Global Major Cities Guide

Information on setting up utilities like electricity, gas, water, and internet when moving to Edinburgh.

Sections

1. Overview of Utilities in Edinburgh

Utilities in Edinburgh include electricity, gas, water, and internet/telecommunications. These services are provided by private companies (except for water, which is managed by a public entity). Setting up utilities is straightforward, but it’s important to understand the local providers, costs, and processes to ensure smooth management.

2. Electricity and Gas

Electricity and gas are essential utilities in Edinburgh, and most homes use both for heating, cooking, and general power needs.

Main Providers

Electricity and gas are supplied by private companies. Some of the major providers include:

Scottish Power (headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland)
British Gas
EDF Energy
E.ON
Octopus Energy
Bulb Energy

Average Costs

Electricity: £50–£80 per month (depending on usage and property size)
Gas: £40–£70 per month (depending on heating needs and season)
Combined electricity and gas bills (dual fuel) typically range from £90–£150 per month for an average household.
Costs can vary based on energy tariffs, property insulation, and usage habits.

How to Set Up Electricity and Gas

Check Existing Supply: When moving into a property, check with the landlord or previous tenant to find out the current supplier. You can also contact the Meter Point Administration Service (MPAS) for electricity or the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) service for gas to identify the supplier.
Choose a Provider: Compare tariffs using websites like Uswitch, Compare the Market, or MoneySuperMarket.
Contact the Provider: Call or visit the provider’s website to set up an account. You’ll need:
- Your address
- Meter readings (to avoid being charged for previous usage)
- Bank details for direct debit payments
Smart Meters: Many providers offer free installation of smart meters, which help monitor energy usage and avoid estimated bills.

Payment Methods

Direct Debit: Most common and often cheaper (monthly or quarterly).
Pay-As-You-Go: Prepayment meters are available but tend to be more expensive.
Online Payments: Through the provider’s website or app.
Paper Bills: You can pay by cheque or at a bank/post office, but this is less common.

Local Considerations

Energy Efficiency: Edinburgh’s older buildings can be less energy-efficient. Consider improving insulation or using energy-saving appliances to reduce costs.
Winter Heating: Winters in Edinburgh can be cold, so heating costs may rise significantly between November and March.

3. Water and Sewerage

Water and sewerage services in Edinburgh are managed by Scottish Water, a publicly owned company.

Average Costs

Water charges are included in Council Tax bills, so you don’t pay separately unless you’re on a private meter (rare in Edinburgh).
Costs depend on your property’s Council Tax band. For example:
- Band A: ~£140–£180 per year
- Band D: ~£300–£400 per year
Charges cover water supply and wastewater treatment.

How to Set Up Water

If you’re renting, water charges are typically included in your rent or Council Tax.
If you own the property, ensure your Council Tax account is set up with the City of Edinburgh Council.

Payment Methods

Paid alongside Council Tax (monthly or annually).
Direct debit is the most common payment method.

Local Considerations

Water Quality: Edinburgh’s tap water is of high quality and safe to drink.
Conservation: While water is abundant in Scotland, it’s still good practice to conserve water where possible.

4. Internet and Telecommunications

Internet and phone services are essential utilities for most households.

Main Providers

BT (British Telecom): Offers broadband, landline, and TV packages.
Virgin Media: Known for high-speed broadband.
Sky: Offers broadband, TV, and phone bundles.
TalkTalk: Affordable broadband options.
Vodafone: Broadband and mobile services.
Hyperoptic: High-speed fiber-optic broadband (available in some areas).

Average Costs

Broadband Only: £20–£40 per month (depending on speed and provider).
Broadband + TV + Phone Bundles: £40–£80 per month.
Installation fees may apply (typically £20–£50).

How to Set Up Internet

Check Availability: Use the provider’s website to check if their service is available at your address.
Choose a Package: Decide on the speed and services you need (e.g., broadband only or a bundle with TV/phone).
Sign Up: Provide your address, bank details, and preferred installation date.
Installation: Some providers require an engineer visit, while others offer self-installation kits.

Payment Methods

Direct debit is the most common.
Some providers offer discounts for paying annually.

Local Considerations

Speed and Coverage: Fiber-optic broadband is widely available in Edinburgh, but speeds may vary in older buildings.
Contracts: Most providers require a 12- or 18-month contract. Early termination fees may apply.

5. Waste Collection and Recycling

Waste collection is managed by the City of Edinburgh Council.

Services Provided

General Waste: Collected weekly or fortnightly.
Recycling: Separate bins for paper, plastics, glass, and food waste.
Special Uplifts: For large items like furniture (fees apply).

How to Set Up

Waste collection is automatically arranged when you register for Council Tax.
Check your collection schedule on the City of Edinburgh Council website.

Local Considerations

Recycling: Edinburgh has a strong focus on recycling. Ensure you separate waste correctly to avoid fines.
Bin Storage: Many properties have shared bins, especially in tenement buildings.

6. Practical Tips for Managing Utilities in Edinburgh

Budgeting: Use direct debit to spread costs evenly throughout the year.
Energy Tariffs: Consider fixed-rate tariffs to avoid price fluctuations.
Meter Readings: Submit regular readings to avoid estimated bills.
Energy Efficiency: Use draft excluders, heavy curtains, and energy-efficient bulbs to reduce heating and electricity costs.
Emergency Contacts:
- Power Cuts: Call 105 for electricity emergencies.
- Gas Leaks: Call the National Gas Emergency Service at 0800 111 999.

7. Cultural and Practical Advice

Politeness: When dealing with customer service, politeness and patience go a long way.
Tenant Responsibilities: If renting, clarify with your landlord which utilities you’re responsible for.
Community Support: Local community groups and forums (e.g., on Facebook or Nextdoor) can provide advice on managing utilities and finding deals.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to set up and manage utilities in Edinburgh efficiently. If you have further questions or need assistance with specific providers, feel free to ask!