a previous utility (gas, water, or electric) with no more than two late payments, you can submit a “Letter of Credit” to waive the deposit.
• Seniors (65+): Residents over 65 with no delinquent balance are exempt from deposits.
• Victims of Family Violence: You can waive the deposit by submitting a certification letter from the Texas Council on Family Violence.

Master Your Data: Smart Meter Texas

Houston homes are equipped with Smart Meters that track usage in 15-minute intervals.

• The Tool: Register for free at Smart Meter Texas.
• The Benefit: You can see exactly how much power you used yesterday. This allows you to audit your bill and see if your A/C is running inefficiently before you get a surprise invoice at the end of the month.

Energy Efficiency Rebates

CenterPoint Energy offers energy efficiency programs, including rebates for energy-efficient appliances, home energy assessments, and incentives for upgrading to efficient heating and cooling systems.

• Appliance Rebates: Rebates are available for purchasing energy-efficient electric and natural gas appliances, such as smart thermostats, LED lighting, water heaters and furnaces.
• Home Energy Audits: CenterPoint offers assessments to identify opportunities for energy savings in your home.
• Online Marketplace: Save on energy efficient upgrades with Centerpoint’s Online Marketplace

Natural Gas: Safety, Setup & The “Master-Planned” Exception

Unlike the electricity market, where you have dozens of choices, or the water market, which is strictly geographic, natural gas in Houston is generally a monopoly. However, which monopoly you use depends on the age and location of your neighborhood.

The Primary Provider: CenterPoint Energy

For the vast majority of Houston residents (inside the loop and most established suburbs), CenterPoint Energy is the exclusive natural gas provider.

• Important Distinction: CenterPoint delivers electricity (fixes the wires), but they sell and deliver natural gas. You will pay them directly for gas service.
• How to Set Up:
  • Online: Use the online form.
  • Phone: Call 713-659-2111.
  • Lead Time: We recommend scheduling this at least 7 days before your move-in date.

The “New Build” Exception: SiEnergy

If you are moving into a newer Master-Planned Community (common in suburbs like Fulshear, Cypress, Missouri City, and parts of Sugar Land), your gas provider might not be CenterPoint. It might be SiEnergy.

• Who they serve: SiEnergy often holds the contract for communities like Sienna, Cross Creek Ranch, Aliana, and Jordan Ranch.
• How to Check: Look at your gas meter. It will be labeled with the company name. If you haven’t moved in yet, check your “Seller’s Disclosure” or ask your builder.
• Setup: Visit SiEnergy or call 888-468-7007.

The “In-Person” Requirement

Turning on electricity is usually done remotely. Turning on gas is different.

• The Safety Check: If the gas has been physically turned off at your property (common in vacant homes), a technician must enter the home to perform a safety check and light the pilot lights on your water heater and furnace.
• The Rule: An adult (18+) must be present during the appointment window. If you miss this appointment, you may have to wait several days for a reschedule, leaving you with cold showers.

Costs & Deposits

• Connection Fee: Expect a one-time connection fee on your first bill (typically around $40 for CenterPoint).
• Deposits: Similar to electricity, a deposit may be required based on your credit history. This can often be waived if you provide a “Letter of Credit” from your previous utility provider showing 12 months of on-time payments.

Emergency Safety (Smell Gas?)

Houston adds a harmless chemical called mercaptan to natural gas, giving it a distinctive rotten egg smell.

Call the CenterPoint Gas Leak Hotline at 888-876-5786 or call 911 once you are safely away.

If you smell gas: Leave the area immediately. Do not use light switches, garage door openers, or phones (sparks can ignite the gas).

Water & Wastewater: Unraveling the “City vs. MUD” Map

One of the most confusing aspects of moving to the Greater Houston area is realizing that your water provider might not be the City of Houston. Unlike many other metropolises, our region is a patchwork of the City of Houston (COH) and hundreds of independent Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs).

Determining who provides your water is the first critical step to getting your service turned on.

Step 1: Identify Your Provider

Before you try to set up service, you must confirm if your address lies within the official city limits or in a specific MUD. Do not assume that having a “Houston, TX” address means you are a City of Houston water customer.

• Method A: The “Tax Bill” Trick (Most Reliable) Check the property tax records for your new home (ask your realtor or landlord for a copy, or look it up on the Harris Central Appraisal District website).
  • If you see: A line item for “City of Houston,” you likely have City water.
  • If you see: A line item for a specific district (e.g., “Harris County MUD #55” or “Cinco MUD 1”), that district is your water provider.
• Method B: The Official Map Tools
  • TCEQ Water District Viewer: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality provides the gold-standard map for locating MUD boundaries.
  • City of Houston Service Map: Verify if your address falls inside the city’s billing service area.

