Powering Your Home, Saving Your Wallet: A Toronto Homeowner’s Guide to Utilities
If you’re a first-time homebuyer in Toronto, you may have questions about utilities—who provides them, how they work, and how to set them up. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about managing your electricity, gas, water, and waste collection services, plus information on hot water tank rentals.
Electricity: Toronto Hydro
Toronto Hydro supplies electricity to homeowners, with charges based on usage plus a delivery fee. Your bill will measure energy use in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which represents how much power a 1,000-watt appliance consumes in one hour.
Ever heard of knob and tube wiring? It’s a term you should be aware of as a Toronto homeowner. Watch our video about it right here.
Key Points:
- Your electricity meter is located outside your home, while the breaker panel is typically in the basement.
- Meters are usually smart meters, sending automatic readings to Toronto Hydro.
- Billing options include:
- Time-of-use pricing: Rates vary based on the time of day.
- Tiered pricing: A fixed rate up to a usage threshold, with a higher rate beyond that
Most homeowners opt for time-of-use pricing and use appliances during off-peak hours to save money.
Natural Gas: Enbridge Gas
If your home has gas heating, Enbridge Gas will be your provider. Your bill includes both usage and a transportation fee.
Key Points:
- Gas usage is measured in cubic meters and converted into gigajoules (GJ) to account for energy content.
- Seasonal fluctuations impact your bill, with higher usage in winter.
- Most homes have automated meter reading technology, eliminating the need for manual readings.
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Water, Sewage, and Waste Collection: City of Toronto
The City of Toronto manages water, sewage, and waste collection services, with billing every four months.
Key Points:
- Water usage is measured in cubic meters, and your bill is based on consumption.
- Sewage charges are calculated based on your water usage.
- The water meter is inside your home near the main shut-off valve—important to locate in case of plumbing leaks.
- Waste collection fees depend on your garbage bin size:
- Small, Medium, Large, or Extra-Large Bins (no extra charge for recycling or compost bins).
- Choosing a smaller garbage bin and maximizing recycling can reduce your bill.
Hot Water Tank Rentals: Enercare & Reliance Home Comfort
Many Toronto homeowners rent their water heaters from Enercare or Reliance Home Comfort. Unlike other utilities, this is a fixed monthly charge, not based on usage.
Key Points:
- Rental costs vary based on tank size, type, and energy efficiency.
- The rental provider bills homeowners directly.
- If you own your tank, you won’t have a rental charge but will be responsible for maintenance and repairs.
Setting Up Your Utilities
Once you move into your home, you’ll need to set up accounts with each provider. Contact:
- Toronto Hydro for electricity
- Enbridge Gas for natural gas
- City of Toronto for water, sewage, and waste collection
- Enercare or Reliance if your home has a rented hot water tank
Final Thoughts
Understanding your utilities doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Knowing your providers, how billing works, and ways to save can help you manage costs efficiently. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure your home runs smoothly and efficiently throughout the year.
Questions about buying your first home in Toronto? Get in touch with us today by filling out the form on this page, calling 416-909-9235, or emailing info@yaelandco.com.
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