Retail electricity service in Texas is deregulated, giving newcomers many choices. Water, garbage and recycling needs, however, remain the responsibility of the city.

Killeen residents may visit the Utility Collections Department, 200 E. Avenue D, for water, sewer, recycling and garbage collection services.

With the exception of active-duty military, who may get a waiver, a $60 deposit is required for residential water service and $30 for solid waste accounts. Commercial accounts pay $75 or more depending on the meter size.

For same-day service, residents should get to the office by 2:30 p.m. Residents must show a picture identification and identification listing the Social Security number at time of application. If property is being rented, a lease also must be presented. For those buying a home, a contract must be shown.

Someone should be at the residence when utilities are turned on.

The Killeen office telephone number is 501-7800.

In Copperas Cove, the utility office is located at 305 S. Main St.

A minimum deposit of $55 is required. Deposit waivers are accepted for active-duty military, and there is a 20 percent discount for people 65 and older.

For same-day service, residents should get to the office by 3 p.m. Residents must show a valid picture identification at the time of application. A lease or closing papers are required.

Someone should be at the residence when utilities are turned on.

The Cove office telephone number is 547-8718.

In Harker Heights, residents can have their utilities turned on at City Hall, 305 Miller's Crossing. The deposit for residential water, sewage and garbage collection is $55 per customer. Sprinkler meters will require a separate deposit.

Active-duty military waivers also apply. However, applications must be completed within five days of service connection or the deposit is required.

Same-day service is available if the application is completed and processed by the water department by 3 p.m. Someone should be at the residence when utilities are turned on.

The telephone number is 953-5600.

In Nolanville, residents can start the garbage collection service at City Hall, 100 N. Main St. The deposit is $25 and the first month's prepaid fee. Active-duty military waivers are available; however, applications must be completed within five days or the deposit is required. The telephone number is 698-6335.

Water and sewage services are provided by Bell County Water Control and Improvement District No. 3, located at 200 N. Main St. Service connection requires a $50 cash deposit and a $5 connection fee.

Active-duty military waivers are available. The telephone number is 698-6885.

Atmos Gas recently acquired TXU Gas and is now the provider of gas services to residents of Killeen, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights and Nolanville.

The company will function under the TXU Gas banner in the local area, however, until the switch is complete in spring 2005.

To sign up for gas service, residents must pay a security deposit worth one-sixth of the annual usage at the residence and a $65 connection fee. Although the deposit is refundable, the connection fee is not. Military waivers are honored. For nonmilitary residents, the company accepts letters of credit in lieu of a deposit.

Customers may call 1-800-817-8090 for gas service.

Area electric services are provided by Bartlett Electric Cooperative or any of 13 retail electric providers as part of the state's electric deregulation program. TXU Electric Delivery owns, operates and maintains the area's power lines.

Bartlett Electric provides electric service to residents in south Killeen and those living south of the city limits. Some Harker Heights residents living near Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir are also eligible.

To apply for service, an applicant must complete an application for membership and pay a $25 membership fee. A deposit equal to one-sixth of the annual usage at the residence or a letter of credit from a previous utility company also is required. A $25 connection fee is charged on the first electric bill. The membership fee and deposits are applied to the final bill.

The cooperative is located at 22770 Farm-to-Market 2484. The phone number is 634-1274.

Fees and rates for electric retail providers vary.

ACN Energy Inc. can be contacted at 1-800-348-6496 or www.acnenergy.com. Amigo Energy can be contacted at (832) 242-7168 or by going to www.amigoenergy.com. To contact Cirro Corp., call 1-800-692-4776 or visit www.cirroenergy.com. The phone number for Direct Energy is 1-888-305-3828 and the Web site is directenergy.com/texas/signup. Contact ECONnergy Energy Company Inc. at 1-800-371-1789 or at www.econnergy.com. Reach Electric Now at 1-866-353-2669 or at www.electricnow.com. Entergy Solutions Ltd. can be reached at 1-866-368-3749 or www.entergysolutions.com. First Choice Power Inc.'s number is 1-866-469-2464 and the Web site is www.firstchoicepower.com. Gexa Energy Corp.'s contact information is 1-866-961-9399 or www.gexaenergy.com. Green Mountain Energy can be contacted at 1-866-473-3689 or www.greenmountain.com. To contact Reliant Energy, call 1-866-735-4268 or visit www.reliant.com. Starlight Electric can be reached at 1-866-744-6366 or at www.starlightelectric.com. To contact TXU Energy, call 1-866-225-5898 or www.txuenergy.com.