SETTLING IN

Utility Services

With the deregulation of utilities and surge of third-party suppliers, consumers have an unprecedented number of choices in utility providers. (Only major utility providers are listed in this guide.) The following Web Sites offer a wealth of information on the possibilities available in your particular area. Information on specific providers in your community is also available from city clerk and county clerk offices.

Texas Utility Guide
866-PWR4-TEX
www.powertochoose.org

Public Utility Commission of Texas
512-936-7000
http://www.puc.texas.gov/

Online Utility Connection
www.allconnect.com

Major Utility Providers

Houston area utility companies generally require the same basic information to set up service. Be prepared to provide the following information:

*           Address of former utility company and letter of credit
*           Names of those with whom you live
*           Employer
*           Driver’s license and Social Security numbers
*           Home telephone and daytime contact number

Electricity

CenterPoint Energy
800-752-8036
www.centerpointenergy.com

Reliant Energy
866-222-7100
www.reliant.com

TXU
800-818-6132
www.txu.com

Natural Gas

CenterPoint Energy
800-752-8036
www.centerpointenergy.com

Water/Waste
Water systems vary with the municipality or unincorporated area. Your city or county clerk will be able to connect you with the utilities department serving your community.

City of Houston Public Works
832-395-2500
www.publicworks.houstontx.gov/home

City of Galveston Public Works
409-797-3630
www.galvestontx.gov/167/Public-Works

Telephone

AT&T
800-288-2020
www.att.com

Cable/Satellite Television

Direct TV
800-531-5000
www.directv.com

Xfinity
800-934-6489
www.xfinity.com

Houston Police Department

Houston Police Department
713-884-3131
www.houstontx.gov/police

National Newspapers

Business Week Magazine
800-635-1200
www.businessweek.com

The New York Times
800-NYTIMES
www.nytimes.com

USA Today
800-872-0001
www.usatoday.com

The Wall Street Journal
800-JOURNAL-1
www.wsj.com

Regional Newspapers & Publications

Galveston County – The Daily News
409-683-5200
www.galvnews.com

Houston Business Journal
713-688-8811
www.bizjournals.com/houston

Houston Chronicle
713-362-7211
www.chron.com