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Utilities and Communication

Sections

1. Utilities in Liverpool

Electricity and Gas

Electricity and gas are essential utilities in Liverpool, and they are typically provided by private companies. The UK operates a deregulated energy market, meaning you can choose your supplier based on your needs and budget.

Key Providers in Liverpool:
  • British Gas
  • EDF Energy
  • E.ON Next
  • Octopus Energy
  • Scottish Power
  • Bulb (now part of Octopus Energy)
Average Costs:
  • Electricity: ยฃ0.30โ€“ยฃ0.35 per kWh (kilowatt-hour) as of 2023.
  • Gas: ยฃ0.07โ€“ยฃ0.10 per kWh.
  • Monthly Bills: For a small apartment, expect to pay around ยฃ80โ€“ยฃ120 per month for combined electricity and gas. Larger homes may cost more, depending on usage.
How to Set Up Electricity and Gas:
  1. Check Existing Services: When moving into a property, ask the landlord or previous tenant for details of the current supplier. You can either stay with the existing provider or switch to a new one.
  2. Compare Providers: Use comparison websites like Uswitch or Compare the Market to find the best deals.
  3. Contact the Provider: Once youโ€™ve chosen a provider, contact them to set up an account. Youโ€™ll need:
    • Your address
    • Move-in date
    • Meter readings (take these on the day you move in)
  4. Payment Options: Most providers offer direct debit payments, which are often cheaper. Prepayment meters are also available but can be more expensive.
Tips:
  • Consider a dual-fuel tariff (electricity and gas from the same provider) for potential discounts.
  • Smart meters are widely available and help monitor usage.

Water

Water services in Liverpool are managed by United Utilities, the sole provider for the North West of England.

Average Costs:
  • Water bills are typically ยฃ30โ€“ยฃ40 per month for a small household, depending on usage.
  • Bills are either metered (based on actual usage) or unmetered (based on property size and rateable value).
How to Set Up Water Services:
  1. Contact United Utilities: Visit their website (United Utilities) or call their customer service to register your property.
  2. Provide Details: Youโ€™ll need your address, move-in date, and whether the property has a water meter.
  3. Payment Options: Choose between monthly direct debit or quarterly billing.
Tips:
  • If your property doesnโ€™t have a water meter, you can request one to potentially save money if you use less water.

Internet and Broadband

Liverpool has excellent broadband coverage, with a variety of providers offering high-speed internet.

Key Providers:
  • BT
  • Virgin Media
  • Sky
  • TalkTalk
  • Plusnet
  • Hyperoptic (available in some areas for ultrafast broadband)
Average Costs:
  • Standard Broadband (10โ€“30 Mbps): ยฃ20โ€“ยฃ30 per month.
  • Fibre Broadband (50โ€“100 Mbps): ยฃ30โ€“ยฃ50 per month.
  • Ultrafast Broadband (100+ Mbps): ยฃ40โ€“ยฃ60 per month.
How to Set Up Internet:
  1. Check Availability: Use websites like Broadband Choices to see which providers serve your area.
  2. Choose a Package: Decide on the speed and data allowance you need. Many providers offer bundles with TV and phone services.
  3. Sign Up: Contact the provider to set up an account. Installation may take 1โ€“2 weeks, and some providers charge a setup fee (around ยฃ20โ€“ยฃ50).
  4. Router Installation: Most providers send a router by post, which you can set up yourself. Some may require an engineer visit.
Tips:
  • Virgin Media offers some of the fastest speeds in Liverpool but may not be available in all areas.
  • Look for introductory offers, as many providers offer discounts for the first 12โ€“18 months.

2. Communication in Liverpool

Mobile Phone Networks and SIM Cards

The UK has a wide range of mobile network providers, offering both pay-as-you-go (PAYG) and contract options.

Key Providers:
  • EE
  • Vodafone
  • O2
  • Three
  • Giffgaff (uses O2โ€™s network)
  • Tesco Mobile (uses O2โ€™s network)
  • Lebara (great for international calls)
Average Costs:
  • PAYG SIMs: ยฃ10โ€“ยฃ20 per month for 5โ€“20 GB of data, unlimited texts, and calls.
  • Contracts: ยฃ20โ€“ยฃ50 per month, depending on the phone and data plan.
How to Get a SIM Card:
  1. Choose a Provider: Compare plans on websites like MoneySuperMarket.
  2. Purchase a SIM Card: SIM cards are available at supermarkets, convenience stores, or directly from the providerโ€™s store or website.
  3. Activate the SIM: Follow the instructions provided with the SIM card. You may need to register online.
  4. Top-Up (for PAYG): Use the providerโ€™s app, website, or local shops to add credit.
Tips:
  • Giffgaff and Lebara are popular for newcomers due to their flexibility and affordable international call rates.
  • Ensure your phone is unlocked before purchasing a UK SIM card.

Postal Services

The UKโ€™s postal system is reliable and efficient, with Royal Mail being the primary service provider.

Key Services:
  • Standard Mail: For letters and small parcels. Delivery usually takes 1โ€“3 working days.
  • Tracked Services: For important or valuable items.
  • Special Delivery: Guaranteed next-day delivery.
  • International Mail: Options include standard airmail and tracked services.
Costs:
  • First-Class Letter (up to 100g): ยฃ1.25.
  • Second-Class Letter (up to 100g): ยฃ0.85.
  • Small Parcel (up to 2kg): ยฃ3.49โ€“ยฃ5.49 (depending on size and service).
  • International Letters: From ยฃ1.85, depending on destination.
How to Use Postal Services:
  1. Post Offices: Visit a local post office to send mail, buy stamps, or access other services. Liverpool has many post offices, including a central branch on Whitechapel.
  2. Post Boxes: Red post boxes are located throughout the city for sending letters.
  3. Online Services: Use the Royal Mail website (Royal Mail) to calculate postage, print labels, and arrange parcel pickups.
Tips:
  • For frequent parcel deliveries, consider using services like Hermes (Evri) or DPD, which may offer cheaper rates for larger items.
  • Always check the weight and size of your parcel to avoid underpaying postage.

Local Considerations and Tips for Newcomers

  1. Utility Bills: Keep copies of your utility bills, as they are often required as proof of address for opening bank accounts or registering with a GP.
  2. Energy Efficiency: Liverpoolโ€™s older housing stock can be less energy-efficient. Consider using draft excluders and energy-saving bulbs to reduce costs.
  3. Mobile Coverage: Check network coverage in your area before committing to a provider. Some rural areas around Liverpool may have weaker signals.
  4. Broadband Contracts: Most contracts are 12โ€“18 months long. If youโ€™re staying short-term, look for no-contract or rolling monthly plans.
  5. Postal Redirection: If you move within Liverpool, use Royal Mailโ€™s redirection service to forward your mail to your new address.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to set up utilities and communication services in Liverpool, ensuring a smooth transition to life in the city. Let me know if you need further assistance!