Moving to a new home in Georgetown can feel like a lot to juggle. Between closing, movers, and boxes, utility setup should not slow you down. You want the lights on, water running, and internet working on day one. This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step plan for setting up utilities and essential local services in Georgetown and Williamson County so you can settle in with confidence. Let’s dive in.
How utilities work in Georgetown
Electricity in Texas 101
Texas has a mix of utility models. Some areas are deregulated, which means you pick a Retail Electric Provider, and a separate utility maintains the lines and handles outages. Other areas are served by a city utility or a cooperative that handles both delivery and billing. In the Georgetown area, service can vary by exact address, so always verify who serves your home before you schedule activation.
Water, sewer, and trash basics
Water, wastewater, sewer, and stormwater are typically managed by the City of Georgetown or by a Municipal Utility District for certain subdivisions. Trash and recycling may be handled by the city or by a private hauler chosen by your HOA. Policies and billing can differ neighborhood to neighborhood, so check the details for your property.
Natural gas and internet
Natural gas service is usually provided by the local gas distribution company. Most residents do not choose a gas marketer, they simply set up an account with the company that serves their address. Internet, TV, and phone options are address-specific. You may have fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless, or 5G home internet depending on the neighborhood.
Find your providers by address
- Ask the seller or property manager for current utility providers and account contacts.
- Check the City of Georgetown utilities pages to confirm water, sewer, trash, and any city electric coverage for your address.
- If your home is outside city electric service, verify whether you are in a cooperative or a deregulated area where you choose a Retail Electric Provider.
- Confirm natural gas availability through the local distributor that serves your parcel.
- For internet, run availability checks with multiple providers, since options can change block by block.
Set up electricity
Determine who serves your address
- If your address is in a deregulated area, you choose a Retail Electric Provider. Your local transmission and distribution utility still maintains the lines and resolves outages.
- If your address is served by a municipal utility or an electric cooperative, contact that entity directly to open an account.
What you need to start service
- Your move-in or service start date.
- Service address and a forwarding or billing address.
- Government-issued ID and Social Security number or tax ID for a credit check.
- Proof of ownership or lease, such as a closing disclosure, deed, or lease agreement.
Timelines, deposits, and outages
- Routine activations are often completed within 3 to 7 business days, and many providers offer next-business-day service when a meter is active.
- You may be asked for a deposit based on credit. Deposits are commonly refundable after on-time payments for a set period.
- Save your provider’s outage reporting number or online map. Sign up for outage alerts once your account is active.
Set up water, wastewater, and stormwater
Verify your water provider
- Many Georgetown homes receive water and wastewater service from the City of Georgetown. Some subdivisions are served by a Municipal Utility District. Confirm which entity bills your address before you move.
Open or transfer your account
- Request activation with your move-in date.
- Provide ID and your closing statement or lease if requested.
- For rentals, confirm whether the landlord keeps the water account in their name.
Record your meter reading
- On move-in day, take clear photos of your water meter and any visible shutoff valves.
- Keep those photos for your records to resolve any billing questions.
New taps and private systems
- For new construction or homes not yet connected, you may need tap fees, inspections, and permits. These can take weeks, so start early.
- If your property uses a private well or a septic system, you are responsible for inspections, maintenance, and permits. Check county environmental health guidelines for required inspections.
Trash, recycling, and bulk pickup
- Confirm whether the City of Georgetown collects your trash and recycling or if your HOA contracts a private hauler.
- Learn your pickup day, accepted materials, set-out times, and holiday schedule.
- Ask about bulky item collection and how to schedule it.
- For household hazardous waste, look for city or county drop-off events and rules before you dispose of anything.
Natural gas service
- Identify the gas distribution company that serves your address and contact them to open or transfer your account.
- Gas activation may require an inspection or a technician visit to turn on service.
- Review gas safety procedures, including how to recognize the odorant and how to report suspected leaks using the utility’s emergency line.
Internet, TV, and phone
- Check availability with multiple providers for your exact address. Options may include fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless, or 5G home internet.
- Choose a plan, confirm equipment needs, and ask about self-install versus technician installation.
- Schedule your install early if you work from home. Lead times can range from same week to multiple weeks.
