How do I set up my utility service?

Utility service may be set up from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at City Hall, 3800 University Blvd., or online via the City’s website. Service will not be started/terminated on the same day as the application, holidays or weekends. All documentation must be received by 4:00 p.m. the business day before the requested connection/termination. Any documents received after 4:00 p.m. on a given day will be processed the next business day to start the following business day. 

All West U residents will need to set up utility service. Our City does not "transfer" services from one owner to the next or from landlord to renter. Each party is responsible for connecting service and then terminating service when they leave the City or move to another residence within the City. You will be responsible for the account until you terminate it whether you still reside there or not.  

The following documents are needed to start new service:

As a home owner, you do not pay a deposit but you do pay a $50 connection fee. The Utility Department requires a photo identification of the owner and spouse, adult roommate or adult partner. The driver’s license is used for identification purposes only. The department will discuss utility issues such as billing with only persons listed on that account, so it is imperative that we have all the vital information. We will also need the front page of your purchase contract or other proof of ownership to verify that you are the home owner of the location for which you want service. The connection fee will be charged on your first month’s billing. Documentation MUST be received by 4:00 p.m. the business day before connection. 

As a renter, you will pay a deposit of $200 in addition to a $50 connection fee. The Utility Department requires a photo identification of the renter and spouse, adult roommate or adult partner. The driver’s license is used for identification purposes only. The department will discuss utility issues such as billing with only persons listed on that account, so it is imperative that we have all the vital information. We will also need the front page of your lease agreement to verify that you are the renter of the location for which you want service. The $200 deposit is due BEFORE services are scheduled to start in your name. The connection fee will be charged on your first month’s billing. When you leave the City or change residences, the deposit will be applied to your final bill; you will then be billed for the remainder of your final bill or will receive a refund, whichever is appropriate. Documentation MUST be received by 4:00 p.m. the business day before connection. 

If you come into the office, please bring photo identification for all adults as listed above as well as the contract or lease agreement information as required. If you call the department, please be prepared to FAX (713.662.5804), email (billinghelp@westutx.gov) or bring those documents to City Hall. Service will not be scheduled until the department has received the documents; documentation MUST be received by 4:00 p.m. the business day before connection. 

Owners of new construction --- you will not be able to start a utility account until AFTER your certificate of occupancy is received in the Finance office. Moving into a home while still under the builder’s name may result in fines.

Show All Answers

1. What utilities does West University Place provide?
2. How do I set up my utility service?
3. How do I terminate my utility service when I move?
4. How do I set up automatic payments?
5. What is the link to pay online by credit card?
6. How do I pay/view my utility bill on-line?
7. Does West U really read the water meters each month or is it estimated?
8. Will I get my adjustment on the bill I have in hand now? Do I have to pay this bill or can I wait for the adjustment?
9. Why is my bill so high? Could the City have a leak under the street that is impacting me?
10. Can I see what my bill is online?
11. Can you explain the time factor in the utility billing process?
12. Do you waive the late fees if I didn't receive my bill?
13. Can you waive late fees for customers with good payment history?
14. I got a late fee on my account but my check shows I paid it before the due date.
15. What are some of the things that could cause me a problem with my utility account or cause me to have late fees?
16. Why do you cut off residential water? What about families with older adults or children?
17. What happens if I need to enter into a payment plan?
18. I pay using my bank's bill-paying program. Is that an electronic transfer that is credited on the same day as my bank takes the money from my account?
19. What kind of information do we need to provide to maintain current customer records?
20. What do I do before, during and after a delinquent termination of service?
21. What discounts do I get on my water bill when I turn 65?
22. If I have had an account in West U for years, you have my information ---right?
23. What is the ordinance about utility payments?
24. So you have missed your utility payment? What should you expect to happen?