Setting Up Service with the City of Houston

If you are within the city limits, your water, sewer, and drainage services are bundled together.

• Where to Apply: Applications are processed through the Houston Water portal.
• What You Need:
  • A copy of your signed Lease Agreement (first and last pages) or Proof of Ownership (Settlement Statement).
  • A valid Government-Issued ID (Driver’s License or Passport).
• Understanding Your Bill:
  • The Drainage Charge: You will see a dedicated fee for “Drainage” on your bill. This is calculated based on the “impervious cover” (concrete, roof) on your property and funds flood control infrastructure.
  • Tiered Rates: Houston uses a conservation rate structure. Water is cheapest for the first 3,000 gallons. Usage above 3,000 and 6,000 gallons triggers significantly higher rates per gallon, so monitor your irrigation carefully.
• Troubleshooting: For leaks, outages, or billing questions, call 3-1-1 (713-837-0311) or use the Houston 311 website.

Setting Up Service with a MUD

If you are in the suburbs (such as Katy, Cypress, Spring, or Kingwood), your water is likely provided by a Municipal Utility District. MUDs do not run their own billing departments; they hire professional Operating Companies to handle connections and billing.

You will need to identify your specific MUD’s operator to set up service. The most common operators in the Houston area include:

• Inframark
• Si Environmental
• Municipal District Services (MDS)
• Municipal Operations & Consulting (MOC)

Waste Management: Trash, Recycling & The “Heavy Trash” Rules

Garbage collection in Houston is not one-size-fits-all. Your service depends entirely on whether you live inside the city limits or in a Municipal Utility District (MUD).

City of Houston Residents (The “Black & Green” Bins)

If you receive a water bill from the City of Houston, you likely receive city trash service.

• The Black Bin (Trash): Collected weekly.
• The Green Bin (Recycling): Collected bi-weekly (every other week).
• Service Day: Find your specific pickup day and recycling week schedule here.

Crucial Recycling Rules:

• NO BAGS: Do not bag your recyclables. They must be loose in the green cart. Bagged recyclables are treated as trash because they jam sorting machines.
• Glass is Back: As of recent program updates, the City of Houston does accept glass bottles and jars in curbside green bins, along with plastics #1-5 and #7, cardboard, and aluminum.
• No Styrofoam: Styrofoam (Block #6) is NOT accepted curbside.

The “Heavy Trash” Rotation (Memorize This!) Houston has a unique “Tree Waste” vs. “Junk Waste” alternating monthly schedule for large items.

• Odd Months (January, March, May…): TREE WASTE ONLY.
  • Accepted: Clean wood, branches, limbs, and stumps.
  • Rejected: Lumber, treated wood, fencing, furniture.
• Even Months (February, April, June…): JUNK WASTE.
  • Accepted: Bulky items like sofas, mattresses, appliances, and fence pickets. (Tree waste is also accepted in these months).
• The “8 Cubic Yard” Limit: Your pile cannot exceed 8 cubic yards (approx. two pickup truck beds). Piles larger than this may be tagged and left behind.

MUD & Private Service (The Suburbs)

If you are in a MUD (Katy, Cypress, Spring, etc.), the City of Houston does not pick up your trash. Your MUD contracts with a private hauler.

• Common Providers: Best Trash, Texas Pride Disposal, GFL Environmental, and Waste Management.
• Service Differences:
  • Frequency: Private haulers often pick up trash twice a week (e.g., Monday/Thursday) and recycling once a week.
  • Heavy Trash: Most private haulers do not follow the City’s odd/even schedule. They often take heavy items on the second collection day of every week. Check your specific MUD’s website for “Bulk Pickup” rules.
  • Glass: Most private haulers (like Best Trash and Texas Pride) do accept glass in their recycling bins.

Drop-Off Centers & Hazardous Waste

Need to get rid of something immediately? Use these facilities. Proof of residency (ID + Utility Bill) is required.

Neighborhood Depositories (For Heavy Trash & Tires) If you miss your heavy trash day, you can bring debris here.

• Hours: Wednesday – Sunday (Closed Mon/Tue).
• Locations: Six locations citywide (North, Northwest, Northeast, Southeast, South, Southwest). ()

The Westpark Consumer Recycling Center

• Best For: Styrofoam, tires (limited), and recyclables if you don’t have curbside service.
• Location: 5900 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77057.
• Hours: Mon-Sat, 8am – 5pm.

Environmental Service Centers (For Chemicals/Paint) Do not put paint, batteries, oil, or pesticides in your curbside bin. Take them to an ESC.

