Setting Up Utilities in Waterloo Region

Moving to Waterloo Region? One of your first tasks will be setting up utilities. This guide covers everything you need to know about electricity, natural gas, and water services in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge.

Electricity

Your electricity provider depends on which municipality you're moving to:

Enova Power (Kitchener, Waterloo, Wilmot, Woolwich, Wellesley)

Enova Power was formed in September 2022 through the merger of Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro and Waterloo North Hydro. They now serve over 157,000 residential and business customers across five municipalities.

Setting up service: Visit enovapower.com/forms to complete a new account application online.

Pricing options: Enova offers three pricing plans:

• Time-of-Use (TOU): Rates vary by time of day. Off-peak hours (7pm-7am weekdays, all weekend) have the lowest rates.
• Tiered Pricing: Fixed rate up to a threshold (600 kWh summer / 1,000 kWh winter), then higher rate. Good if you want flexibility.
• Ultra-Low Overnight: Lowest rates from 11pm-7am daily. Ideal if you can shift usage to overnight hours.

GrandBridge Energy (Cambridge, North Dumfries)

If you're moving to Cambridge or North Dumfries, your electricity provider is GrandBridge Energy (formerly Energy+).

Expect your first bill within 6-8 weeks after moving in.

Natural Gas

Enbridge Gas

Enbridge Gas is the primary natural gas provider across Ontario, including all of Waterloo Region.

Setting up service:

• Submit your move request online (takes 2-5 minutes)
• You can schedule service up to one year in advance
• Close an existing account up to 30 days in advance
• Your first bill will include a one-time new account setup charge

Note: The federal carbon charge was removed from Enbridge bills effective April 1, 2025.

Kitchener Utilities (Gas for Kitchener Residents)

In Kitchener, you may also deal with Kitchener Utilities for gas services.

Fees to expect:

• New account administration fee: $44.46 + HST
• Residential meter set fee (new installations): $1,040+ + tax
• Installation timeline: 6-8 weeks (up to 6 months for regional roads)

Water & Sewer

Waterloo Region uses a two-tier system: the Region supplies treated water and handles wastewater, while individual cities handle billing.

Water Billing by Municipality

Note: Cambridge residents should be aware of a new stormwater fee that took effect July 1, 2025. This will appear on your regular water bill.

Payment Options

Most utilities in the region offer convenient payment methods:

• Pre-authorized payments: Set up automatic withdrawal from your bank account
• Online banking: Add the utility as a payee through your bank
• Credit/debit cards: Pay through Paymentus (1.75% convenience fee)
• E-billing: Sign up to receive paperless bills via email

Assistance Programs

If you're having difficulty paying your utility bills, help is available:

• LEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program): Regulated by the Ontario Energy Board, provides one-time grants to help with bill payments
• Utility Bill Help (Region of Waterloo): Visit regionofwaterloo.ca
• Enbridge Gas Assistance: Call 1-855-487-5327

Moving Checklist