Table of Contents
Introduction
Moving into a new home in Canada is exciting — but before you can truly settle in, you need to make sure the lights turn on, the heat works, and you can connect to the internet. Setting up utilities might feel a little overwhelming at first, especially if you are new to the country and unfamiliar with how things work here. The good news? The process is straightforward once you know the steps.
This guide will walk you through each utility you need to set up, how to find the right provider in your area, and what to expect when you sign up. Whether you are renting an apartment or moving into your first house, we have got you covered.
Understanding Canadian Utilities
In Canada, "utilities" refers to the essential services that make your home livable:
Hydro – electricity
Gas – natural gas for heating and cooking
Water – supplied by your municipality
Internet – your connection to the world
One thing that surprises many newcomers is the word "hydro." In Canada — especially in Ontario and British Columbia — electricity is commonly called "hydro" because much of the country's power has historically come from hydroelectric dams. You will see this word on bills, provider names, and conversations with neighbours, so it's good to know from the start.
Who is responsible — you or your landlord?
This depends on your lease agreement. Some landlords include utilities in the monthly rent (especially water). Others require tenants to set up and pay for utilities themselves. Always check your lease carefully, and ask your landlord before you move in so there are no surprises.
Hydro (Electricity)
Electricity is one of the first utilities you will need. Without it, you cannot power lights, appliances, or anything else in your home.
Who provides electricity in Canada?
Electricity providers vary by province. Here are the main ones:
Ontario – Hydro One (rural areas), Toronto Hydro (City of Toronto), or your local municipal utility
British Columbia – BC Hydro
Alberta – ATCO Electric or your local provider (Alberta has a deregulated market, so you can choose your provider)
Quebec – Hydro-Québec
Manitoba – Manitoba Hydro
Nova Scotia – Nova Scotia Power
How to set up your electricity account
Find out who your local electricity provider is — your landlord or a quick internet search using your address can tell you this.
Visit the provider's website or call their customer service line.
Provide your new address, your move-in date, and a piece of government-issued ID.
You may also need your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or a credit check, depending on the provider.
The account will usually be activated within a business day or two.
If you are renting, you may need to transfer an existing account into your name rather than creating a brand new one. Let the provider know you are a new tenant.
What to expect on your bill
Electricity bills in Canada are typically sent monthly. They will show your usage (measured in kilowatt-hours, or kWh), the rate you are charged, and any fixed delivery or service charges. In Ontario, rates vary by time of day (this is called Time-of-Use pricing), so running your dishwasher or laundry at off-peak hours — typically evenings and weekends — can lower your bill.
Natural Gas
Not all homes in Canada use natural gas, but many do — especially for heating in winter and for gas stoves. In colder provinces, having a working furnace before winter arrives is essential.
Who provides natural gas?
Ontario – Enbridge Gas
British Columbia – FortisBC
Alberta – ATCO Gas or Direct Energy
Quebec – Énergir
Manitoba – Manitoba Hydro (also provides gas in this province)
How to set up your gas account
The process is similar to electricity:
Identify your gas provider (again, your landlord is a great first source).
Contact the provider by phone or online to open a new account or transfer service.
Provide your address, move-in date, and personal identification.
Schedule a service connection if needed — in some cases, a technician may need to visit your home to turn on the gas or inspect the meter.
Safety first: If you ever smell gas in your home — a sharp, rotten-egg odour — leave immediately and call your gas provider's emergency line. Never try to investigate or fix a gas issue yourself.
Renting vs. owning
If you are renting, the furnace is the landlord's responsibility to maintain. However, you are usually responsible for paying the gas bills. Make sure this is clear in your lease.
Water
Water is one utility that newcomers are often surprised to learn is almost always handled at the municipal (city) level in Canada — meaning your city manages the water supply and billing, not a private company.
Do you need to set up water service?
In most rental situations, water is included in the rent. The landlord manages the account with the city and simply factors the cost into your monthly payment. Always confirm this with your landlord.
If you are purchasing a home or if water is listed separately in your lease, you will need to contact your city's utilities department to open an account in your name. Search for "[Your City] water utility account" to find the right contact.
Water quality in Canada
Canada has some of the cleanest tap water in the world. In most cities, it is completely safe to drink directly from the tap. If you are in a rural area or have an older home with older pipes, it is worth checking with your municipality or a testing service.
Hot water tanks
Many homes in Canada use a hot water heater (also called a water tank) to supply hot water. In some rentals, this is rented from a company and the cost appears on your gas or electricity bill. In others, it is owned outright by the landlord. Ask your landlord to explain the setup so you are not caught off guard.
