Services - Electricity, Gas, Water & Telephone

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Services - Electricity, Gas, Water & Telephone

Utility services in Switzerland are managed at a cantonal level, with one organisation in each area supplying all the utility services - electricity, gas and water. This organisation is the Städtische Elektrizitaetswerke, gas und wasser.

Electricity, Gas and Water (Zürich, Basel, Berne, Lucerne, Zug)

If moving into a rented property, it is the responsibility of the landlord to have the supply connected and/or transferred to the new tenant's name. It is recommended that the new tenant checks the meter when moving it to ensure that the utility company only bills for their actual consumption.

Following the sale of a property, it is up to the previous owner to contact their utilities supplier with the name of the buyer and to request a final meter reading (Schlussabrechnung). It is then up to the new owner to contact the utilities company and request that that the contract be transferred to their name. The electricity company will arrange for a time and date for the meters to be read again and the person will need to present the signed bill of sale for the property (Kaufvertrag). When registering for electricity, gas and water for the first time a deposit may be required.

Paying utility bills

Meters are read six months after the person moves in, then every twelve months thereafter. Consumption is generally estimated for the following twelve-month period. Quarterly bills are sent accompanied by a payment slip which can be used to pay the bill at a Post Office or bank, or a direct debit may be set up. It is also possible to pay bills via the Internet, check the website of the supplier.

Following the meter reading, payments are adjusted according to actual consumption, and overpayment is reimbursed or additional payment is requested.

E-bills are gaining in popularity in Switzerland, with many people opting to receive their bills electronically rather than on paper. Payment can be made easily online.  

• For comprehensive information on the e-bill: Click here

Electricity, Gas and Water Suppliers in Zürich, Basel, Berne, Lucerne and Zug

Other Electricity, Gas & Water Offices in Zürich Canton

Telephone in Switzerland: Getting Connected

Swisscom is the national supplier of landlines, and Internet access. The English-language website has comprehensive information:

Swisscom

A telephone line installation or connection can be ordered via: 

• the Swisscom website: Click here
• at a Swisscom shop. To find a shop: Click here  
• via the free service number, Tel: 0800 800 800

Swisscom will need a copy of a residence permit and a one-off payment for the line connection fee. Foreigners who do not have a C type permit will also have to pay a deposit.

A number will be allocated and the line will be connected within two or three days.

• To request a line, Tel: 0800 800 800
• To end a contract and recuperate the deposit, Tel: 0800 800 113
• Register a change of address: Click here
• Register as a new customer: Click here
• See the comprehensive Swisscom website  

Further Information

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation page Telephone & Internet in Switzerland
  See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page Moving House in Switzerland

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