How to Set Up Utilities When Moving in Metro Vancouver
Arriving at your new home to find no electricity, no internet, or no heat is avoidable with a little advance planning. Here is exactly who to contact and when for a smooth utility transition in Metro Vancouver.
When to Start
Contact utility providers at least 2 weeks before your move date. This gives enough time to schedule connection and disconnection dates, handle any issues, and avoid gaps in service.
Electricity: BC Hydro
BC Hydro provides electricity to most of Metro Vancouver (some areas are served by FortisBC or municipal utilities).
How to transfer your account:
- Log in to your BC Hydro account at bchydro.com
- Use the "Move" feature to schedule:
- Disconnection at your old address (on or after your move-out date)
- Connection at your new address (on or before your move-in date)
- Allow at least 3 business days for processing
If you do not have a BC Hydro account, create one online or call 1-800-224-9376.
Note: Some municipalities in Metro Vancouver have their own electricity utilities (e.g., New Westminster has New Westminster Utilities). Check who provides electricity at your new address.
Natural Gas: FortisBC
FortisBC provides natural gas to most of Metro Vancouver.
How to transfer your account:
- Online at fortisbc.com
- By phone at 1-888-224-2710
Schedule disconnection at the old address and connection at the new one. Allow at least 3 business days.
If your new address has a gas fireplace, gas range, or gas dryer, confirm that gas service is active before moving day.
Internet and Cable
Internet providers in Metro Vancouver include:
- Telus — telus.com or 1-888-811-2323
- Rogers (formerly Shaw) — rogers.com or 1-888-472-2222
- Novus — novusfibre.com (Vancouver and Burnaby)
- Distributel — distributel.net
What to do:
- Check service availability at your new address (coverage varies)
- Schedule installation at the new address — allow 1–2 weeks for an installation appointment
- Schedule disconnection at the old address
If you are switching providers, check for any early termination fees on your current contract.
Phone
Cell phone: No action needed for the service itself. Update your address with your provider for billing purposes.
Landline (if applicable): Contact your provider to transfer or cancel service.
Water
In Metro Vancouver, water service is typically managed by the municipality and is included in property taxes or strata fees. If you are moving into a house, contact your municipality to transfer the water account.
Strata Fees and Building Services
If you are moving into a strata building, contact the strata management company to:
- Transfer strata fee payments to your name
- Register as the new owner or tenant
- Get access fobs or keys for common areas
Checklist
- BC Hydro — schedule disconnection and connection (3+ business days ahead)
- FortisBC — schedule disconnection and connection (3+ business days ahead)
- Internet provider — schedule installation at new address (1–2 weeks ahead)
- Cable provider — transfer or cancel service
- Cell phone — update billing address
- Strata management — register and transfer fees (if applicable)
- Municipality — transfer water account (if applicable)
Ready to Move?
Get a free quote or call 778-200-8825. We serve all of Metro Vancouver and surrounding areas, 7 days a week.