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

  1. Visit the BC Hydro website (bchydro.com) or call their customer service line at 1-800-224-9376.
  2. Provide personal information, including your name, address, and move-in date.
  3. A credit check may be required. If you donโ€™t have a credit history in Canada, you may need to pay a security deposit (refundable after one year of good payment history).
  4. 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 youโ€™re 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 youโ€™re renting, confirm with your landlord whether water is included in your rent.
  • For homeowners, water services are automatically connected when you purchase a property. Youโ€™ll 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

  1. Visit the FortisBC website (fortisbc.com) or call 1-888-224-2710.
  2. Provide your address, move-in date, and personal information.
  3. A credit check may be required. If you lack a Canadian credit history, a security deposit may be necessary.
  4. 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

  1. Compare plans on the providerโ€™s website or by calling their customer service lines.
  2. Provide your address to confirm service availability.
  3. Choose a plan and schedule an installation appointment (if required).
  4. 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 youโ€™re a student or a newcomer, ask about promotional offers or discounts for new customers.

Tips for Budgeting and Managing Utilities

  1. Track Your Usage: Monitor your electricity, water, and gas usage to avoid high bills. Many providers offer online tools to help you track consumption.
  2. Set Up Automatic Payments: This ensures you never miss a bill and helps build a good payment history.
  3. Bundle Services: Consider bundling internet, TV, and phone services to save money.
  4. Energy Efficiency: Use energy-efficient appliances and LED bulbs, and unplug devices when not in use to reduce electricity costs.
  5. Seasonal Adjustments: Expect higher heating costs in winter and plan your budget accordingly.
  6. 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 youโ€™re new to Canada and donโ€™t 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 youโ€™re 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, youโ€™ll 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!