Victoria
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Utilities
Overview of setting up essential services like electricity, water, and gas for residential purposes.
Sections
1. Electricity
Main Provider
- BC Hydro: The primary electricity provider in Victoria and across British Columbia.
Average Costs
- Residential electricity rates in Victoria are based on a two-tier system:
- Tier 1: $0.0950 per kWh for the first 1,000 kWh over a two-month billing period.
- Tier 2: $0.1408 per kWh for usage above 1,000 kWh.
- Monthly Average: For a small apartment, expect to pay around $50โ$75/month. For a larger home, costs can range from $100โ$150/month, depending on usage.
Setting Up a New Account
- Visit the BC Hydro website (bchydro.com) or call their customer service line at 1-800-224-9376.
- Provide personal information, including your name, address, and move-in date.
- A credit check may be required. If you donโt have a credit history in Canada, you may need to pay a security deposit (refundable after one year of good payment history).
- Set up automatic payments or choose to receive paper bills.
City-Specific Considerations
- Victoria has a mild climate, so electricity usage for heating is generally lower than in colder parts of Canada. However, many homes use electric baseboard heaters, so winter bills may still increase.
- BC Hydro offers energy-saving tips and rebates for energy-efficient appliances, which can help reduce costs.
2. Water and Sewer
Main Provider
- City of Victoria: Water and sewer services are managed by the municipality.
Average Costs
- Water and sewer charges are typically included in your property taxes if you own a home. If youโre renting, these costs are often included in your rent.
- For homeowners, the average annual cost for water and sewer services is approximately $600โ$800/year, or about $50โ$70/month.
Setting Up a New Account
- If youโre renting, confirm with your landlord whether water is included in your rent.
- For homeowners, water services are automatically connected when you purchase a property. Youโll receive a bill from the City of Victoria.
- Contact the City of Victoria Utility Billing Department at 250-361-0226 for inquiries or to update account information.
City-Specific Considerations
- Victoria has a strong focus on water conservation. The city encourages residents to use water-saving fixtures and follow watering restrictions during the summer months.
- Metered water usage is billed quarterly, so monitor your consumption to avoid surprises.
3. Natural Gas
Main Provider
- FortisBC: The primary natural gas provider in Victoria.
Average Costs
- Natural gas is commonly used for home heating, water heating, and cooking.
- Monthly costs vary depending on usage:
- Small apartment: $20โ$40/month.
- Larger home: $50โ$100/month.
- FortisBC charges a basic monthly fee of $11.85, plus usage charges (approximately $0.10โ$0.15 per gigajoule).
Setting Up a New Account
- Visit the FortisBC website (fortisbc.com) or call 1-888-224-2710.
- Provide your address, move-in date, and personal information.
- A credit check may be required. If you lack a Canadian credit history, a security deposit may be necessary.
- Set up payment options, such as pre-authorized debit or online billing.
City-Specific Considerations
- Many homes in Victoria use electric heating instead of natural gas, so you may not need this service depending on your residence.
- FortisBC offers rebates for energy-efficient appliances and home upgrades, which can help reduce costs.
4. Internet, Cable, and Phone Services
Main Providers
- Shaw Communications: Offers internet, cable TV, and phone services.
- Telus: Provides internet, cable TV, and phone services, including fiber-optic internet in some areas.
- Other Options: Smaller providers like TekSavvy and Distributel offer competitive internet plans.
Average Costs
- Internet: $60โ$100/month, depending on speed and data limits.
- Cable TV: $25โ$80/month, depending on the package.
- Bundled services (internet, TV, and phone): $100โ$200/month.
Setting Up a New Account
- Compare plans on the providerโs website or by calling their customer service lines.
- Provide your address to confirm service availability.
- Choose a plan and schedule an installation appointment (if required).
- Some providers may require a credit check or a deposit for newcomers without a Canadian credit history.
City-Specific Considerations
- Victoria has good internet coverage, but speeds and availability may vary depending on your neighborhood.
- If youโre a student or a newcomer, ask about promotional offers or discounts for new customers.
Tips for Budgeting and Managing Utilities
- Track Your Usage: Monitor your electricity, water, and gas usage to avoid high bills. Many providers offer online tools to help you track consumption.
- Set Up Automatic Payments: This ensures you never miss a bill and helps build a good payment history.
- Bundle Services: Consider bundling internet, TV, and phone services to save money.
- Energy Efficiency: Use energy-efficient appliances and LED bulbs, and unplug devices when not in use to reduce electricity costs.
- Seasonal Adjustments: Expect higher heating costs in winter and plan your budget accordingly.
- Ask About Rebates: Many utility providers offer rebates for energy-efficient upgrades, which can help offset initial costs.
Handling Utilities as a Newcomer
- Credit History: If youโre new to Canada and donโt have a credit history, be prepared to pay security deposits for electricity, gas, and internet services. These deposits are usually refunded after 12 months of on-time payments.
- Renting vs. Owning: If youโre renting, confirm with your landlord which utilities are included in your rent. Typically, water and garbage collection are included, while electricity, gas, and internet are your responsibility.
- Emergency Contacts: Keep the emergency contact numbers for utility providers handy in case of outages or service issues.
By following this guide, youโll be well-prepared to set up and manage utilities in Victoria, Canada. If you have further questions or need assistance with specific providers, feel free to ask!