Electricity and gas
BC Hydro provides electricity to most of the province, and FortisBC provides natural gas and electricity in some areas. Set up an account in your name effective from your move-in or completion date.
Life in BC
Utilities and Communications in BC
The practical setup list for your new home, and how these services generally work here.
Start here
What this means in BC
Utilities in BC are a mix of provincial providers, municipal services and private companies. Electricity, natural gas, water and waste, internet and mobile are usually arranged separately, and some are included in rent while others are not.
The overview
How it generally works
Water, sewer and waste
These are typically municipal services. For owners they often appear on a municipal utility bill; for renters they are frequently included in rent. Check your municipality.
Internet and mobile
Several national and regional providers compete, and availability varies by building and community. Plans, contract lengths and installation timelines differ, so book installation early — appointments can be weeks out at busy times.
Deposits and credit
Some providers ask newcomers for a deposit or alternative identification when there is no Canadian credit history. Ask what alternatives they accept.
Vocabulary
Important terms
- Account transfer
- Moving an existing utility account to a new address.
- Equal payment plan
- Spreading seasonal energy costs evenly across the year.
- Installation appointment
- The technician visit needed to activate service.
- Bundle
- Combined internet, TV or mobile services on one bill.
Sequence
Typical steps
A general order most people follow. Your situation may differ.
- 1Confirm which utilities are included in your rent or purchase.
- 2Open electricity and, if applicable, gas accounts before move-in.
- 3Check municipal water, sewer and waste arrangements.
- 4Book internet installation as early as possible.
- 5Get a Canadian mobile plan, and keep your number if you can port it.
- 6Set up online billing and automatic payments.
- 7Take meter readings on move-in day where relevant.
Budgeting
Common costs or considerations
- Electricity and heating, which vary seasonally and by home type.
- Municipal water, sewer and waste for owners.
- Internet and mobile plans.
- Installation, activation and equipment fees.
- Security deposits where credit history is limited.
We do not publish specific prices, rates or fees. Amounts depend on your situation and should be quoted by the provider or confirmed with the official source.
Learn from others
Common newcomer mistakes
- Booking internet after moving in and living without it for weeks.
- Assuming heating is included in rent.
- Ignoring seasonal swings in heating costs when budgeting.
- Signing a long contract without checking coverage in the building.
Be prepared
Questions to ask a professional
Bring these to any meeting. Good professionals welcome them.
“Which utilities are included here, and which are mine to set up?”
“What deposit is required without Canadian credit history?”
“What is the realistic installation timeline at this address?”
“What did this home typically cost to heat last winter?”
Where this comes from
Sources and accuracy
Last updated: August 2026
Please confirm before relying on it
- — Current utility rates and typical monthly amounts for a specific home — confirm with the provider.
- — Service availability at a specific address.
Rules, programs, amounts and costs change over time. Always confirm current details with the official source before making a decision.
This page is general education, not legal, tax, financial, mortgage or real-estate advice.
Keep going
Related SettleInBC resources
Build the setup list
Utilities, internet and address changes cluster into one busy week. Our checklist orders them for you.