
If you're planning on moving to San Antonio, you may be looking to better understand the cost of utilities and where to go for service. Utilities can account for a significant portion of your monthly budget. If you're new to the city, you may not know which companies cover your community and how to set up services.
San Antonio utilities are fairly affordable compared to the rest of the country, depending on your consumption habits. It's also very easy to set up a service if you know the proper procedure.
San Antonio offers a range of utility services, including electricity, water, and natural gas. CPS Energy provides electricity and natural gas, while the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) handles water and wastewater services. Residents can set up or transfer accounts online or by contacting the respective utility providers. Reliable service and multiple payment options make managing utilities in San Antonio convenient.
To help make the process as smooth as possible, here is everything you need to know about setting up utilities in the San Antonio area.
First, it's helpful to know the average cost of utilities in San Antonio. The true cost of utilities can vary greatly depending on how much you consume. However, looking at the data can be a good way to assess the ballpark costs and give you an idea of what to expect.
According to Doxo, the average utility cost in San Antonio, Texas, is $2,161 per month or $25,938 per year. That's about 2% higher than the national average for cities in the US but 2% lower than the average cost of utilities in Texas. Bills account for about 38% of the average family's household income in San Antonio.
The Cost of Living Index Average Utility Cost in San Antonio TX:
The average San Antonio electricity cost is 14 cents/kilowatt-hour, which is 32% lower than the national average and 3% lower than the statewide average. So, while exact rates will depend on how much you use and the size of your household, you can estimate the average costs of utilities a month to be roughly on par with the rest of the country and the state of Texas (if not lower).

CPS Energy is the primary San Antonio power company. It became the largest municipally owned energy company after the city of San Antonio acquired it in 1942. It serves more than 840,000 energy customers in a 1,500-mile radius that includes all of the San Antonio neighborhoods in Bexar County and sections of the surrounding seven counties. In addition to serving as the main San Antonio electric company, they also provide solar power, natural gas, and more.
You can transfer or start service with CPS Energy online. Simply visit their website and head to "manage my account". You'll need to set up an account if you are a new customer. The registration form will ask you for:
Once you create an account, you can start or transfer your San Antonio utilities within minutes. If you'd prefer to set up service over the phone, you can call customer service at (210) 353-2222.
CPS Energy charges a base rate for service plus an energy charge and peak capacity charge during the summer months. The energy charge refers to your regular energy consumption, while the peak capacity charge applies to all kilowatts per hour (kWh) in excess of 600 kWh.
The San Antonio electricity cost is:
They also offer assistance programs, such as a budget payment plan that allows customers to avoid impact fees and higher San Antonio utility bills during sudden weather events. CPS Energy offers several convenient ways to pay your San Antonio Electric Bill, including:

CPS Electric is the San Antonio gas and electric company, which makes setting up service and paying bills fast and convenient. They operate 15 San Antonio natural gas units to support their efforts in energy generation, including coal, nuclear, and renewable energy. Within its 1500-mile service radius, CPS Energy provides natural gas to more than 350,000 San Antonians.
To set up or transfer service, you can use the same process required to set up energy service. Simply visit the "manage my account" page, register or login to your account, and input the required information. Once registered, you'll be able to start service within minutes. You can also call (210) 353-2222 with any billing or questions related to utilities in San Antonio.
Natural gas rates for residential customers are assessed at a base rate for service availability plus an additional rate per centum cubic feet (CCF). The natural gas rates are:
You have the same options to pay your natural gas bill as your electric bill. If you are receiving both San Antonio utilities from CPS Energy, then you'll receive one bill stating your consumption and the amount due for electricity and gas, which you can pay online, over the phone, in person, or by mail.
Water is also considered one of San Antonio's public utilities. The San Antonio water company and sewer system is called San Antonio Water System and services more than 2 million customers within the entire metro region. It was formed in 1992 through a merger of the City Water Board, the City Wastewater Department, and the Alamo Water Conservation and Reuse District. It draws its water from the Edwards Aquifer and serves all 8 counties in the Greater San Antonio metro area.
You can start or stop water service online. Residents who are already using City of San Antonio utilities can simply log in to their account and stop service or transfer it to a new address. New customers will be required to create an account and provide the following:
Deposits are required for new residential services. You can also call 210-704-7297 (SAWS) to set up or stop service or visit one of the San Antonio water department customer service centers (Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm).
San Antonio Water Systems charges a minimum service availability fee based on the size of the meter and the water usage per 1000 gallons. Rates also vary depending on whether you live inside or outside the city limits. Their website provides a full breakdown of residential water rates.
The average water bill in San Antonio, Texas is $60.88. The Uplift Assistance Program is also available for families in need who qualify for a reduced rate.
You have multiple options to pay for San Antonio water service, including:

The Department of Solid Waste Management is the San Antonio utility company responsible for trash and recycling. You can find the pickup day for your address by searching the database on their website, along with a holiday pickup schedule.
Note: Curbside brush and bulky item collection is only provided twice per year. Customers will receive a notification of their San Antonio trash pickup day for larger items via door hanger 7-10 days before collection. Leaving unapproved waste items on the curb outside of the designated pickup window can result in a fine of up to $2000 per day, plus a disposal fee. So you may be better off donating furniture and other items, instead of leaving it by the curb.
San Antonio trash pickup fees vary depending on the size your container and include:
Recycling bins are available in 96 and 48 gallon sizes. Recycling bins are free, however you can be fined for disposing of unapproved materials. Tips on how to avoid violations can be found on the Solid Waste Management website.

The Internet is the only one of the utilities in San Antonio not provided by the municipal government. However, reputable companies offer a range of options.
Here are some of the top internet providers in San Antonio:
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