- For new construction, confirm if the home is pre-wired and whether any registrations with the developer are required.
Special cases to watch
- New subdivisions: Addresses not yet in utility maps can cause delays. Coordinate with the builder or developer to confirm taps and access.
- Rural properties: Wells and septic systems require inspections and maintenance. Build extra time into your closing timeline.
- HOA rules: Your HOA may set trash haulers, landscaping watering schedules, and exterior rules that affect water use and service choices.
- Service cutoffs: If the seller turns off utilities before closing, have proof of ownership ready and a backup plan in case activation takes longer than expected.
- Past-due balances: Confirm at closing who pays final bills. Outstanding balances tied to a property can slow down activation and may trigger deposit requests.
Your timeline checklist
30 to 14 days before closing
- Identify providers for electricity, water and sewer, trash, gas, and internet by address.
- Ask each provider about required documents, deposits, fees, and average activation times.
- If you rely on home internet for work, prioritize providers with self-install or short install windows.
- File a USPS change of address so mail forwarding starts on time.
14 to 3 days before closing
- Submit start or transfer requests with your service start date.
- Upload or send your contract or closing statement if requested.
- Book installation appointments for internet or TV within the first 48 hours after move-in.
- For well or septic properties, complete inspections and review maintenance records.
Closing day and move-in day
- Photograph electric, gas, and water meters, plus major appliances and fixtures.
- Confirm service activation with each provider and save your account numbers.
- Keep copies of the seller’s final readings and any utility bills settled at closing.
First month
- Verify billing start dates and your first billing cycle.
- Enroll in autopay or paperless billing if you prefer.
- Confirm trash and recycling rules and set reminders for your pickup day.
- Compare your first bills with the seller’s final usage to spot anomalies.
Local tasks after you move
- Mail: Complete or confirm your USPS change-of-address and locate your mailbox or cluster box. If your mailbox key was not provided, request it promptly.
- Vehicles and ID: After establishing residency, complete your Texas driver’s license and vehicle registration through the Texas Department of Public Safety and the county tax office within the required timelines.
- Voter registration: Register with Williamson County elections or the state portal before the next deadline.
- Permits and projects: Check City of Georgetown permit requirements before starting work on fences, pools, additions, or major landscaping. Review HOA guidelines before you change exteriors or hardscaping.
- Schools: Enrollment is based on your address. Contact the appropriate district for registration requirements and documents.
- Emergency contacts: Save local non-emergency police and county sheriff numbers, plus nearby hospitals and urgent care clinics.
Pro tips for a smooth start
- Start utility transfers 2 to 4 weeks before closing, especially for internet or new construction.
- Keep digital copies of all confirmations, account numbers, and meter photos.
- Ask about deposits and how to get them refunded through on-time payments.
- Sign up for outage alerts and billing notifications once accounts are active.
- If timing is tight, have a short-term backup plan in case a technician window slips.
Settling into a new home is easier when your basics are ready to go. If you need help confirming service providers by address, timing your setup with closing, or coordinating new construction details, reach out. I support buyers and relocating families across the Austin metro with clear checklists and local know-how. Connect with Maria Aguirre to make your Georgetown move smooth from day one.
FAQs
Who do I call first to set up utilities in Georgetown?
- Start by identifying your electric and water providers for your exact address, since those services affect habitability and can take the most coordination.
Can I start utilities before my Georgetown closing date?
- Many providers allow you to schedule service to begin on or just before closing if you provide contract or escrow documentation, but policies vary by provider.
How long does it take to activate utilities in Georgetown?
- Routine transfers often complete within 1 to 7 business days, while new meter installs or new construction connections can take several weeks.
Do I need to be home for utility activation appointments in Georgetown?
- Electricity and water transfers usually do not require you to be present, but internet and some gas activations often need an in-person appointment.
How do I find my trash and recycling day in Georgetown?
- Check your city utility account or neighborhood information, and if you are in an HOA, review the schedule your association distributes.
What if my new Georgetown home has a well or septic system?
- Plan inspections before closing, keep maintenance records, and follow county environmental health rules for ongoing service, pumping, and permits.
