SP utilities Guide – Quick guide to setting up utilities in Singapore for your new home

Whether you’re an owner or a tenant moving into a new home, you’ll have to set up the utilities to get the water, electricity and gas up and running!

Setting up the utilities in Singapore isn’t that difficult. But knowing the exact steps to take can help you focus on the more important stuff.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you going!

What to know before setting up utilities

In Singapore, opening an electricity and water utilities accounts is done via SP Services. Setting up gas utilities (if not using LPG canister gas) via City Energy can be done by calling 1800 555 1661 after you receive confirmation that your SP Services account has been successfully set up.

A utilities account is needed before an appointment to turn on utilities can be arranged.

For HDB resale flats and all other residential properties, the account holder or a representative must be present during the turn-on appointment. This is to provide access for technicians to do a safety inspection prior to activation.

Note that BTO flat buyers don’t need to schedule turn-on appointments at the place of residence, as electrical and water supplies are already activated and ready to use!

If you are taking over utilities of a premise with electricity supply from an electrical retailer other than SP, please contact the individual retailer on the steps you need to take.

This infographic by SP Group gives a good overview of the process of setting up utilities in Singapore:

Not planning to engage SP Services for your electricity? You’ll still have to open an SP Utilities account first before registering with another retailer.

Now let’s go deeper into the process of setting up your utilities account.

How to open a SP Services utilities account

There are a few ways to set up your SP Services utilities account, namely via:

• The SP Utilities App, available on the App Store and Google Play Store
• The SP Utilities Portal (using MyInfo/MyInfo Biz)
• SP Customer Service Centre

Opening a SP Services account with MyInfo (SingPass) is typically the most convenient method, as you won’t have to submit the application form, NRIC and Letter of Authorisation (for companies).

Once you’ve opened your account, you’ll need to pay a security deposit.

How much is the security deposit?

The chart shows the deposit amount you’re required to pay.

Upon the termination of your lease or selling of your house, the security deposit can be used to pay for the final utility bills. Any remaining amount will be refunded to your GIRO account or mailed to you by cheque within a month.

How do I pay my utility bill?

There are a few ways to pay your SP utilities bill.

• Credit card. The POSB Everyday Card lets you set up automatic recurring monthly payment, and gives up to 5% rebate for every bill payment.
• GIRO. Print and send the GIRO form by mail.
• SP app. Use the app to pay your bill with a range of credit and debit cards.
• Other electronic means, such as AXS machine and Internet banking. Payment via internet banking is only available for DBS, UOB and OCBC users. Other payment modes include SAM machines, AXS stations and ATMs (DBS, POSB and OCBC).
• SP Services centre. This is the only place where cash is accepted, if that’s your preferred method of payment. You can also pay NETS, cheque or credit card.
• SingPost offices and 7-Eleven outlets will accept payment via cash, cash card or NETS.

How far in advance do I need to set up my utilities?

It takes approximately two weeks for your utilities to be switched on.

If you’re setting up utilities via the app, expect a seven-business-day lead time before your utilities supply is switched on.

You’ll get an SMS confirmation for the application within the next working day, and an email at least two working days before the appointment. Once that’s done, you can reschedule your supply (electricity and water) turn-on appointment online, subject to availability of time slots.

What happens if I want to switch to a retailer? 

If you’re planning to switch to another electricity retailer, don’t close your SP Services account. Non-electricity charges like water, gas, and refuse collection will still be billed to your SP account.

And should your retailer bill you via SP Group, you’ll still receive one bill for both electricity and non-electricity charges.

Otherwise, you’ll receive two bills. And you’ll need to set up the payment arrangements with your electricity retailer.

Can I transfer my SP Services account?

Moving to a new home? The thing is, each SP account is tagged to each property, so you won’t be able to transfer it to your new home. Instead, you’ll have to close the current account and open a new one for your new home.

Likewise, if you’re renting out your home, you won’t be able to transfer your account to your tenant. You’ll have to close it and your tenant will have to open a new one under their name.

You can terminate your account by one of the following methods:

• SP app
• Submit an online termination form
• Visit the Customer Service Centre

---

How’s your experience like setting up your utilities? Share them with us in the comments below or on our Facebook post!

If you found this article helpful, 99.co recommends Guide to Inspecting Your New HDB Flat and HDB Renovation Permits 101.

---

Frequently asked questions