Utility Services

Established during the Great Depression, TVA has long been considered one of the country’s most ambitious and transformative public projects. Today, it is the largest public power provider in the nation, serving 10 million people in seven states, including Alabama. TVA partners with more than 150 local power companies – like Huntsville Utilities, the primary electricity provider in Huntsville – to serve the region; through this partnership, residents and businesses enjoy reliable electricity and competitive rates, and Huntsville Utilities customers have access to TVA Renewable Energy Programs. TVA’s many roles also include flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system.

In addition to electricity, Huntsville Utilities is a major provider of natural gas in the region. The utility serves residential, commercial, and industrial customers through an extensive distribution network. The utility’s natural gas department is recognized for its focus on safety, including free leak detection service and educational materials about natural gas safety in the home. In 2025, the department received the Excellence in Environmental Stewardship Award from the American Public Gas Association. North Alabama Gas District is another supplier of natural gas across North Alabama, serving both Madison and Limestone counties. Propane companies such as AmeriGas, Holston Gases, and Suburban Propane operate in the region to supply customers with this clean-burning gas.

Water and wastewater services are also operated by Huntsville Utilities. The utility draws water from multiple sources, including wells, reservoirs, and the Tennessee River. Huntsville Utilities water treatment plants are constantly monitored by state-certified operators, ensuring a consistent supply of potable water. Clean water and reliable wastewater services are managed by multiple authorities in broader Madison County and surrounding Limestone and Morgan counties.

For garbage pickup and recycling, the City of Huntsville Sanitation Department provides weekly curbside trash collection for residents. The department also administers special pickups for yard waste, bulk items, and hazardous materials. The City of Madison Garbage and Trash Service is responsible for garbage services in neighboring Madison, while the Madison County Waste Control Department provides curbside trash collection to 70,000 residential and business customers in Madison County.

Huntsville is a progressive city when it comes to digital infrastructure. In 2016, city leaders announced that Huntsville was becoming a “Gig City” as Google Fiber was bringing its service to residential customers and local small businesses. There are currently multiple internet service providers to choose from, including AT&T, Xfinity, and WOW!, as well as Google Fiber – available in select neighborhoods and able to offer ultra-fast fiber optic internet with speeds up to 8 Gbps. Meanwhile, residents of Morgan and Limestone counties rely on AT&T and Spectrum for internet service. Some of these providers offer bundled services, including television and phone lines, and frequent promotional rates for new customers.