How do I set up electricity and water for a Houston apartment?
You’ve signed, the move is booked, and the leasing office says “set up your electric.” In most of the Houston area, that means picking a plan yourself, 3 to 5 business days before move-in. If you’re moving to Houston, the steps depend on which provider serves your address.
Step 1: Find out who serves your address
| Setup | What you do | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| CenterPoint Energy area | Pick a retail plan on Power to Choose | Varies by provider; prepaid plans none |
| Entergy Texas | Call Entergy to start service | Capped at one-sixth of annual billing |
| Mid-South Electric Cooperative | Join the co-op and start service | $75 membership |
| Electric included or billed by the property | Nothing; it’s in your lease | None separate |
On Oct 25, 2026, 123 of 140 tracked new builds were in CenterPoint’s area. Our guide on which electric provider explains each setup in more detail.
Step 2: Pick a plan or start service
In CenterPoint’s area:
- Go to Power to Choose, enter your ZIP, and compare plans.
- Read each plan’s fact label: rate at your expected usage, contract length, cancellation fee.
- Sign up with your exact address and unit number, and pick your move-in date as the start date.
- Do this 3 to 5 business days before move-in.
Prepaid plans can’t charge a deposit under 16 TAC §25.498. That helps if you’d rather not tie up cash at move-in.
In Entergy Texas or Mid-South areas, call the utility directly. Have your ID, address and move-in date ready.
Your ESI ID speeds things up
Each meter in CenterPoint’s area has an ESI ID. The leasing office can usually give it to you, and providers can look it up by address. Having it ready avoids mix-ups at large new buildings.
Step 3: Confirm water billing
At most apartments, you don’t set up water yourself. The property bills it to you. At 67 of 140 tracked new builds, the water comes from a district like a MUD (Oct 25, 2026).
Ask the leasing office:
- Is water billed by ratio or submeter?
- Is there a setup or utility admin fee?
- What was last year’s average for a unit your size?
Our guide on MUD water bills explains how district billing works under 16 TAC Chapter 24.
Step 4: Internet and the rest
Internet may be part of a required tech package, or you may sign up yourself. Ask which providers serve the building before you schedule. Renters insurance is usually required at lease signing, so have proof ready. Still deciding from out of town? See Leasing a New Houston Apartment Before You Arrive: Video Tours.
Move-in day checklist for utilities
- Electric is on in your name, or included
- Water billing method confirmed in writing
- Thermostat and breakers work
- Note your first meter reading if you can
Picking a plan size
If you’re new to choosing a plan, your expected monthly use helps narrow the field. Plans list prices at 500, 1,000 and 2,000 kWh. A smaller apartment often uses less than a larger home, and summer use is usually higher than winter. If the leasing office can share last summer’s average for a similar unit, use that as your guide.
Common move-in mistakes
- Starting service too late. Schedule 3 to 5 business days ahead so power is on when you arrive.
- Using the wrong unit number. Large buildings have many meters. Double-check the ESI ID or unit.
- Missing a contract end date. Note when your plan ends, so you don’t roll onto a higher rate.
- Forgetting the water method. Confirm ratio or submeter, and any admin fee, before your first bill.
How do we help?
We confirm the electric provider and water setup for every building on your shortlist, and we remind you to pick a plan 3 to 5 business days out. Send us your move date and address, and we’ll walk you through it, the same day during hours.