Utilities are referred to as primary services that are necessary for your flat, home, or office to be refreshing and workable. Canada is not different from the rest of the globe because its utilities are the same.
The utilities in Canada can be primary or secondary. Canada is famous for taking care of its citizens and immigrants. The utilities provided by Canada are electricity, mobile phones, internet, water, and gas. The cost of these utilities is affordable for the citizens. You can pay the bills of these facilities monthly or annually.
This guide is for you if you’ve recently relocated to Canada and are looking for information on how to set up utility services. Let’s look at the most popular utilities in Canada to get a better picture.
What Are The Major Utilities In Canada?
There are different service suppliers in each region of the country, and home utility services and costs may vary in every province and city of Canada. The average utility cost per month in Canada is $325.
Utilities are sometimes referred to as industries so affected by the public interest that they require government regulation regarding market entry and departure, rate charges to customers, rate of return allowed to owners, and the duty to serve all customers within their service area.
Public utilities include companies that produce and distribute:
- Electricity.
- Natural gas.
- Water.
- Telecommunications- especially phone service.
- Pipelines carrying gas, oil, and other minerals.
- Some people also refer to cable television service as a utility.
- In the past, public utilities included railroads, grain elevators, boats, and private roads.
Capitalists and government entities, such as Crown Corporations, may own utilities. In most provinces, provincial crown companies handle electricity distribution, but pipelines, businesses, and homes that consume natural gas are virtually exclusively in private ownership. Crown companies offer telephone services in the three prairie provinces.
Public Utilities-issues and solutions
- Consumer concerns are regularly criticized for being underrepresented before utility regulators and not being given enough weight in the regulators’ judgments.
- Even though technological advancements present opportunities to either replace the regulation of utilities with the competitive market or to use competition more effectively to ensure that these businesses are efficient and flexible to shifting economic conditions, regulators are hesitant to do so.
- The charge against utility regulators is that they spend too much time evaluating the permitted rate of return rather than determining if the utility’s actual yield cost is the lowest practicable. It involves the difficult task of judging whether the utility has absorbed the new and proper technology.
- Rather than considering the present level of additional costs, regulators typically rely on the past cost structure of embedded capital. For instance, several hydraulic dams were constructed 30 years ago.
The national energy board, several provincial public utility commissions, and other specialized bodies, which derive their mandates directly from the government through legislation establishing many of the criteria they operate, are used by governments to control utilities.
The majority of regulatory bodies and utility suppliers conduct their business in a semi-manner, with their primary duty being to render objective judgments on issues like the level of rates, the permitted rate of return that owners may earn, and admittance into the crucial and relevant markets.
Electricity In Canada
Electric utilities are private or public companies that produce, transmit, distribute, market, and sell electricity to consumers.
- Canadian electric utilities supply 92% of all electrical energy produced in Canada.
- The other 8% is generated by industrial facilities for internal use, mainly in the mining, metal-processing, and pulp and paper sectors.
A Brief Walk Through the Past
When the electrical-utility sector first emerged in the 1880s, it consisted of several privately held businesses that provided electricity to certain villages or areas. Many others offered additional services like street railroads and gas delivery.
As the need for power rose, many of the initial businesses were absorbed by more giant enterprises. Non-electrical energy industries were typically divided off; for example, municipalities took over street railroads.
A tendency towards provincial control of the sector has been caused by the growing demand for an adequate electricity supply at relatively consistent pricing. Due to characteristics including provincial guarantee of debt, coordinated planning, and income-tax burden, local ownership was meant to offer power to consumers at a lesser cost.
Nuclear energy, international commerce, and trade are the only areas where the federal government may affect electricity. The capacity of the five investor-owned utilities, which provided around 9.5% of the nation’s power, was 7% of all Canadian electric utility capacity.
Municipal utilities controlled 1.7% of installed capacity and generated 1.5% of all power. The two territorial crown corporations contributed 0.3% and 0.2%, respectively, of capacity and generation.
Recent Evaluation
The average monthly cost for a typical home in Canada using 1,000 kWh is $174– the 2020 survey. Here is a short survey of 2020 from different cities, showing the average cost of electricity by citizens per month:
| Cities | Average cost per month |
| Northwest Territories | $387 |
| Saskatchewan | $182 |
| British Columbia | $124 |
| Manitoba | $96 |
| Quebec | $73 |
Quebec clearly has the lowest electricity rates because the hydropower potential of Quebec is three times more than that of British Columbia.
