Montreal

1. Electricity

Provider:

• Hydro-Québec is the sole electricity provider in Montreal and across Quebec. It is a government-owned utility company.

Setting Up Service:

• Online: You can set up your account on the Hydro-Québec website (www.hydroquebec.com).
• Phone: Call their customer service at 1-888-385-7252.
• You’ll need to provide:
  • Your full name.
  • Address of the property.
  • Move-in date.
  • Contact information.
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN) or a deposit if you don’t have a credit history in Canada.

Costs:

• Electricity in Quebec is among the cheapest in North America due to the province’s reliance on hydroelectric power.
• Rates:
  • The first 40 kWh per day are billed at $0.0732/kWh.
  • Additional usage is billed at $0.1094/kWh (as of 2023).
• Monthly Average:
  • Apartments: $30–$60.
  • Houses: $80–$150 (depending on size and heating needs).

Billing:

• Bills are issued every two months for most residential customers.
• You can opt for the Equalized Payment Plan (EPP) to spread costs evenly throughout the year.

Unique Considerations:

• Many homes in Montreal use electric heating, so winter bills can be higher. Insulating your home can help reduce costs.

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2. Water

Provider:

• Water services in Montreal are managed by the city and are included in your municipal taxes. As a tenant, you typically do not pay for water directly.

Costs:

• Free for Tenants: Water costs are included in property taxes, which landlords pay.
• Homeowners: Water is included in your annual municipal tax bill.

Unique Considerations:

• Montreal’s tap water is safe to drink, but some residents use filters due to taste preferences or concerns about aging infrastructure.

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3. Heating

Types of Heating:

• Electric Heating: Most common in Montreal, powered by Hydro-Québec.
• Natural Gas Heating: Less common but available in some homes and managed by Énergir.
• Oil Heating: Rare and being phased out due to environmental concerns.

Setting Up Natural Gas (if applicable):

• Provider: Énergir (www.energir.com).
• Contact: Call 1-800-563-1516 to set up an account.
• Costs:
  • Monthly costs vary depending on usage but typically range from $50–$150 in winter for natural gas heating.

Unique Considerations:

• If you’re renting, confirm with your landlord whether heating is included in the rent. Many leases in Montreal specify whether heating is the tenant’s responsibility.

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4. Internet, TV, and Phone

Major Providers:

1. Bell Canada (www.bell.ca)
2. Videotron (www.videotron.com)
3. TekSavvy (www.teksavvy.com) – A popular independent provider.
4. Fido and Virgin Plus – Offer affordable internet plans.

Setting Up Service:

• Choose a provider and plan based on your needs (speed, data limits, and budget).
• Contact the provider online or by phone to set up an account.
• Installation appointments are typically required, and fees may apply (around $50–$100).

Costs:

• Internet:
  • Basic plans (30–50 Mbps): $50–$70/month.
  • High-speed plans (100 Mbps+): $70–$120/month.
• TV: $20–$80/month, depending on the package.
• Phone: $30–$70/month for mobile plans; home phone services are less common.

Unique Considerations:

• Montreal has a competitive market for internet services, so shop around for promotions or bundle deals (e.g., internet + TV).

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5. Garbage, Recycling, and Composting

Managed by:

• The City of Montreal.

Services:

• Garbage Collection: Weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your borough.
• Recycling: Weekly collection; blue bins are provided by the city.
• Composting: Organic waste collection is available in most boroughs; brown bins are provided.

Costs:

• These services are included in municipal taxes, so tenants typically do not pay directly.

Unique Considerations:

• Montreal has strict recycling and composting regulations. Ensure you separate waste properly to avoid fines.

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6. Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Heating:

• If heating is included in your lease, the landlord is responsible for maintaining a minimum temperature of 21°C during winter.
• If heating is not included, you are responsible for setting up and paying for the service.

Utilities:

• Confirm with your landlord which utilities are included in your rent. Common inclusions are water and sometimes heating.

Lease Agreements:

• In Quebec, leases are governed by the Régie du logement (Rental Board). Ensure your lease clearly outlines utility responsibilities.

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7. Tips for Newcomers

• Credit History: If you’re new to Canada and lack a credit history, some providers may require a deposit.
• Language: Most service providers offer support in both English and French, but French is the primary language in Montreal.
• Energy Efficiency: Consider energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting to reduce electricity costs.
• Winter Preparation: Insulate windows and doors to minimize heating expenses during the cold months.

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Summary Table of Average Monthly Costs (2023)

| Utility/Service | Average Cost (Apartment) | Average Cost (House) | |-----------------------|--------------------------|-----------------------| | Electricity | $30–$60 | $80–$150 | | Heating (if separate) | $50–$150 | $100–$300 | | Internet | $50–$120 | $50–$120 | | Water | Included in rent/taxes | Included in taxes | | Garbage/Recycling | Included in rent/taxes | Included in taxes |

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By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to set up utilities and services in Montreal. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!