Halifax

๐Ÿ’ก

Utilities

Guidance on connecting and managing essential utilities such as electricity, water, and internet services.

Sections

1. Categories of Utilities in Halifax

Utilities in Halifax typically include the following categories:

  • Electricity
  • Water and Sewer
  • Heating (Electric, Oil, or Natural Gas)
  • Internet, Cable, and Phone
  • Garbage and Recycling Services

2. Electricity

Provider

  • The primary electricity provider in Halifax is Nova Scotia Power (NS Power), a privately-owned utility company regulated by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.

Average Costs

  • Electricity rates in Nova Scotia are among the highest in Canada. The cost is based on a tiered system:
    • Base Rate: Approximately $0.16โ€“$0.18 per kWh (kilowatt-hour).
    • Monthly Service Fee: Around $10โ€“$15.
  • Average Monthly Bill: $150โ€“$200 for a small household, depending on usage and season (higher in winter due to heating).

Payment Procedures

  • Bills can be paid online through NS Powerโ€™s website, via pre-authorized debit, at your bank, or in person at designated payment locations.
  • NS Power offers a Budget Billing Plan, which averages your annual electricity costs into equal monthly payments to help with budgeting.

Local Considerations

  • Halifax winters can be cold, so electricity usage for heating can spike. Consider energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting to reduce costs.
  • NS Power offers rebates for energy-efficient upgrades through the Efficiency Nova Scotia program.

3. Water and Sewer

Provider

  • Water and sewer services are managed by Halifax Water, a municipally-owned utility.

Average Costs

  • Water is metered, and the cost includes both water usage and wastewater treatment:
    • Water Usage: Approximately $0.99 per cubic meter.
    • Wastewater Charge: Around $1.90 per cubic meter.
    • Monthly Base Charge: $15โ€“$20, depending on the size of your water meter.
  • Average Monthly Bill: $60โ€“$80 for a small household.

Payment Procedures

  • Bills can be paid online through Halifax Waterโ€™s website, via pre-authorized debit, at your bank, or by mail.
  • Halifax Water also offers a Budget Plan for predictable monthly payments.

Local Considerations

  • Water quality in Halifax is excellent, and tap water is safe to drink.
  • Be mindful of water usage, especially in summer, as Halifax occasionally experiences water conservation advisories.

4. Heating

Heating in Halifax can be provided by electricity, oil, or natural gas, depending on your home.

Electric Heating

  • Many homes in Halifax use electric baseboard heating.
  • Costs are included in your electricity bill (see above).

Oil Heating

  • Oil heating is common in older homes.
  • Average Costs: Heating oil costs fluctuate but typically range from $1.20โ€“$1.50 per liter. A full tank (900 liters) can cost $1,000โ€“$1,300 and may last 2โ€“3 months in winter.
  • Providers: Irving Oil, Wilsons Home Heating, and Ultramar are popular suppliers.

Natural Gas

  • Natural gas is less common but available in some areas.
  • Provider: Heritage Gas.
  • Average Costs: $20โ€“$30 per gigajoule (GJ), with an average monthly bill of $100โ€“$150 in winter.

Local Considerations

  • Heating costs can be significant in winter. Consider insulating your home and using a programmable thermostat to save energy.

5. Internet, Cable, and Phone

Providers

  • Major providers in Halifax include:
    • Bell Aliant: Offers fiber-optic internet, TV, and phone services.
    • Eastlink: A local provider offering internet, cable, and phone bundles.
    • Rogers: Provides internet and mobile services.
    • Smaller providers like Teksavvy and VMedia may offer cheaper internet options.

Average Costs

  • Internet: $70โ€“$120 per month for high-speed plans (100โ€“500 Mbps).
  • Cable TV: $50โ€“$100 per month, depending on the package.
  • Phone: $40โ€“$80 per month for mobile plans, depending on data usage.

Payment Procedures

  • Bills can be paid online, via pre-authorized debit, or at retail locations.
  • Bundling services (internet, cable, and phone) can save money.

Local Considerations

  • Halifax has good internet coverage, but rural areas outside the city may have slower speeds or fewer options.

6. Garbage and Recycling Services

Provider

  • Waste collection is managed by the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).

Costs

  • Waste collection is funded through property taxes, so there is no separate bill for this service.

Local Considerations

  • Halifax has a strict waste-sorting system:
    • Green Bin: For organic waste (compost).
    • Blue Bag: For recyclables (plastics, metals, and glass).
    • Clear Bag: For regular garbage (with a limit of one opaque privacy bag per clear bag).
  • Collection schedules vary by neighborhood and can be checked on the HRM website.

7. Budgeting Advice for Utilities in Halifax

  1. Track Your Usage:

    • Monitor your electricity and water usage to avoid surprises on your bill.
    • Many providers offer online tools to track consumption.

  2. Consider Budget Billing:

    • Both NS Power and Halifax Water offer budget billing plans to spread costs evenly throughout the year.

  3. Energy Efficiency:

    • Take advantage of rebates from Efficiency Nova Scotia for energy-efficient appliances, insulation, and heating systems.
    • Use a programmable thermostat to reduce heating costs.

  4. Bundle Services:

    • Combine internet, cable, and phone services with one provider to save money.

  5. Shop Around:

    • Compare internet and phone plans to find the best deal. Smaller providers may offer competitive rates.

  6. Plan for Winter:

    • Heating costs can be high in winter. Budget an extra $200โ€“$300 per month for heating from November to March.

  7. Emergency Fund:

    • Set aside a small emergency fund for unexpected utility spikes, especially during extreme weather.

8. Additional Local Considerations

  • Power Outages: Halifax occasionally experiences power outages during storms. Keep a flashlight, batteries, and a backup heating source (if possible) on hand.
  • Tenant vs. Landlord Responsibilities: If youโ€™re renting, check your lease to see which utilities are included. Many rentals in Halifax include water and heat, but electricity and internet are often the tenantโ€™s responsibility.
  • Carbon Tax: Nova Scotia has a carbon tax on fossil fuels, which may slightly increase heating oil and natural gas costs.

By understanding the utility landscape in Halifax and following these budgeting tips, you can manage your household expenses effectively and enjoy your time in this beautiful coastal city. Let me know if you need further assistance!