1.

Get Ready
Setting Up Utilities

“Utilities” describe the services provided by electric, gas, water, cable television,
telephone, and internet companies. Once you find a place to live, you will need to set
up an account and, in some cases, an in-house installation date with each of these
companies before your move-in date to make sure you have access to the service.

Coordinating Utility Set Up

Typically, you can set up gas, electric, water, cable, internet, and telephone service before you
move in.
Make a list of preferred utility providers in your area. We can help with suggestions.
Plan ahead! Set up all your utilities as soon as the lease is signed, so you have proof of utility
account set-up before your move-in date.

Important Tips
Gather the required documents before contacting each company.
You will pay each utility bill separately. Pay all your bills on time, and keep records of your
payments.
2. Get Set
What You Need to Know

In most cases, phone, rather than online, utility set-up must be done, but it’s best to
start with a company’s website.

Gathering Your Documents

When you call to set up utility service, you will typically need to provide the following
information:

 Address of residence, including apartment number (if applicable).

 Your landlord’s contact details.

 Canadian bank account details (if you are setting up automated payments).

 Phone number and email associated with the account.

3. Go
Getting Your Utilities

Call the customer service department of each utility company at least two
weeks before your lease start date to set up service:

 Contact details are typically available on the internet.

 A service representative will guide you through the process.

 Each utility needs to be in your name by the start of your lease date (regardless of when
you choose to occupy the property).

Due to privacy laws in Canada, utility companies do not allow third-parties (such
as Dwellworks) to set up services on your behalf:

 This is to prevent fraudulent use of services.

 Only the account holder can set up, change, or cancel services. Some utility companies
may not even make an exception for your spouse unless the service will be in their name.

Types of Utilities
Natural Gas

While some houses don’t use gas, others use it as a source of heat,
cooking, and power. The furnace and water heater are most often gas
What Is It? systems, as well as some cooking ranges/ovens and clothes dryers.
 When to Schedule This should be set up at least 2 weeks before your move-in date.

Natural gas is odourless, but a distinct odour is added to the gas system
as a way of alerting you that there may be a leak. If you smell a strong
odour near your gas appliances, leave the area immediately. Go to a safe
location and call the gas company right away. Do not re-enter your
You Should Know home until a gas company employee tells you it’s safe.

Hydro (Electricity)

Electricity provides the majority of power in your home. Air

conditioning, appliances, and lighting account for a high percentage of
What Is It? the electricity used in your home.

When to Schedule This should be set up at least 2 weeks before your move-in date.

Outlets in Canada may look different or use a different voltage than in

your home country. Some small electronics can be used with an adapter,
but it’s probably safer to purchase new and compatible devices once you
You Should Know arrive in Canada.

Water & Sewer

This bill accounts for the water flowing in and out of the home. Toilets,
What Is It? showers, faucets, and washing machines use the most water.
 This should be set up at least 2 weeks before your move-in date. In
some municipalities, the water bill and hydro are serviced by the same
When to Schedule company and are billed together.

Most Canadian residents are served by publicly-owned water and sewer

companies regulated by agencies and acts that ensure safe drinking
You Should Know water.

Hot Water Tank Rental

A hot water tank (also known as a hot water heater) is precisely what it
sounds like—a large tank designed to hold and heat water for various
What Is It? household needs.

This should be set up at least 3 days before your move-in date. In some
municipalities, the hot water tank rental account cannot be transferred to
the tenant’s name. In this case, most tenants pay the rental fee directly
When to Schedule to the landlord.

Most Canadian residents rent their hot water tanks, and this rental fee is
often passed onto the tenant. A hot water tank rental ranges from $35-
You Should Know 60 per month depending on the size and type of tank.

Cable/ Internet/Telephone

What Is It? Access to these utilities is considered a must for most modern homes.
 Typically, tenants can bundle these services together to receive the best
price. The service packages can be complicated since each provider
creates its own programs.

These services can take longer to set up and often require special
equipment so try to schedule an appointment at least 2 weeks before
When to Schedule moving.

If you’re interested in long-distance telephone services on your mobile

or home phone, make sure you consider which countries you wish to
call while in Canada to secure the best-priced packages. Streaming
services such as Netflix, AppleTV, and Disney Plus are alternatives to
You Should Know traditional cable TV.

Garbage, Recycling & Compost Collection

What Is It? Curbside pickup of garbage, recycling, and compost.

You do not need to do anything. Garbage, recycling, and compost

When to Schedule collection are provided to all residents in Canada.

You Should Know There is a limited number of garbage cans and bags you can put out.

Calgary Utility Services

All
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Enmax Energy 1-877-571-7111

Direct Energy 1-855-970-0778

Atco Energy 1-844-687-2826

Telus 1-866-558-2273

Shaw 1-888-472-2222

Energy Rates 1-855-635-9608