Orebro

💡

Utilities

Important information about water, electricity, heating, and other utility services in Örebro.

Sections

1. Categories of Utilities in Örebro

In Örebro, the main utility categories for housing include:

  • Electricity (El)
  • Water (Vatten)
  • Heating (Värme)
  • Internet and TV
  • Waste Management (Avfallshantering)

2. Average Costs of Utilities

The cost of utilities in Örebro can vary depending on the size of your accommodation, the type of housing (apartment or house), and your consumption habits. Below are average monthly costs for a single person or a small family:

Electricity (El)

  • Cost: SEK 500–1,000 per month for an apartment, depending on usage and the season (higher in winter due to heating).
  • Notes: Electricity is often billed separately from rent. In some cases, landlords include it in the rent, so check your rental agreement.

Water (Vatten)

  • Cost: Usually included in the rent for apartments. If billed separately, expect around SEK 200–300 per month for a small household.
  • Notes: Water is metered and charged based on usage.

Heating (Värme)

  • Cost: SEK 500–1,500 per month, depending on the type of heating system (district heating is common in Örebro and is more cost-effective).
  • Notes: Heating is often included in the rent for apartments. For houses, it may be billed separately.

Internet and TV

  • Cost: SEK 300–600 per month for high-speed internet (100–250 Mbps). TV packages may cost an additional SEK 200–400 per month.
  • Notes: Many providers offer bundled packages for internet, TV, and phone services.

Waste Management (Avfallshantering)

  • Cost: SEK 200–400 per month for houses. For apartments, waste management is typically included in the rent.
  • Notes: Recycling is mandatory in Sweden, and Örebro has an efficient waste sorting and collection system.

3. How to Set Up Utilities

When moving into a new home in Örebro, you may need to set up or transfer utility services. Here’s how to handle each category:

Electricity

  1. Choose a Supplier: Electricity in Sweden is deregulated, so you can choose your supplier. Popular providers include Vattenfall, E.ON, and Fortum.
  2. Sign a Contract: Contact the supplier to set up a contract. You’ll need your personal details (e.g., Swedish personal number or coordination number) and the address of your new home.
  3. Meter Reading: Ensure the electricity meter is read when you move in to avoid being charged for the previous tenant’s usage.

Water

  • Water is typically managed by the municipality (Örebro Kommun). If you’re renting, water is often included in the rent. For houses, the landlord or property owner will guide you on how to set up water services.

Heating

  • If your home uses district heating (fjärrvärme), it is usually provided by the local energy company (e.g., E.ON in Örebro). For apartments, heating is often included in the rent.

Internet and TV

  1. Check Availability: Use websites like Bredbandsval.se to compare internet providers in your area.
  2. Sign Up: Contact the provider to set up a contract. You may need to purchase or rent a router.
  3. Installation: Some apartments already have fiber-optic connections installed. If not, the provider will arrange installation.

Waste Management

  • For houses, you’ll need to contact the municipality or a private waste management company to set up waste collection. For apartments, this is usually handled by the landlord or housing association.

4. Payment Procedures

Utility bills in Örebro are typically issued monthly or quarterly. Here’s how to manage payments:

  1. Payment Methods:

    • Autogiro (Direct Debit): Set up automatic payments through your Swedish bank account.
    • E-invoice (E-faktura): Receive and pay bills directly through your online banking system.
    • Manual Payment: Pay bills manually via your bank or online banking.

  2. Billing:

    • Bills are usually sent via email or post. Some companies also offer digital billing through apps or online portals.
    • Always check the due date to avoid late fees.

  3. Bank Account:

    • To simplify payments, it’s recommended to open a Swedish bank account. Popular banks include Swedbank, SEB, Handelsbanken, and Nordea.

5. Local Considerations and Tips

Here are some additional tips and cultural considerations for managing utilities in Örebro:

Energy Efficiency

  • Swedes are environmentally conscious, and energy efficiency is a priority. Use energy-saving appliances and turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
  • Many homes have timers for heating and lighting to reduce energy consumption.

Recycling and Waste Sorting

  • Recycling is mandatory in Sweden. You’ll need to separate waste into categories like paper, plastic, metal, glass, and food waste.
  • Örebro has recycling stations (återvinningsstationer) located throughout the city. Check the municipality’s website for the nearest location.

Winter Heating

  • Winters in Örebro can be cold, so heating costs may rise during this period. To save on heating, ensure windows and doors are properly insulated.

Internet Speeds

  • Sweden has one of the fastest internet networks in the world. Fiber-optic connections are common in Örebro, so you can expect reliable and high-speed internet.

Language

  • Most utility providers offer customer service in English, but learning basic Swedish phrases can be helpful when dealing with local companies.

Moving In/Out

  • When moving in or out, always document the condition of the property and take meter readings for electricity, water, and heating. This ensures you’re only billed for your usage.

6. Emergency Contacts

  • Electricity Outage: Contact your electricity provider or the local grid operator.
  • Water Issues: Contact Örebro Kommun’s water department.
  • Heating Problems: If you have district heating, contact the provider (e.g., E.ON).
  • Internet Issues: Contact your internet provider’s customer service.

By understanding these details, you’ll be well-prepared to manage utilities in Örebro. If you have further questions or need assistance with specific providers, feel free to ask!