Energy costs: gas, electricity, heating oil

These expenses are usually the tenant’s responsibility, unless the lease indicates that they are covered by the landlord.

In each region, a single provider supplies electricity and gas services. To find out about monthly rates and how to become a customer, simply call the customer service department of the local electricity (usually Hydro-Québec) and gas (usually Gaz Métropolitain) company. If you heat with oil, there are many oil companies and independent distributors to serve you. Take the time to select the company that offers the best maintenance service for the lower price.

	PRACTICAL ADVISE
	Before moving, be sure to inform gas, electricity and oil suppliers so that you won’t be billed for costs you have not incurred. Use back-up heaters (wood or kerosene stoves, electric heaters) with the utmost caution. They can be extremely harmful to your health and can constitute a serious fire hazard.

Since energy costs vary substantially from season to season, most providers allow you to make equal monthly payments over the year to avoid particularly high bills during the winter months. Although Québec law prohibits some interruptions of service during the winter, failure to pay your bills on time could cause problems.

Installation of electric and gas heating systems is governed by Québec legislation and municipal by-laws and must generally be done by professionals. Do not try to save money by doing the work yourself. If your system were to cause an accident or damage, your insurer could refuse to compensate you.

Useful links

• Hydro-Québec
• Gaz Métropolitain