• North Location: 5614 Neches St.
• South Location: 11500 S. Post Oak Rd.
• Accepted Items: Paint (latex/oil), batteries (car/household), antifreeze, fluorescent lights.

Internet Providers

Staying connected is crucial, and Houston offers a variety of internet service providers (ISPs) to meet your needs:

• AT&T Fiber: Provides fiber-optic internet services with high-speed connectivity up to 5 Gbps, ideal for heavy internet users and households with multiple devices. AT&T offers fiber service to nearly two-thirds of the city.
• Xfinity: The most widely available provider in Houston, Xfinity offers cable internet services with a range of speed options suitable for various online activities.
• Verizon 5G Home Internet: Offers wireless 5G home internet with competitive speeds and pricing, providing flexibility without long-term contracts.

Transportation: Tolls, Tags & Traffic Survival

Houston is a car-dependent city with a massive, complex network of toll roads. Navigating them efficiently requires the right “Tag” and knowledge of the local infrastructure.

The Toll Tag: Get an HCTRA “EZ TAG”

The Golden Rule of Houston driving: Do not rely on “Pay by Mail.” It is more expensive and prone to administrative errors. You need a digital toll tag.

• The Big Change (2025 Update): Historically, drivers had to choose between the local EZ TAG (Harris County) and the state TxTag (TxDOT). However, following significant billing issues with the state system, the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) has effectively taken over toll operations for the Houston and Austin regions.
  • Recommendation: New residents should open an EZ TAG account directly with HCTRA.
  • Where it Works: Your EZ TAG is valid on all toll roads in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
  • New for 2025 (Florida Access): As of March 2025, the EZ TAG is now interoperable with Florida’s SunPass system, meaning you can drive from Houston to Orlando or Miami using just your Houston tag.
• How to Get It:
  • EZ TAG Express App: Download the app to set up an account instantly using your license plate and credit card. This allows you to drive legally on local toll roads (like the Sam Houston Tollway) while waiting for your physical sticker to arrive in the mail.
  • Physical Stores: Visit an EZ TAG store for immediate tag pickup (Check hours/locations on()).

Registration: The “Two Steps, One Sticker” Law

Texas links your vehicle inspection to your registration. You cannot register your car without passing an inspection first.

• Step 1: The Inspection (90-Day Rule)
  • Take your vehicle to any certified inspection station (most oil change shops and mechanics).
  • Pass/Fail: You will receive a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR). The results are uploaded to the state database automatically.
  • Note: In Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, and Montgomery counties, this includes an emissions test. Your “Check Engine” light must be off.
• Step 2: The Registration
  • Take your passing VIR, proof of insurance, and ID to the County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office to get your windshield sticker.
  • New Residents: You generally have 30 days after moving to register your vehicle.

Driver’s Licenses: Surviving the DPS

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices are notorious for long wait times.

• The “Mega Centers”: In the Houston area, look for “Mega Centers” (e.g., Spring/Cypress or Rosenberg). These are high-capacity facilities designed to process people faster than small neighborhood offices.
• Get in Line Online: Never walk in without checking the website. Use the “Get in Line Online“ feature to reserve a spot before you leave your house.

Flood Safety: The TranStar Map

During heavy rain or tropical storms, Google Maps and Waze are often not fast enough to identify flooded streets.

• The Tool: Bookmark.
• Why: This map uses real-time sensors on highway underpasses to detect high water. It is the definitive source for knowing which intersections are underwater.

METRO & Park & Ride

If you commute to Downtown or the Medical Center from the suburbs (Kingwood, Katy, Cypress, Clear Lake), the Park & Ride system is a viable alternative to driving.

• Fares: The system uses a zone-based fare structure (Zone 1 to Zone 4), costing roughly $2.00 to $4.50 per trip.
• Payment: You do not need exact change. Download the METRO Q Mobile Ticketing app to buy tickets on your phone, or get a reloadable Q Fare Card at local grocery stores (Kroger, H-E-B).

Airport Parking: The “EcoPark” Hack

Houston has two major airports: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Hobby (HOU).

• The Tip: Skip the expensive terminal garages ($25+/day). Look for the official EcoPark lots at both airports.
• Cost: Rates are typically $9–$11 per day (vs $25+).
• Shuttles: Free shuttles run 24/7. At IAH, EcoPark (JFK Blvd) accommodates large trucks, while EcoPark2 (Will Clayton) is strictly for standard vehicles.

Utility Financial Assistance in Houston

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and BakerRipley’s Utility Assistance Program offers low-income and senior residents utility assistance through the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). To qualify for assistance you must be a resident of Texas and have a household gross income of 150% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Assistance is also available from the United Way, by dialing 211 in the Houston area, and the Christian Community Service Center.

Houston Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in Houston

Houston 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.