Print

Utilities are usually already established in a residence; you just need to set-up the proper account. This may be as simple as transferring a current account. Otherwise, you will need to establish an account by supplying your personal details (basic contact information, as well as a credit cart number or credit history) and signing a contract. If you do not have a credit history in Canada you may be required to pay a deposit on your account, or have a co-signer guarantee your account.

You will need to inform the provider of the date that you are moving in, change the name on the account, and establish that you account is separate from the previous occupant. Make an appointment at least a week in advance of your move to ensure service. On the moving day, you usually would read the meters on the property so the correct bills can be issued.

In many rental situations, services will be bundled and a collective bill will be issued once a month. These costs may be incorporated into the price of rent in some places. Utilities typically allow bills to be paid by check, internet banking, or pre-authorized payment.

Gas

Gas service is provided by the local gas utility in your area. A credit meter is usually supplied and regular bills are sent to the customer following meter readings. For new customers, the company may ask for some form of security in the form of a cash deposit, a guarantor or a direct debit arrangement.

Providers

For gas service, you will need to set up an account with the local gas utility. Customer service policies vary so shop around for the best company for you.

Here are a few of the major gas providers in Toronto:

EnBridge 
Union Gas 
Hydro One

Rates

Monthly rates depend on usage, such as if gas or electric is primarily used for heating and cooking, size of the house, and people's habits. The average monthly gas bills are $125-$150 per household. Natural gas customers typically have approximately 2 weeks to pay their bills before late payment charges start to apply.

Electricity

In North America, including Canada, the standard voltage is 110-120 V. This is a lower voltage than used throughout Europe (220 V). The power sockets used in Canada are type A and Type B (three prong). You can use a type A plug in a type B socket, but not vice versa.

Providers

Toronto Hydro Corporation is the provider who distributes electricity throughout the city of Toronto.

Rates

The average rate for electricity (also known as hydro) in Toronto is $125-$200 a month.

Water

Water supply and sanitation in Canada is nearly universal and generally of good quality. Lake Ontario is the source for the clean and safe drinking water you will have in Toronto. Water use in Canada is high compared to Europe, since water tariffs are low and 44% of users are not metered.

Water utilities are commonly included in the rent of a property. This means that renters are not usually responsible for setting up or maintaining service or paying an additional monthly bill.

Provider and Rates

Water is run by the City of Toronto, and you will be charged based on the amount of water consumed per household. In January 2018, there was a 5% increase on all water consumption by the City of Toronto. Water usage is charged either by the cubic meter (3.80 per cubic meter) or by the gallon ($0.017 per gallon).

The city of Toronto provides water, garbage, recycling and landfill management until one Utility Bill. Resident will receive a bill for all the utilities provided by the City of Toronto every four months.  The average cost for all utilities provided by the city is $600-$750 per year