Additionally, the province is an excellent solar, biomass, and wind energy source. With so many hydropower resources available, electricity rates in Quebec are among the lowest in Canada and the whole globe.
The following are only a few variables contributing to the overhead variances.
- The types of energy sources employed in the region.
- Population density.
- The distance between the generating source and the home.
However, Canadian rates are the most affordable in the world. The cost of residential energy in Canada is lower than that of the USA and many other European nations.
Canada’s Phone Services
In any country, communication among people is essential. You are very well aware of the past communication system. It was all about sending letters and waiting for a reply from your loved ones. But now the tables are turned in this advanced era.
This time is on phones, and your answer or reply is one text or call away. The phone can be a home phone or a mobile phone. Let’s look below:
Home-phone
Canadians’ access to a top-notch communication system depends on a reliable phone infrastructure. Canadians must have access to cost-effective, high-quality communication services. The owners work to safeguard your interest and safety by doing the following:
Do not call registry: the National Do Not Call registry enforcement and the anonymous telecommunication rules.
Agreements: approval of custom duties and certain agreements for the telecommunication market.
Regulation: of telecommunication operators and major telephone companies.
Competition: empowering competition in telecommunication sectors to ensure affordable services for Canadians.
Some of the companies that offer landline home phone services are
- Rogers
- Tellus
- Shaw,
- Bell.
Moreover, you should be aware that your location influences landline availability.
Mobile phones
It is the responsibility of owners of mobile-phone companies to uphold the best quality of telecommunication services at a competitive cost while safeguarding the security and interests of Canadians. It is up to you whether you choose pre-paid or post-paid mobile service.
By adding your cellular, fax, residential, or phone number to the National Do Not Call List (DNCL), you can opt to receive fewer telemarketing calls. Moreover, you can also visit DNCL if your mobile phone is not connecting to the business line.
All carriers must provide a fundamental low-cost cellular option, source: Canadian Radio Telecommunication Commission (CRTC)-2021. You have to pay $35 per month using your mobile device with many services like unlimited text, transferring photos, and 3GB of internet data.
Internet Service Providers In Canada
Check out any discounts you may be eligible for, as the primary internet service providers in Canada frequently provide deals to new clients. You must also consider several other factors, including the level of technical assistance offered, use restrictions, download and upload speeds, and any equipment rental fees.
The following are the high-speed internet service providers in Canada:
Bridging Canada’s Digital Divide
The main goal of CRTC is that Canadians must have access to phone and internet services. This applies to both metropolitan and isolated areas or places. The new services set by CRTC are:
- CRTC has fixed the broadband services at 50 Mbps, and 10 Mbps download speeds.
- An alternative for fixed broadband services with unlimited data.
- The most recent wireless technology is accessible to every house and business on ley Canadian highways.
The CRTC has established a fund of up to $750 million over 5 years to assist service providers who fall short of the criteria mentioned earlier and want to offer or upgrade their services in underserved areas.
Pricing For Internet Data
Following a public hearing on differential pricing methods for internet data plans, the CRTC reaffirmed its support for internet freedoms, consumer demands, and the restricted flow of ideas among individuals.
We think that owing to these procedures, no content producer or client will not face any pros or cons, and all the internet data should be handled similarly. Internet subscriptions start at about $30 per month but can cost considerably more. The fee will pile up if you use limited data or the internet.
Canada’s Cable TV
Since 2016, the service providers have been required to offer a package with a monthly cost of no more than $25, excluding renting or buying equipment. However, you should prepare to spend at least $100 each month if you want some movies to watch.
Another choice is to purchase an antenna and get free channels. However, this is not a frequently used option in Canada. You will probably only receive 4-7 channels. These channels will typically broadcast in HD and feature some of the most-watched news and entertainment shows.
Instead of traditional cable alternatives, many Canadians prefer to subscribe to Netflix or Prime Video. The following are the companies that provide cable services in Canada:
Heat And Hydro Services In Canada
The heat and hydro services are discussed below:
Heat Services
The three primary heating sources for most residences are:
- Hydro
- Oil
- Natural gas
It is crucial to remember that a product’s lifetime energy costs are just as high as its initial price. Operating expenses for heating equipment are determined by taking into account:
- The efficiency of the equipment.
