Chengdu

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Public Utilities

Sections

1. Electricity Services in Chengdu

Provider:

  • The primary electricity provider in Chengdu is State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC).

Setting Up Electricity:

  • For renters: If you are renting, electricity is often already set up, and you will pay the landlord or property management company directly. Confirm this arrangement when signing your lease.
  • For homeowners: You will need to register with the State Grid. Visit the nearest State Grid office with your ID (passport for foreigners), proof of residence (property ownership certificate or lease agreement), and a deposit (if required).

Costs:

  • Electricity is charged on a tiered pricing system:
    • First tier: ~ยฅ0.56 per kWh (for monthly usage up to 180 kWh).
    • Second tier: ~ยฅ0.61 per kWh (for usage between 181โ€“280 kWh).
    • Third tier: ~ยฅ0.86 per kWh (for usage above 280 kWh).
  • Rates may vary slightly depending on government adjustments.

Payment Methods:

  • Online: Use the State Grid app (ๅ›ฝๅฎถ็”ต็ฝ‘) or platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay.
  • In-person: Pay at State Grid offices, convenience stores, or banks.
  • Prepaid meters: Some apartments use prepaid electricity meters. You can top up via the State Grid app or at designated kiosks.

Local Considerations:

  • Power outages are rare but may occur during extreme weather or maintenance. Notifications are usually sent via text or posted in your building.
  • Be mindful of energy usage during peak summer and winter months to avoid higher-tier rates.

2. Water Services in Chengdu

Provider:

  • Water services are managed by Chengdu Water Group (ๆˆ้ƒฝๆฐดๅŠก้›†ๅ›ข).

Setting Up Water:

  • For renters: Water is typically included in your rental agreement, and you will pay the landlord or property management company.
  • For homeowners: Visit the Chengdu Water Group office with your ID, proof of residence, and a deposit (if required) to set up an account.

Costs:

  • Water is relatively inexpensive in Chengdu:
    • Residential water: ~ยฅ3.45 per cubic meter (up to 30 cubic meters per month).
    • Higher usage tiers may cost more, but most households stay within the first tier.
  • Sewage fees are included in the water bill and are calculated as a percentage of water usage.

Payment Methods:

  • Online: Pay via the Chengdu Water Group app, Alipay, or WeChat Pay.
  • In-person: Payments can be made at Chengdu Water Group offices or convenience stores.

Local Considerations:

  • Tap water is not potable. Most residents boil water or use water purifiers for drinking and cooking.
  • Water pressure may vary in older buildings, especially on higher floors.

3. Gas Services in Chengdu

Provider:

  • The main provider is Chengdu Gas Group (ๆˆ้ƒฝ็‡ƒๆฐ”้›†ๅ›ข).

Setting Up Gas:

  • For renters: Gas is usually pre-installed, and you will pay the landlord or property management company.
  • For homeowners: Visit the Chengdu Gas Group office with your ID, proof of residence, and a deposit to set up an account.

Costs:

  • Gas is charged based on usage:
    • Residential gas: ~ยฅ2.45 per cubic meter (for the first 500 cubic meters annually).
    • Higher usage tiers cost more.
  • Monthly bills for a small household typically range from ยฅ50โ€“ยฅ150, depending on usage.

Payment Methods:

  • Online: Use the Chengdu Gas Group app, Alipay, or WeChat Pay.
  • In-person: Pay at Chengdu Gas Group offices or convenience stores.

Local Considerations:

  • Gas is commonly used for cooking and heating water. Ensure your gas appliances are in good condition and serviced regularly.
  • Gas leaks are rare but taken seriously. If you smell gas, call the emergency hotline (95158) immediately.

4. Internet Services in Chengdu

Providers:

  • Major internet service providers (ISPs) in Chengdu include:
    • China Telecom (ไธญๅ›ฝ็”ตไฟก): Known for stable connections and wide coverage.
    • China Unicom (ไธญๅ›ฝ่”้€š): Offers competitive pricing and good speeds.
    • China Mobile (ไธญๅ›ฝ็งปๅŠจ): Popular for bundling internet with mobile plans.

Setting Up Internet:

  • Visit the ISPโ€™s office or contact them online. Bring your ID (passport for foreigners) and proof of residence.
  • Choose a plan based on speed and duration. Contracts typically last 6โ€“12 months.
  • Installation is usually completed within 1โ€“3 days.

Costs:

  • Internet plans are affordable:
    • Basic plans: ~ยฅ100โ€“ยฅ150 per month for speeds of 100โ€“300 Mbps.
    • Premium plans: ~ยฅ200โ€“ยฅ300 per month for speeds of 500 Mbps or higher.
  • Bundled packages (internet + mobile) may offer discounts.

Payment Methods:

  • Online: Pay via the ISPโ€™s app, Alipay, or WeChat Pay.
  • In-person: Pay at the ISPโ€™s office or authorized payment centers.

Local Considerations:

  • Internet speeds are generally reliable, but service may slow during peak hours.
  • VPNs are necessary to access certain international websites and apps due to Chinaโ€™s internet restrictions. Research and install a VPN before arriving in China.

General Tips for Managing Public Utilities in Chengdu

  1. Language Barrier: Most utility offices and apps operate in Chinese. If you donโ€™t speak Chinese, consider bringing a local friend or using a translation app.
  2. Mobile Payment: Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used for utility payments. Set up one of these apps as soon as possible after arriving in China.
  3. Utility Bills: Bills are typically issued monthly and can be viewed online or delivered to your residence. Pay on time to avoid service interruptions.
  4. Deposits: Utility providers may require a refundable deposit when setting up services. Keep the receipt to claim your deposit when closing the account.
  5. Emergency Numbers:
    • Electricity: 95598
    • Water: 962965
    • Gas: 95158

By following this guide, you should be able to set up and manage your public utilities in Chengdu with ease. If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!