New to Parker? Utility Setup and City Services Checklist

Moving to Parker and not sure where to start with utilities and city services? You are not alone. Getting water, power, gas, trash, and internet lined up takes planning, especially in Texas’s choice-based electricity market. This guide gives you a simple timeline, trusted contacts, and local tips so you can settle in with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Your 30-day move-in timeline

1 to 2 weeks before closing

• Review the seller’s and HOA documents to see what utilities are active and who bills for trash.
• Note meter locations and take photos at the final walk-through.
• File USPS mail forwarding and update key accounts.

3 to 7 days before your move

• Schedule internet installation after confirming availability at your exact address using the FCC’s National Broadband Map. This step-by-step FCC guide shows how to check providers.
• If your home uses natural gas, contact Atmos Energy to start service. Atmos Energy distributes gas across much of Collin County.

On closing day

• Open your City of Parker water and sewer account through Parker Public Works and Utility Billing. Have your photo ID and proof of ownership or lease ready.
• Enroll with your chosen Retail Electric Provider (details below). Service delivery is handled by Oncor regardless of which plan you pick.

First week in the home

• Confirm your trash and bulk pickup details with Parker Public Works or your HOA. Ask about cart delivery, pickup day, and bulk-item rules.
• Review Parker’s outdoor watering guidance and sign up for city alerts. See Water Conservation for current schedules.
• Within 30 days, update vehicle registration and voter address if needed, and verify school zoning if you have students. Most of Parker is in Plano ISD, with a portion in Allen ISD, as noted on Parker’s city profile.

First calls to make

• City utilities and water emergencies: Start with Parker Public Works / Utility Billing for accounts, billing, and after-hours water contacts.
• Police non-emergency and community programs: See the Parker Police community page for contacts and events.
• Electricity: Choose and enroll with a Retail Electric Provider. The Public Utility Commission of Texas offers consumer guidance through its site. Review plan details on the PUC of Texas resources.
• Natural gas: If applicable, set up service with Atmos Energy.

Water and sewer in Parker

• Source and service: The City of Parker distributes and bills for water and sewer. Water is supplied regionally by the North Texas Municipal Water District. Start or transfer service through Parker Public Works.
• Conservation and watering: Parker follows regional conservation guidance and local watering schedules. Review rules and seasonal updates on Water Conservation before setting your irrigation controller.
• Practical tip: Take a photo of your water meter on move-in day and request the prior owner’s final read for clean billing.

Electricity in a choice market

• Who fixes outages: Oncor Electric Delivery operates the poles, wires, and meters in Parker and restores power after storms or outages. Learn more about Oncor’s role on the Oncor Electric Delivery overview.
• How to choose a plan: You select a Retail Electric Provider for your rate and contract. Compare fixed and variable plans, fees, and early-termination terms. The Public Utility Commission of Texas provides consumer guidance via its PUC of Texas resources. If you do not choose a provider, you may default to a Provider of Last Resort, which can be more expensive.
• Enrollment tips: Ask about deposits and start dates, and read the Electricity Facts Label closely before you sign.

Natural gas service

• If your home has gas appliances or heat, Atmos Energy is the common distributor in Collin County. Confirm availability at your address and schedule a meter turn-on through Atmos Energy. Gas billing is separate from your city water bill.

Trash, recycling, and bulk pickup

• Parker and some HOAs contract with private haulers for curbside service. New residents should confirm whether the city bills for trash or the HOA arranges service. Start with Parker Public Works to check your schedule, bulk/brush rules, and holiday changes.

Internet and home phone

• Options are address-specific and can vary by street. Common providers in the area include fiber or DSL from AT&T, cable from Spectrum, and satellite options. Use the FCC National Broadband Map to see which providers report service to your exact location.
• Pro tip: If you work from home, consider a 5G/4G backup hotspot in case your primary connection goes down.

City services, safety, and permits

• Utility billing, bulk trash, and service requests: Find links and contacts at Parker Public Works / Utility Billing.
• Police and community programs: See non-emergency contacts and neighborhood event info on the Parker Police page.
• Permits and building projects: Check the city site for permit applications and guidelines before starting work on projects like pools, fences, or remodels. Reach out to Public Works or Community Development through the city’s contacts.

County taxes and appraisal

• Appraisal and exemptions: The Collin Central Appraisal District sets your home’s appraised value and manages exemptions and protests. Review procedures and deadlines at the Collin Central Appraisal District.
• Paying property taxes: Tax statements and payments are handled by the Collin County Tax Assessor–Collector. See payment options and due dates on the Collin County Tax Assessor–Collector.

Paperwork, deposits, and emergency tips

• What to have ready: Photo ID, proof of ownership or lease, move-in date, and contact info. Some providers may request a credit check or deposit.
• Deposits: City water accounts may require a deposit. Electricity deposits depend on the Retail Electric Provider’s policies.
• Outages and emergencies: Report power outages to Oncor. For water emergencies after hours, use the city’s emergency number on the Public Works page. For suspected gas leaks, call Atmos emergency and 911.

Ready to make your move easy? For local guidance, quick answers, and a smooth setup from contract to keys, reach out to Allen Martinez. I am here to help you settle in with confidence.

FAQs

Who provides water and sewer in Parker?

• The City of Parker handles water distribution, meter reading, and sewer billing. You will open and manage your account through the city’s Public Works and Utility Billing.

Who fixes power lines and restores service after an outage?

• Oncor Electric Delivery owns the poles, wires, and meters and restores power during outages. Your Retail Electric Provider handles your billing and plan.

How do I choose an electricity plan in Parker?

• Compare Retail Electric Providers for rates, fees, and contract length, and review each plan’s Electricity Facts Label. If you do not choose a provider, you may be placed with a Provider of Last Resort.

Who handles trash, recycling, and bulk pickup?

• Parker or your HOA contracts with a private hauler. Check your utility bill or HOA documents and contact the city for your pickup schedule and bulk-item rules.

Where do I pay property taxes and manage exemptions?

• Appraisals and exemptions are through the Collin Central Appraisal District, while tax bills and payments go to the Collin County Tax Assessor–Collector.

Which school district serves my address?

• Most of Parker is in Plano ISD and part is in Allen ISD. Verify your exact zoning using the districts’ boundary lookup tools before enrolling.