- The kind and cost of the fuel.
- The number of days per year that need to be heated.
The average monthly cost of gas is $60 in Canada.
Wise Suggestion
- Get at least three quotations when purchasing new accommodation-heating services, and ask your contractor to estimate your house’s heat needs so that your furnace is appropriately scaled.
- Every year, get your heating system checked. Before the start of the following heating season, towards the end of the summer, is the ideal time to maintain your unit.
- Regularly clean or change filters.
Most flats include the cost of electricity, water, and heat in the rent. You must contact the relevant organizations to start service if you have purchased or rented a home. Several businesses supply the distribution of natural gas, which is currently available in a deregulated market.
Hydro Utilities
Toronto Hydro is the city’s power provider. Hydroelectricity is a form of energy generated by moving water. Volume and speed affect how much energy is generated; the more the speed of water movement, the more energy is generated.
That is why a lot of hydroelectric plants are constructed close to waterfalls. Most hydroelectric power is produced by Quebec, British Columbia, Newfoundland, and Ontario. According to a 2018 survey, the energy produced by various cities is:
| Cities | Percentage Of Power Produced |
| Quebec | 50% |
| British Columbia | ~ 17% |
| Newfoundland | 10% |
| Ontario | 10% |
The other provinces collectively make up about 1% of hydropower for the country of Canada. The average hydro bill for a 3-bedroom flat is about $125-200 per month.
Water Services In Canada
In Canada, access to clean water for drinking and sanitation is widespread and typically of high quality. Canada provides cheap water prices, and it is also a fact that many consumers use water without paying the bill.
The Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic oceans surround Canada, the Canadians’ fresh water source. Canadian cities’ drinking water is typical of excellent quality and is consistently available.
Municipal water suppliers can occasionally become chemically or biologically polluted due to circumstances beyond their control. Residents are often encouraged to take precautions in this case, like boiling water before ingesting.
According to Environment Canada data, each home pays around $53 per month on an average usage rate of 25 cubic meters. In addition to human consumption, water is used for various purposes like irrigation, producing energy, and many more.
Check Out The Average Cost Of Utilities Per Month In Canada:
FAQs
Is Phone Bill A Utility Bill In Canada?
Utility costs usually cover
• Electricity.
• Gas.
• Disposal of trash.
• Water.
Other services like internet, TV, and phone services are occasionally regarded as extra charges/utilities because the citizens have common usage in daily life.
Phone bills are typically considered utilities. This only applies to landlines, not mobile devices. Telephone companies, like energy providers, send out invoices similar to utility bills and offer a service to the general public.
Do You Pay For Water In Ontario?
You are in charge of making arrangements with your municipal government for water and sewerage services when you purchase a home. You may receive monthly or bi-annual bills for your water consumption.
In Ontario, water bills are typically sent out once within two months for residential premises. The cost is usually fixed and included in the water utility account regardless of the water used.
Every two months, the remote touchpad takes a reading from the water meters outside your house. Your water meter measurement serves as the basis for the water bill. You can also receive an invoice within three months if you request the government.
Is House Rent A Utility Bill?
To live on your landlord’s property, you must pay your landlord each month when you rent a place. While there are regional variations in rental payments across Canada, you should not spend >30% of your total income on rent.
Your monthly rent typically includes utility costs, including power, internet, television, gas, and cable. Individual meters often make it simple to calculate these utility expenses. However, the owners frequently add the cost of utilities like water, sewage, and garbage to the rent.
Final Thoughts
In Canada, utilities are a necessary component of daily living. These utilities maintain the comfort and efficiency of your homes and workplaces.
Utility costs might be high, but there are methods to reduce your monthly payment. You may store your utility bills by utilizing energy-sufficient equipment, lowering your thermostat, and looking for service suppliers.
We hope this guide helped you avoid any electrical, internet, water, or cable problems during your time in Canada. And just in case you do have any difficulties with these utilities and need some help, please leave a comment below with your question or problem, and surely OnTheMoveCanada will answer it for you!