Internet and Phone
Staying connected is essential — whether for work, school, keeping in touch with family abroad, or just navigating daily life. Canada has several national and regional internet providers, and comparing plans before you commit is well worth the effort.
Major internet providers in Canada
Rogers – available in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and other provinces
Bell – strong coverage in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada
Telus – Western Canada and expanding nationally
Shaw (now merged with Rogers) – Western Canada
Videotron – Quebec
Cogeco – Ontario and Quebec
TekSavvy, Distributel, and other independent ISPs – often offer competitive pricing using the same infrastructure as the big providers
What to look for in an internet plan
Speed – measured in Mbps. For a single person working from home, 50–100 Mbps is typically plenty. For a family with multiple devices and video streaming, aim for 150–300 Mbps or more.
Data limits – many plans are now unlimited, but some budget plans have data caps. Watch for overage fees.
Contract vs. no contract – some providers lock you into a 1–2 year contract for a lower rate. Others offer month-to-month flexibility at a slightly higher price. If you are new and not sure how long you will stay, month-to-month may be smarter to start.
Installation fees – ask upfront if there is a one-time setup or equipment fee.
Tips for getting a better deal
Call and ask about current promotions — providers often have unadvertised deals.
Use comparison websites like WhistleOut or Finder.ca to see what's available at your address.
Bundling internet with TV or phone sometimes saves money, but only if you actually need those services.
Cell phones
Canada is known for having relatively high cell phone rates compared to many other countries. As a newcomer, here are a few options:
Prepaid (pay-as-you-go) SIM cards – great for your first weeks. Available at grocery stores, convenience stores, and provider locations.
Postpaid plans – monthly plans that often include more data and features. You may need a credit history or a deposit to sign up without one.
Budget carriers – brands like Koodo, Fido, Virgin Plus, and Lucky Mobile offer lower prices and are owned by the big three networks, so coverage is usually solid.
Bundling Services
Many providers offer bundle packages that combine internet, TV, and home phone into one monthly bill. This can sometimes save you money and simplify your billing.
That said, bundles are not always the best deal. Ask yourself:
Do I actually watch cable TV, or do I use streaming services like Netflix?
Do I need a home phone, or does my cell phone cover everything?
If the answer to both is no, a standalone internet plan may be cheaper and simpler.
Tips for Managing Your Bills
Once your utilities are set up, managing them well can save you a meaningful amount of money every month.
Set up automatic payments. Most providers let you link your bank account or credit card for automatic monthly payments. This prevents missed payments, which can hurt your credit score — important when you are building credit history as a newcomer.
Sign up for online billing. Paperless billing is faster, more organized, and sometimes comes with a small discount.
Understand your bill. Canadian utility bills can look complicated. Look for a breakdown that shows your actual usage versus fixed charges. Comparing your usage month-over-month helps you catch unusual spikes early.
Conserve where you can. Canadian winters can make heating bills climb quickly. Simple habits like lowering the thermostat at night, sealing drafty windows, and using energy-efficient settings on appliances can reduce your bills noticeably.
Contact your provider if you are struggling. If you ever find it difficult to pay a bill, call your provider before missing a payment. Many have payment arrangement programs or assistance plans for those going through financial hardship.
Practical Tips & Next Steps
You now have everything you need to get your utilities set up with confidence. Here is how to move from reading this guide to actually getting things done:
Before you move in:
Ask your landlord which utilities are included in rent and which you need to set up yourself.
Get the names of the relevant providers for your address — electricity, gas, and internet.
Prepare the documents you will likely need: government-issued ID, your new address, your move-in date, and your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
In your first week:
Contact your electricity provider to open or transfer your account. Do this a few days before your move-in date if possible.
If your home uses gas heating, set up your gas account right away — especially if you are moving in fall or winter.
Compare at least two or three internet providers before choosing. A little research here can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.
Pick up a prepaid SIM card immediately so you always have connectivity while you are getting settled.
Ongoing:
Set all utility bills on automatic payment to protect your credit score and avoid late fees.
Switch to paperless billing to keep things organized in one email folder.
Review your internet and phone plan every 12 months. Providers regularly release better deals, and loyalty does not always pay — it is worth calling to renegotiate.
If your gas or electricity bill seems unusually high, check for drafts, appliances left on standby, or inefficient heating settings.
One final tip: Do not hesitate to ask for help. Your landlord, a neighbour, a settlement agency, or community groups for newcomers in your city are all excellent resources. Canadians are generally happy to help — you are not expected to figure everything out alone.
Setting up your home is one of the most important first steps in your Canadian journey. Once your lights are on, your heat is working, and your internet is connected, you can focus on everything else — building community, finding opportunities, and making Canada your home.
For more guides on starting your life in Canada with confidence, visit True North Collective.