Compare Utility Providers in Houston, TX

Top 45 Electric Providers in Houston

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:	45
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 of electricity in Houston, numerous Retail Electric Providers (REPs) offer various plans to suit your needs.

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 Electric Providers in Houston

#1 4Change Energy: Best Overall Value

Why we ranked it here: Consistently low, no-nonsense pricing plus consumer-friendly terms. 4Change regularly posts sub-10¢/kWh fixed-rate options in Houston and tends to avoid gimmicks that make bills unpredictable. The plans are easy to compare, and the brand has a clean trust profile for a discount provider.
Early termination fees are pro-rated ($20 per remaining month) instead of a large flat fee, great if you move or need to switch mid-term. Overall review sentiment highlights predictable billing and straightforward EFLs without many surprises.

#2 APG&E

Why we ranked it here: Frequently among the day’s lowest prices in Houston. APG&E often lands at or near the bottom of the price list on any given day, which makes it compelling for rate-sensitive shoppers. The trade-off is service variability and more traditional flat ETFs, so it’s best for savvy shoppers who will calendar their renewal and read the EFL closely.
Expect flat ETFs (e.g., ~$150–$350 depending on term), standard base charges, and plans that reward disciplined, on-time renewals. If your #1 goal is the lowest available price, APG&E is a strong pick.

#3 TriEagle Energy

Why we ranked it here: A little pricier than discounters, but strong satisfaction signals and simple plans. TriEagle’s value is in clarity and stability. Plans are typically plain fixed rates without bill-credit traps, and customer feedback consistently mentions easy-to-understand bills and helpful usage communications.
ETFs are pro-rated ($20 per remaining month), which is friendlier if your circumstances change. If you’d rather pay slightly more per kWh for a simpler, predictable experience, TriEagle is a great fit.

#4 Reliant Energy

Why we ranked it here: Excellent service and tools, widely available, just not the cheapest. Reliant brings a polished app/portal, robust customer support, and broad plan variety under a major brand. The experience is reliably good, but you’ll usually pay a premium versus discounters.
Typical fixed-plan ETFs can run up to ~$295 depending on term, make sure to check your plan’s EFL. If you prioritize a smooth digital experience and strong support over rock-bottom pricing, Reliant belongs on your shortlist.

#5 TXU Energy

Why we ranked it here: Legacy stability, unique plan flavors, and same-day setup options. TXU carries an A+ BBB rating, strong brand backing, and a wide menu, including specialty offers (e.g., Solar Club) and occasional free-period plans. Rates generally sit in the premium tier, so you’re buying brand and features more than the lowest bill. Many fixed plans follow a tiered flat-ETF pattern ($150/$295/$395 by term), while some month-to-month options have $0 ETF, handy if you need flexibility.

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

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 Services

CenterPoint Energy is also the primary provider of natural gas services in Houston. They deliver natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers, ensuring safe and reliable service.

Water and Trash Services

The City of Houston’s Public Works Department manages water and trash services for residents.

Water Services

• Water Quality: Houston’s water meets or exceeds all federal and state standards. The city sources water from rivers and lakes, treating it to ensure safety and quality.
• Conservation Programs: The city offers programs and resources to promote water conservation, including free water-efficient fixtures and irrigation efficiency check.

Trash and Recycling Services

• Solid Waste Management: The City of Houston provides weekly curbside trash pickup and bi-weekly recycling services.
• Bulk Waste Collection: Scheduled pickups are available for large items like furniture and appliances.

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.

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.