How to Set Up Utilities in Vancouver (BC Hydro)

Moving into your first apartment in Vancouver? You'll need to set up a few utility accounts. It's not complicated, but there are some things that aren't obvious — like the fact that you might not need to set up all of them (some are included in rent). Here's the complete walkthrough.

1. BC Hydro (Electricity)

Almost every apartment in Metro Vancouver gets electricity from BC Hydro. Setting up an account is quick:

1. Go to bchydro.com and click "Open an account"
2. Enter your new address and move-in date
3. Provide ID (passport number works) and a phone number
4. Choose billing method (online is easiest)
5. Done — takes about 10 minutes online

No deposit required if you set up pre-authorized payment. Without auto-pay, BC Hydro may ask for a $400-500 security deposit for new customers without Canadian credit history. Set up auto-pay to avoid this.

Average Monthly Costs

• Studio/1BR apartment: $40-70/month
• 2BR apartment: $60-100/month
• Electric heating unit: add $40-80/month in winter

BC Hydro bills every 2 months. Sign up for equal payment plan to smooth out seasonal spikes.

2. FortisBC (Natural Gas)

Not all buildings use natural gas. If your building has gas heating, hot water, or a gas stove, you'll need a FortisBC account.

1. Go to fortisbc.com and create an account
2. Enter your address and move-in date
3. Provide ID and set up billing

How to know if you need FortisBC: Ask your landlord. If the building has "baseboard heaters" (electric panels on the walls), you don't need gas. If there's a gas fireplace, furnace, or gas stove, you'll need a FortisBC account.

Average Monthly Costs

• Gas heating only: $30-60/month (higher in winter)
• Gas hot water only: $15-25/month
• Gas stove: minimal — maybe $5/month

3. Water

You don't set this up. Water in Metro Vancouver is included in your rent. It's part of the building's costs and landlords cannot charge you separately. One less thing to worry about.

4. Internet

You'll need to choose a provider and plan:

Main Providers

• Telus — Fibre optic in many buildings. $75-90/month for 150-300 Mbps. Often runs newcomer promotions.
• Rogers (formerly Shaw) — Cable internet. $70-85/month for similar speeds. Good coverage across Metro Van.
• Novus — Only in select buildings, but if you have it, use it. Best value: $55-65/month for 200 Mbps. No contracts.
• Teksavvy / Can-Net — Resellers using Telus/Rogers infrastructure. Cheaper ($50-65/month) but support can be slower.

Installation usually takes 3-7 days. Schedule it before your move-in date if possible.

5. Renters Insurance

While technically not a "utility," most landlords require it before you move in. $20-40/month from:

• Square One — online, fast, good prices
• BCAA — well-known, good service
• Sonnet — online insurer, competitive rates

What's Typically Included in Rent?

Ask your landlord — these items vary by building:

• Almost always included: Water, garbage, recycling
• Sometimes included: Heat (hot water baseboard), hot water
• Rarely included: Electricity, internet, parking

Use our settlement cost calculator to estimate your total monthly costs including utilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both BC Hydro and FortisBC?

Not necessarily. All-electric buildings (most newer ones) only need BC Hydro. Older buildings with gas heating or gas stoves need both. Your landlord or property manager will tell you.

Can I avoid the BC Hydro security deposit?

Yes — set up pre-authorized payment from your bank account and they'll waive the deposit. This works even without Canadian credit history.

Which internet provider is best for newcomers?

If your building has Novus, go with them — best value and no contract. Otherwise, check if Telus or Rogers have newcomer promotions. Avoid signing 2-year contracts — the "discount" usually isn't worth the lock-in.

References

[1] BC Housing, "Rental Market Reports." https://www.bchousing.org/research-centre/housing-data

[2] Statistics Canada, "Census Profile, Vancouver CMA, 2021." https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm

[3] City of Vancouver, "Open Data Portal." https://opendata.vancouver.ca/

[4] Government of Canada, "Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship." https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html

Getting settled? Our move-in costs checklist has everything else you need to budget for your first apartment.