Setting up your utilities

Setting up utilities in your Canadian home is one of the first tasks you'll complete after moving. Getting electricity, gas, water, and internet connected before your move-in date ensures your new place is ready and functional from day one.

Understanding Who Pays for What

In Canada, responsibility for utilities depends on your rental arrangement and the type of property. Before signing a lease or moving in, always ask your landlord explicitly which utilities are included in your rent and which you must pay for separately. Get the answer in writing on your lease to avoid disputes later.

What's Usually Included in Rent

Utility inclusion varies by province, building type, and landlord policy. Water is the most commonly included utility, incorporated in rent by most landlords because municipal fees are tied to the property itself. Heat (heating) is also frequently included, particularly in older apartment buildings with central heating systems. Electricity is less likely to be covered, included in only about 31 percent of Canadian rental units. Gas for cooking or heating is included in roughly 26 percent of rentals. In apartment buildings with five or more units, utilities tend to be more commonly included than in single-family homes or condos.

What You'll Likely Pay For

• Electricity (hydro) — unless explicitly included, this is your responsibility
• Natural gas for heating or cooking — if not bundled with heat
• Internet and cable — almost never included; you choose and pay the provider
• Trash and recycling collection — often included, but confirm with your landlord

Setting Up Your Accounts Before Moving In

Starting the utility setup process at least two weeks before your move-in date is critical. Many utilities take one to three business days to activate for an existing connection, but rural areas, new construction, or units that need on-site technician visits can take up to two weeks. Delaying setup means moving into a dark, cold home without water or heat.

Electricity (Hydro)

Electricity is called 'hydro' in most Canadian provinces because much of Canada's power comes from hydroelectric sources. Providers vary by province: BC Hydro in British Columbia, Hydro-Québec in Quebec, Hydro One in Ontario, and others in Prairie and Atlantic provinces. Some provinces also allow competitive retailers to sell electricity at different rates.

To set up electricity, contact your local provider or go online to open an account. You'll need your full name, new address, move-in date, and government-issued ID. Most applications can be completed online or by phone. If you're a newcomer without a Canadian credit history, the utility may require a security deposit, typically one to two months of estimated usage—usually $200 to $300. Some companies waive deposits if you set up automatic monthly payments from a Canadian bank account.

Natural Gas and Heating

Natural gas is the primary heating fuel in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. It's also used for hot water and cooking. Quebec and Atlantic provinces rely more on electric heat or oil. Providers include Enbridge Gas, FortisBC, ATCO Gas, SaskEnergy, and others depending on your location.

The setup process is similar to electricity: contact the provider at least two weeks before you move in, provide your details, and arrange a connection date. Like electricity, gas providers may charge a security deposit for new customers without established credit. Some may also require a connection fee, though this is sometimes waived. Ask whether you can avoid deposits by signing up for automatic payment.

Water and Sewer

Water and sewer services are municipal utilities managed by your city or town, not by provincial utilities. Contact your municipality directly (often via a city 311 hotline or service center) to set up accounts. The process is usually simpler than for electricity or gas but should still be completed two weeks before moving in. Owners pay water bills directly; many tenants have this included in rent, but always confirm.

Internet and Phone

Internet and phone are almost never included in rent. Major providers include Bell, Rogers, Telus, Shaw, and smaller independent ISPs. These services are not utilities but essential for modern living. Call your chosen provider two weeks before moving in. Internet typically takes one to three business days to activate. Some providers offer promotions for new customers, so it's worth comparing rates.

Budgeting for Winter Heating Costs

Winter heating is the biggest variable in Canadian utility costs. From November through March, heating bills can increase dramatically compared to summer months. Newcomers are often shocked by their first winter heating bill, so budgeting realistically is essential.

Typical Winter Costs

Heating costs depend on your province, home type, insulation, heating system, and how cold the winter is. In provinces with natural gas heating, a typical winter month costs around $160, while electric heating ranges from $110 to $180 per month depending on usage and rates. Some regions with harsh winters see bills peak at $200 to $250 or higher. Quebec offers some of the cheapest electricity in North America at around 7 to 8 cents per kilowatt-hour, but long cold winters mean electric-heated homes still face high winter bills. Alberta has higher rates and extreme winters, so utility costs typically run $350 to $450 per month year-round.

A typical Canadian household spends roughly 64 percent of annual household energy costs on heating. Across the country, the average household spends about $1,200 per year on heating alone. Summer months are much cheaper: gas bills may drop to $20 to $40 per month, and electricity use falls as heating and air conditioning demands ease.

Ways to Reduce Winter Bills

• Lower your thermostat by 1-2°C at night or when away — each degree saved cuts about 2 percent from your heating bill
• Seal drafts around doors and windows with weatherstripping — can save 10-20 percent
• Keep curtains open during the day on south-facing windows; close them at night to reduce heat loss
• Maintain furnace filters monthly — dirty filters increase operating costs
• Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day
• Ensure attic insulation is adequate — poor insulation is a major source of heat loss

Required Information and Documents

When setting up utilities, have the following information ready:

• Full legal name
• New residential address and move-in date
• Government-issued photo ID (passport or provincial ID card)
• Phone number and email address
• Social Insurance Number (SIN) — utilities may request this for credit checks; provide only when necessary

Some utilities may ask for a reference from a utility company in your home country if you lack Canadian credit history. This can sometimes replace or reduce a security deposit.

Common Fees and Costs

Beyond monthly bills, utilities often charge one-time setup and deposit fees. Connection fees range from $50 to $150 depending on the provider and province. Security deposits for newcomers without credit history typically run $200 to $500 combined across electricity, gas, and internet. These deposits are refunded after 12 to 24 months of on-time payments. Some competitive natural gas retailers in Alberta can take 10 to 90 days to set up service, so plan ahead if you're choosing a retailer rather than a regulated provider.

Final Checklist

1. Confirm with landlord which utilities are included in rent — get it in writing
2. Research providers for your specific city or province
3. Call utilities 2-3 weeks before your move-in date
4. Provide required information and arrange connection times
5. Ask about security deposits and whether they can be waived
6. Confirm move-in date for each utility and set reminders
7. Turn on taps, test heating, and check lights on move-in day
8. Keep provider contact numbers and account numbers in a safe place
9. Explore equal billing options for winter budget relief
10. Sign up for automatic payments to waive deposits and avoid late fees

Setting up utilities before you arrive takes effort but saves stress and ensures your new home is comfortable and functional from day one. Start early, ask questions, and verify everything in writing.