Moving to Universal City and want utilities ready the moment you get the keys? A little prep goes a long way. With the right forms and a few quick calls, you can line up water, power, trash, gas, and internet without stress. In this guide, you’ll see who to contact, what it costs, how long it takes, and a simple checklist to keep everything on schedule. Let’s dive in.
Universal City water and sewer: how to start
Universal City provides municipal water, sewer, and billing. New residential customers start service with a short online form.
- Start here: complete the City’s Water Service Application. You’ll see the required fields for ID and service address, then submit online.
- Fees and timing: the City bills a $120 deposit plus a $15 application fee on your first bill. Service begins the next business day after your completed application and documents are received. Same-day activation is not available.
- Need help: call Utility Billing at 210-659-0333 (option 2) or visit Utilities Administration for contacts and office details.
Helpful links:
Electricity and gas: CPS Energy or GVEC
Most addresses in Universal City are served by CPS Energy for electricity and natural gas. Some pockets may be served by GVEC. Confirm your provider by address before you apply.
- CPS Energy: request start service or a move-in online. CPS asks for two business days’ notice and may require ID and a deposit based on credit. New service is not established on weekends or CPS holidays.
- GVEC (co-op): account setup includes a $25 membership fee and a $50 account setup fee. A deposit may be required. Timelines vary based on whether the location already has a meter.
- Unsure who serves the property: check the City’s Utility Service Providers page for contacts and verify by address.
- Emergency numbers: CPS electric or gas emergencies 210-353-HELP (4357) or 1-800-870-1006.
Helpful links:
Trash and recycling: what to expect
Universal City contracts with Waste Management for residential service. Your trash charges appear on your City water bill.
- Carts: you receive one green trash cart and one yellow recycling cart at no cost when you start service.
- Pickups: trash is collected twice weekly and recycling once weekly. Place carts curbside by 7:00 AM on collection days.
- Bulky and brush: see City guidelines and the pink-tag policy before setting items out.
Learn more: Universal City Waste Services
Internet and TV: check address first
Coverage varies block by block in 78148. Spectrum and AT&T are common, with fiber available in some areas. Frontier, satellite, and 5G home internet may be options depending on location.
- Run an address lookup to see what speeds and plans are available, then schedule install as early as possible.
- If the home is older or newly built, ask if a technician visit is needed for wiring or equipment.
Check options by address: Allconnect’s Universal City page
Billing, deposits, timing, and assistance
- City water billing: pay online, by bank draft, mail, in person, or via drop box. Card payments through the City’s portal include a 4% convenience fee. Bank draft avoids that fee.
- Late or reconnection fees: the City portal outlines late rules. Online payments after 4:30 PM on the extended due date may incur a $50 reconnection fee if service is disconnected.
- Electricity deposits: CPS and GVEC determine deposits by credit history. Ask about deposit waivers or alternatives if you lack credit history.
- Assistance programs: qualifying CPS customers can explore bill help and resources through REAP.
Helpful links:
Move-in fast-start checklist
Before closing or move day
- Confirm providers by address for electricity and gas, plus internet options. City water is municipal.
- Gather a photo ID, Social Security number or alternate ID, lease or closing statement, and a payment method for deposits and fees.
- Submit your City Water Service Application and schedule electricity start dates early.
On move day
- Take timestamped photos of your water meter reading. Keep application confirmations for your records.
- Set up electricity and internet equipment or meet the technician if an install is required.
- Place WM carts at the curb by 7:00 AM on the next scheduled pickup.
First 30 days
- Review your first bills to confirm base charges, usage, and trash fees. Enroll in bank draft or online billing to simplify payments.
- Set up consumption or leak alerts in the City portal and keep emergency numbers handy.
Contacts at a glance
- Universal City Utility Billing: 210-659-0333 (option 2)
- Universal City Public Works: 210-658-5364; after-hours water or sewer issues via Police Dept: 210-658-5353
- CPS Energy customer service: 210-353-2222; emergencies: 210-353-HELP (4357) or 1-800-870-1006
- GVEC customer service: 800-223-4832
- Waste Management: 800-800-5804
Ready to get connected?
A smooth start comes down to early scheduling and having the right documents ready. If you are planning a move on the Northeast Side and want a step-by-step plan from keys to connected, we are here to help. For local guidance on homes, timing, and utility planning, reach out to Bryan Warhurst for a concierge-level experience.
FAQs
How long does it take to start water service in Universal City?
- The City starts residential water service the next business day after receiving your completed application and documents; same-day activation is not available.
Who provides electricity for my Universal City address?
- Most addresses use CPS Energy, but some areas are served by GVEC; confirm the provider by your exact address before applying.
What deposits or fees should I expect for utilities in Universal City?
- Expect a City water $120 deposit and $15 application fee on your first bill; electric and gas deposits vary by provider and credit history, and GVEC lists a $25 membership fee and $50 setup fee.
How do trash and recycling work for new Universal City residents?
- Waste Management provides one green trash cart and one yellow recycling cart, with trash picked up twice weekly and recycling once weekly; place carts by 7:00 AM on collection day.
Who do I call for a water leak or power emergency in Universal City?
- For water or sewer issues call Utility Billing at 210-659-0333 (option 2) or Public Works at 210-658-5364, and for electric or gas emergencies call CPS at 210-353-HELP (4357) or 1-800-870-1006.
