Household utilities in the Philippines include electricity, water, gas, and internet services. Each plays a vital role in ensuring that homes and businesses operate smoothly and provide comfort and convenience to their occupants. However, securing these home utilities, managing their costs, and ensuring their reliability can be complex, particularly for those new to the country’s real estate scene. In this article, we will discuss all you need to know about house utilities in the Philippines.
Electricity in the Philippines
Securing an electrical connection for your household utilities involves steps and requirements that applicants must follow diligently.
How to apply for electricity in the Philippines?
Below is the process of acquiring electric distribution utilities in the Philippines:
1. Application and required documents
To start the process of applying for electric distribution utilities in the Philippines, applicants are required to fill out an application form and prepare the following documents:
- A valid government-issued ID.
- Proof of Occupancy documents (renters must additionally submit the undertaking, disconnection waiver, and authorization letter from their landlord.)
- An electrical plan or a detailed list of electrical appliances expected to be used.
2. Pre-surveys and inspections
All new applications are subject to a series of pre-surveys and inspections. These are essential to determine if the premises meet the qualifications for an electrical connection for your house utilities in the Philippines.
3. Construction of service entrance
Upon approval of your application, the next step involves constructing a service entrance for your house utilities in the Philippines. This structure will house the electric meter and must adhere to specific technical and safety standards typically outlined by the electrical provider. You can hire a certified contractor or a private electrician to perform the task, provided the installation meets the required standards.
Once construction is complete, notify your electric provider for a final inspection. It’s also important to complete all required local government inspections and submit a Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) before energizing the connection.
4. Preparing your bill deposit
Electricity in the Philippines is billed post-consumption, so a bill deposit is required before finalizing your service application. This deposit for your house utilities in the Philippines is calculated based on the estimated billing for one month, considering your load schedule or applied load. Note that the bill deposit is subject to an annual review and adjustment through the Annual Update of Bill Deposits (AUBD), reflecting your actual consumption.
How much is electricity in the Philippines?
The cost of electricity undergoes periodic adjustments. As per the latest announcement made in March 2024 by the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), the overall rate for a typical household is ₱ 11.94 ($0.20) per kWh. For residential consumers with a usage of 200 kWh, this represents an increase of less than ₱ 5 ($0.09) in their monthly bill for electric house utilities in the Philippines.
Electricity providers in the Philippines
A variety of electricity providers serve different regions in the Philippines, including:
- MERALCO: Manila Electric Company.
- BENECO: Benguet Electric Cooperative, Inc.
- IFELCO: Ifugao Electric Cooperative, Inc.
- ABRECO: Abra Electric Cooperative, Inc.
- DECORP: Dagupan Electric Corporation.
For those looking for more options, the Department of Energy’s website provides a comprehensive list of electricity providers.
Water utilities in the Philippines
Ensuring a seamless water supply in the Philippines requires knowledge and preparation. Property owners should register with their local water supply company, stay informed about their water usage and costs, and actively manage their accounts through available digital platforms. Doing so can guarantee a steady and reliable water supply to the overall well-being and sustainability of your house utilities in the Philippines.
Registering for water supply in the Philippines
The application to register a water service connection is available exclusively to the property owner at the location where the connection will be installed. However, if the owner cannot manage the application personally for their house utilities in the Philippines, an authorized representative can file the request on their behalf. Applications for water utilities in the Philippines can be at any Maynilad Business Area (BA) office, ensuring accessibility for all. Additionally, for those who favor convenience, Maynilad offers alternatives: you can reach out via the Maynilad Hotline, email, or connect with a designated Zone Specialist.
Documentary requirements
Before you start the process for your house utilities in the Philippines, having all the necessary documents for your home utilities is crucial. Here’s what you’ll need:
For privately owned properties:
- Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT), Deed of Sale, or Contract to Sell (original and photocopy) of the property needing the water service connection.
For open/depressed communities:
- Certification from any recognized government agency, including, but not limited to:
- National Anti-Poverty Commission.
- National Housing Authority.
- Urban Poor Affairs Office (Certified True Copy).
- Social Housing Finance Corporation.
Additionally, all applications for house utilities in the Philippines must be accompanied by:
- Valid Government-issued ID with three specimen signatures.
- Tax Identification Number (TIN).
It’s important to note that water utilities in the Philippines are registered under the property owner’s name. The exact fee can vary based on current tariff rates, so it’s advised to check with the business area office handling your account for precision.
How much is water in the Philippines?
The price of water per cubic meter in the Philippines varies considerably. As of January 2024, households can expect to pay around ₱ 700 ($11.90) monthly. However, rates fluctuate depending on the region. The price of water per cubic meter in the Philippines for Metro Manila residents is around ₱ 42.26 ($0.72).
Water supply companies in the Philippines
Several water supply companies in the Philippines are responsible for providing water services across different regions of the Philippines. Among them are:
- Maynilad Water Services, Inc. – Operates in Quezon, Manila.
- PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. – Serves customers in Las Piñas, Manila.
- Laguna AAA Water Corporation – Focuses on the Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
- Metropolitan Cebu Water District – Caters to Cebu City.
- Subic Water & Sewerage Co. Inc. – Supplies the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales.
Gas utilities in the Philippines
Navigating where to buy liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), understanding the costs, and knowing which utility companies in the Philippines provide it is crucial for efficient and cost-effective fuel use.
Where to buy LPG gas
LPG is available at specialized fuel centers, certified dealerships, and various retail outlets belonging to utility companies in the Philippines. The official list of LPG vendors can be found on the Department of Energy’s website. Many suppliers now facilitate online orders with delivery services to enhance consumer convenience for their house utilities in the Philippines. It’s important to buy from recognized sellers to assure the standard and safety of the LPG provided.
How much is gas in the Philippines?
The price of LPG is a critical budgeting factor for both households and companies. Petron Corp. declared a price hike of ₱ 0.30 ($0.01) per kilogram on LPG starting from March 2024. This hike means consumers will pay an extra ₱ 3.30 ($0.06) for each 11-kilogram cylinder. According to the Department of Energy, the retail cost of cooking gas in Metro Manila ranged from ₱ 920 ($15.64) to ₱ 1,100 ($18.70) for each cylinder as of January 2024.
Gas companies in the Philippines
The LPG market for house utilities in the Philippines is populated with several prominent suppliers. Here are the top gas companies in the Philippines:
- Petron Gasul.
- Solane LPG.
- Phoenix Super LPG.
- Regasco LPG.
- EC Gas.
Waste disposal in the Philippines
Local government units (LGUs) and some private entities collect garbage for house utilities in the Philippines. The LGUs employ waste management teams around communities to collect trash and segregate it into biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and recyclable waste. Property owners are responsible for segregating their trash properly according to local bylaws.
How much is garbage collection in the Philippines?
Although the cost of garbage collection in the Philippines may vary slightly depending on your LGU and property location, the average cost is approximately ₱ 200 ($3.40) to ₱ 500 ($8.50) per month. The charge for garbage collection for house utilities in the Philippines is often included in local community taxes or paid directly to private service providers of waste disposal in the Philippines.
Internet in the Philippines
Internet is also one of the examples of public utilities in the Philippines, and it is as crucial as electricity and water in our daily lives. Several internet house utilities in the Philippines offer the convenience of online registration, allowing customers to select their ideal plan, submit a valid ID, and schedule the installation process at home.
How much is internet in the Philippines?
The cost of internet services in the Philippines fluctuates considerably depending on the service provider and the chosen package. For a rough estimate, expect to pay around ₱ 2,000 ($34) monthly for internet speeds of approximately 60Mbps. Remember, the final price for house utilities in the Philippines might change based on how much you use the internet and the specifics of your chosen plan.
Internet providers in the Philippines
Considering the diverse range of internet providers in the Philippines, navigating your options can take time and effort. Here are the top internet providers in the Philippines:
- PLDT: Offers unlimited fiber plans ranging from 100Mbps to 1,000Mbps, catering to various needs and budgets.
- Converge ICT: Provides affordable broadband plans starting at ₱ 1,500 ($25.50) per month with speeds up to 200Mbps.
- Globe’s GFiber service: Is known for reliable and fast internet connectivity, enhancing access to high-speed internet nationwide.
- SKY: Offers some of the most budget-friendly internet plans for house utilities in the Philippines.
- Starlink: Delivers global internet coverage with speeds up to 200Mbps, though it has a higher monthly fee of ₱ 2,700 ($45.90) and hardware costs of ₱ 29,320 ($498).
Get help with obtaining house utilities in the Philippines
Own Property Abroad is here to guide you through a smooth and effortless property journey. Leveraging our deep knowledge and experience, we can assist you with legal requirements, finding properties, and house utilities in the Philippines.
Our team of experts ensures that you don’t have to face the challenges of property management in the Philippines by yourself. For more details on how we can help, please leave your contact information below or email us at hello@ownpropertyabroad.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is tap water safe to drink in the Philippines?
Tap water is not safe to drink in the Philippines without filtration or boiling.
How much is Starlink internet in the Philippines?
Starlink internet for house utilities in the Philippines costs ₱ 2,700 ($45.90) per month, with an additional ₱ 29,320 ($498)
for hardware.
How much is LPG gas in the Philippines?
The cost of LPG gas in the Philippines as of January 2024, ranges from ₱ 920 ($15.64) to ₱ 1,100 ($18.70)
per tank.
Minimum electricity bill in the Philippines?
The minimum electricity bill in the Philippines for residential customers of Meralco was approximately ₱ 2,000 ($34) for 200kWh consumed in 2022.
