Moving soon and need the lights, water, and internet on fast? In Montgomery County, a few services are centralized while others depend on your exact address, which can slow you down if you do not know where to start. You want an easy checklist and the right links so nothing delays your move. Below, you will find the fastest way to set up each utility, who to call, and what to have ready. Let’s dive in.
Quick provider map for The Woodlands
- Electricity delivery: CenterPoint Energy or Entergy Texas, depending on your address. Use the Township’s utility page to confirm your delivery utility and next steps. Check local utility guidance.
- Natural gas: Provider varies by neighborhood. CenterPoint serves many areas; some neighborhoods are served by other distributors. If you smell gas, leave the area and call the gas emergency line or 911.
- Water and wastewater: Most addresses are served by MUDs managed by Woodlands Water. Find your MUD and use Woodlands Water to start or stop service.
- Trash and recycling: Provided by The Woodlands Township through a contract with Waste Management. See pickup days and rules.
- Internet and TV: Multiple providers. Availability varies by street. Start with an address check on major provider sites like AT&T in The Woodlands.
Start electricity first
Confirm your delivery utility
Use the Township’s utility page to verify if your address is in CenterPoint’s delivery area or Entergy territory. This determines how you enroll for service. Find local guidance and lookups.
If you are in a CenterPoint area
- Choose a Retail Electric Provider and plan. Texas has a deregulated market, so you select the REP and rate that fit your usage.
- Enroll 5 to 7 business days before move-in. Same-day activation may be possible if the meter is active. A technician visit can add time.
- For how the Texas move-in process works, see this overview of timelines, credit checks, and deposits. Review move-in steps.
If you are in Entergy territory
- Entergy is the retail supplier. Contact Entergy to start or transfer service and schedule activation. Entergy contact options.
What to have ready
- Full name, date of birth, phone, email, service address, and move-in date.
- ID such as a driver’s license or passport, and SSN for a soft credit check.
- Meter ID if available. Some landlords require proof of service before key pickup.
Turn on natural gas
- Identify your local distributor from prior bills, closing documents, or the Township utilities page. If service is off, a technician may need to visit, which can take several business days.
- Have your ID, move-in date, and account details ready when you call to open or transfer service.
- Safety first: if you smell gas, leave the area and call the emergency number or 911. CenterPoint’s Texas gas leak line is 888-876-5786.
Set up water and wastewater
- Most Montgomery County addresses in The Woodlands are billed through MUDs managed by Woodlands Water. Start by confirming your MUD. Look up your MUD.
- Then complete the start-service steps through Woodlands Water. Many starts process within 1 to 2 business days, and online tools like the WaterSmart portal help you manage billing. Start or stop service.
- Expect a small application or processing fee and standard billing schedules. Check your specific MUD for exact amounts and policies.
Trash and recycling service
- Single-family homes inside The Woodlands Township receive curbside trash and recycling through Waste Management. Service typically includes one trash cart and one recycling cart with weekly pickup.
- Confirm your service day, bulky item rules, and how to report a missed pickup. See Township trash and recycling.
Internet options and fast workarounds
- Run an address check with your preferred providers. If available, self-install kits can speed things up. Start with AT&T’s local page.
- Need same-day connectivity? Use a mobile hotspot or consider satellite service. See Starlink availability.
- Fiber builds can require permits and construction windows, which may impact timelines and yards in new build areas. A recent local report highlights why you should plan ahead for installs. Read the context on fiber construction.
Timelines and fees at a glance
- Electricity: Enroll 5 to 7 business days before move-in. Some plans allow same-day activation if the meter is active. Deposits may apply based on credit.
- Water: Woodlands Water starts are often processed in 1 to 2 business days once forms are submitted. Expect a modest application fee.
- Natural gas: Allow several business days if a technician must activate or relight service.
- Internet: Next-day or self-install is possible when facilities are already in place. Technician installs can take several days to 2 weeks or more, especially for fiber.
- Trash and recycling: No separate signup for most single-family homes in the Township. Confirm pickup day before move-in.
Move-in utility checklist
- Confirm delivery utility and REP or Entergy for electricity.
- Identify your water MUD and submit start-service forms.
- Call the natural gas provider to open or transfer your account.
- Schedule internet installation early. Use a hotspot or satellite if you need a bridge.
- Verify trash and recycling pickup days and cart needs.
- Keep IDs, SSN, lease or closing docs, and meter info handy.
- Take photos of meter readings on move-in day and save all confirmation numbers.
Who to call in an emergency
- Power outage or downed lines in CenterPoint area: 800-332-7143 or 713-207-2222. CenterPoint contact page.
- Power outage in Entergy territory: 1-800-968-8243. Entergy contact.
- Gas leak in Texas: CenterPoint gas emergency 888-876-5786. Leave the area and call the emergency line or 911.
- Water or sewer emergency for MUDs managed by Woodlands Water: operations emergency line at 281-367-1271. Woodlands Water customer service.
- Missed trash or recycling: Waste Management customer service at 1-800-800-5804, or contact The Woodlands Township Environmental Services at 281-210-3800. Trash and recycling info.
Ready to make your move?
Getting utilities running quickly in The Woodlands comes down to confirming your delivery utility, knowing your MUD, and scheduling internet early. If you want local guidance plus a smooth home search or sale, our team is here to help you plan every step. Connect with the friendly pros at the Kristi Fox Real Estate Group to make your move to Montgomery County simple and stress free.
FAQs
How do I find my water provider in The Woodlands?
- Most addresses are served by MUDs managed by Woodlands Water, so start with the MUD lookup and then complete the start-service steps.
How far ahead should I start electricity service?
- Enroll 5 to 7 business days before move-in, and consider same-day options only if the meter is active and your provider offers them.
Is trash and recycling included for single-family homes?
- In The Woodlands Township, curbside trash and recycling are provided through the Township’s contract with Waste Management, so you typically do not need to sign up.
What if I need internet on day one?
- Try a mobile hotspot or satellite as a temporary solution while you wait for technician installation or fiber construction.
Who do I call when the power goes out?
- For CenterPoint areas call 800-332-7143; for Entergy areas call 1-800-968-8243, and use each utility’s outage tools for updates.
