Setting Up Utilities in Tatum, Texas
Unlike Texas's big metro areas, Tatum is not in the deregulated electricity market. Power here comes from Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), a single regulated utility — so there's no shopping for a retail plan the way Dallas or Houston residents do. You set up service directly with SWEPCO.
Water comes from the City of Tatum, and Hilliary Communications reports the widest internet coverage in town (98% of homes on the FCC broadband map). Availability still varies by address.
Electricity
Single regulated providerTatum is in SWEPCO's regulated (non-ERCOT) service territory, so there is no competitive plan shopping. You set up electric service directly with SWEPCO at a regulated rate.
Provider: Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO)
Natural Gas
Piped natural gas is limited in this rural part of Rusk County; many homes use propane (LP gas) from a local supplier. Confirm availability for your address with the City of Tatum.
Water & Sewer
City of Tatum (Tatum Water Works)
The City of Tatum Public Works Department runs water supply and wastewater; properties outside city limits may be on a rural water supply corporation.
Trash & Recycling
City of Tatum Public Works
Residential sanitation is handled through the City of Tatum; set up trash service when you start water service.
Internet
Widest coverage: Hilliary Communications
Hilliary Communications reports service to 98% of homes inside Tatum city limits, the widest reported coverage of any provider other than the satellite companies and the 5G home-internet carriers. Fiber is reported at 80% of homes. Full provider comparison on our Tatum internet page.
Check your address (FCC map) →Electricity: One Regulated Provider, No Shopping
Tatum is a good example of why "choose your electricity provider" doesn't apply everywhere in Texas. The deregulated market only covers parts of the state on the ERCOT grid; Tatum sits in Southwestern Electric Power Company's (SWEPCO) regulated, non-ERCOT territory.
In practice that means there's no Power to Choose comparison to do here. You set up service directly with SWEPCO, the rate is regulated, and SWEPCO is also who you call for outages. It's simpler than the metro process — just one provider — though without the competitive plan choices.
Gas, Water, and Trash
Water and wastewater in Tatum are run by the City of Tatum through its Public Works Department and Tatum Water Works, and residential trash service is set up through the city as well. Piped natural gas is limited in this rural stretch of Rusk County, so many homes rely on propane delivered by a local LP-gas supplier — worth confirming what's available at your specific address before you assume one or the other.
Internet
Providers report home internet service inside Tatum city limits over licensed fixed wireless at 80% of homes, fiber at 80% of homes, cable at 75% of homes, and DSL over copper phone lines at 74% of homes, out of 681 homes and apartments, according to FCC National Broadband Map data as of December 31, 2025.
At least 80% of homes have a reported wired or fixed-wireless option of 100/20 Mbps or faster, and at least 75% have a reported gigabit (1,000/100 Mbps) option.
Hilliary Communications reports service to 98% of homes inside Tatum city limits, the widest reported coverage of any provider other than the satellite companies and the 5G home-internet carriers. Fiber is reported at 80% of homes.
Availability is address-specific: check your exact address on the FCC National Broadband Map before signing up.
FAQ: Utilities in Tatum
No. Tatum is not in Texas's deregulated electricity market. Power comes from Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), a single regulated utility, so there's no retail plan shopping — you set up service directly with SWEPCO.
Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) serves Tatum. It's a regulated, non-ERCOT utility, which is why residents here don't shop for a competitive retail plan the way people in Dallas or Houston do.
The City of Tatum provides water and wastewater service through its Public Works Department and Tatum Water Works. Properties outside the city limits may instead be served by a rural water supply corporation.
Apart from satellite and 5G home-internet carriers, Hilliary Communications reports the widest coverage: 98% of homes inside Tatum city limits in FCC data as of December 31, 2025. Other providers reporting at least 10% coverage: Zito Media, AT&T, T-Mobile Home Internet, and Verizon Home Internet. Availability varies by address, so check the FCC National Broadband Map.
Sources & Verification
East Texas guides
Region-wide guides that put Tatum in context — where to go, what things cost, and how people actually live here.
Moving to East Texas: What You Need to Know
Thinking about moving to East Texas? A fact-checked guide to healthcare, schools, getting around, weather, and daily life in Tyler, Jacksonville, and the towns around them.
Read Guide →Cost of Living in East Texas
What it costs to live in East Texas, using Census figures: home values and rents in Tyler, Jacksonville and Athens compared with Texas and the big metros, plus taxes, utilities, healthcare and driving.
Read Guide →East Texas Real Estate Guide
East Texas real estate by the numbers: Census home values for Tyler, Athens and Jacksonville, drive times, property-tax basics and what buyers should check.
Read Guide →Best Day Trips from Tyler and East Texas
Drive-time guide to day trips from Tyler: state parks, small towns, museums, and lakes within about 30 minutes, an hour, and up to three hours.
Read Guide →Business Owner?
Want Your Business Featured in Tatum?
People are searching for businesses like yours in Tatum. Get listed in our city guide and local directory so they can find you.