Quebec City

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Utility Services Setup

Guidance on setting up electricity, water, internet, and other utilities when moving into a new home.

Sections

1. Electricity (Hydro-Québec)

Provider:

  • Hydro-Québec is the primary electricity provider in Quebec City and across the province.

Application Procedure:

  1. Create an Account:
    • Visit the Hydro-Québec website (www.hydroquebec.com) or call their customer service at 1-888-385-7252.
    • Select the option to open a new account.
  2. Provide Information:
    • Your full name.
    • Address of the property where service is required.
    • Move-in date.
    • Contact information (phone number and email).
    • Social Insurance Number (SIN) or a deposit may be required if you don’t have a credit history in Canada.
  3. Sign the Contract:
    • You may need to electronically sign a service agreement.

Costs:

  • Electricity Rates:
    • Hydro-Québec uses a tiered pricing system. The first 40 kWh per day are charged at a lower rate (around 6.319¢/kWh), and consumption beyond that is charged at a higher rate (around 9.749¢/kWh).
    • Rates are subject to annual adjustments.
  • Connection Fee:
    • A one-time connection fee of approximately $50 may apply for new accounts.

Timeline:

  • Service can typically be activated within 1-3 business days if the property already has an existing connection.

Local Considerations:

  • Quebec relies heavily on hydroelectric power, making electricity relatively affordable compared to other provinces.
  • Heating is often electric, so expect higher bills in winter.

2. Water (Ville de Québec)

Provider:

  • Water services are managed by the City of Quebec (Ville de Québec).

Application Procedure:

  • Water services are automatically included in your municipal taxes if you own a property. If you are renting, water is typically included in your rent, and no separate setup is required.
  • If you are a property owner, ensure your name is registered with the city for billing purposes. Contact the city at 418-641-6000 or visit their website (www.ville.quebec.qc.ca).

Costs:

  • Water is billed annually or semi-annually as part of municipal taxes.
  • The cost depends on the size of your property and water usage. For most residential properties, water fees are included in property taxes.

Timeline:

  • No setup is required for tenants. For property owners, registration with the city should be done as soon as you take possession of the property.

Local Considerations:

  • Quebec City has high-quality tap water, so there’s no need to purchase bottled water.

3. Natural Gas (Énergir)

Provider:

  • Énergir is the main natural gas provider in Quebec City.

Application Procedure:

  1. Contact Énergir:
    • Visit their website (www.energir.com) or call 1-800-563-1516 to open an account.
  2. Provide Information:
    • Your full name.
    • Address of the property.
    • Move-in date.
    • Contact information.
    • Proof of identity (e.g., passport, driver’s license).
  3. Schedule a Connection:
    • If the property does not already have a gas connection, you may need to schedule an installation.

Costs:

  • Monthly Costs:
    • Natural gas prices vary based on market rates and usage. Expect to pay around $30–$100 per month for heating, depending on the size of your home and the season.
  • Connection Fee:
    • A connection fee may apply if the property is not already connected to the gas network.

Timeline:

  • Service activation can take 1-2 weeks, especially if installation is required.

Local Considerations:

  • Natural gas is less common in Quebec City compared to electricity for heating. Check with your landlord or property manager to see if your home uses gas.

4. Internet, Cable, and Phone

Providers:

Application Procedure:

  1. Compare Plans:
    • Visit the providers’ websites to compare internet speeds, data limits, and prices.
    • Popular plans range from $50–$100/month for internet, depending on speed and data.
  2. Sign Up:
    • Sign up online, by phone, or in person at a retail location.
    • Provide your address, contact information, and preferred installation date.
  3. Schedule Installation:
    • Most providers will send a technician to install the service. Self-installation kits may also be available.

Costs:

  • Internet:
    • Basic plans start at $50/month for speeds of 30 Mbps.
    • High-speed plans (100 Mbps or more) cost $70–$100/month.
  • Cable TV:
    • Packages start at $25/month and go up depending on the number of channels.
  • Phone:
    • Home phone services start at $20/month, but many people rely on mobile phones instead.

Timeline:

  • Installation typically takes 3-7 business days, depending on the provider’s availability.

Local Considerations:

  • Videotron is a popular choice in Quebec City due to its competitive pricing and French-language customer service.
  • Bundle packages (internet, TV, and phone) can save you money.

5. Other Considerations

a) Recycling and Garbage Collection:

  • Managed by the City of Quebec.
  • You will receive a schedule for garbage, recycling, and compost collection based on your address. Visit www.ville.quebec.qc.ca or call 418-641-6000 for details.

b) Heating:

  • Many homes in Quebec City use electric heating, but some use natural gas or oil. Confirm the heating type with your landlord or property manager.

c) Language:

  • Most utility providers offer services in both French and English, but French is the primary language in Quebec. Be prepared to encounter French-language documents and customer service.

d) Payment Options:

  • Most providers offer online payment, pre-authorized debit, or payment at your bank. Setting up automatic payments can help you avoid late fees.

Summary Checklist for Setting Up Utilities:

  1. Electricity: Contact Hydro-Québec and set up your account.
  2. Water: Confirm with your landlord or register with the city if you’re a property owner.
  3. Natural Gas: Contact Énergir if your home uses gas.
  4. Internet/TV/Phone: Compare plans and schedule installation with your chosen provider.
  5. Recycling/Garbage: Check the city’s collection schedule for your area.

By following these steps, you’ll have all your essential utilities set up and ready to go in Quebec City. Let me know if you need further assistance!