Living in HK · Utilities
Hong Kong Utilities Setup & Move Guide
Moving in or ending a tenancy means dealing with three separate accounts — water, electricity and gas — each with its own hotline, application method and deposit rules, which is easy to mix up. Below is a one-page guide to all three organisations' contact details and account opening/closing steps.
Suggested moving timeline: Both electricity providers (CLP/HK Electric) and Towngas require at least 2–3 working days' notice; the Water Supplies Department's online application also takes about 7 working days to process (in-person or phone applications can be same-day). Start at least 1 week before move-in/move-out to avoid being without water or power on moving day.
Water Supply — Water Supplies Department (WSD)
Water supply across Hong Kong is provided exclusively by the Water Supplies Department — there's no regional split.
Opening an account (taking over an existing account)
- Unit already has water supply (meter not removed): Apply via "eWater Smart" or online services, usually processed within 7 working days; you can also call the customer enquiry hotline to apply by phone (residential customers, about 15 minutes if all documents are ready)
- Unit has had water cut off (meter removed): Form WWO 542 is required to apply for reconnection, plus a $420 reconnection fee
- In person: Visit any Customer Enquiry Centre to submit forms (WWO 1 / WWO 1145, etc.) — about 15 minutes if all documents are ready
- It's recommended that the outgoing and incoming occupants/owners complete form WWO 1145 together, agree on the transfer date, and record the meter reading, to reduce billing disputes
Closing an account (moving out)
- Apply within 30 days before the account closing date (online/phone/mail/fax/email/in person all accepted)
- The final bill is issued within 3 working days of the account closing date
- Any deposit balance (after deducting outstanding charges) is generally refunded by crossed cheque within 9 working days of the final bill, sent to the registered correspondence address
Source: Water Supplies Department official website (wsd.gov.hk); accessed: 14 July 2026.
Electricity — Two Companies by Region
Hong Kong's electricity supply is split between two regional monopoly providers — don't get this wrong: Kowloon and the New Territories are served by CLP Power; Hong Kong Island and Lamma Island are served by HK Electric. If unsure which applies to your unit, ask the management office or search the estate name together with "CLP" / "HK Electric" to confirm.
CLP Power (Kowloon · New Territories)
- Open account / name transfer: Apply for supply and name transfer in one go via the "CLP One" online platform — apply at least 3 working days in advance
- Close account: Apply online, also at least 3 working days in advance
- Final bill: Issued about 5 working days after the chosen closing date
- Deposit refund: Cheque refund about 8 working days; bank auto-credit about 5 working days; FPS is fastest
HK Electric (Hong Kong Island · Lamma Island)
- Open account (moving in): Apply via App, online form, or by phone during office hours; if the unit already has power, connection can be as fast as 1 working day after application
- Close account (moving out): Apply via App, online form, or by phone during office hours — as fast as 2 working days
- Deposit refund: Call the customer service hotline during office hours to arrange — the deposit balance is refunded by crossed cheque within 5 working days, sent to the correspondence address
- ⚠️ The fax service (2510 7667) was discontinued from 1 July 2026 — please use the online form or email instead
Sources: CLP (clp.com.hk) and HK Electric (hkelectric.com) official websites; accessed: 14 July 2026.
Gas — Towngas (The Hong Kong and China Gas Company)
- Open account: Apply via the online customer centre or in person at a customer centre — you'll need ID and a copy of your tenancy agreement/provisional sale and purchase agreement; if the unit already has a gas connection, you'll also need a recent photo of the gas meter reading
- Close account: Give at least 2 working days' notice — Towngas will arrange a technician to read the meter and disconnect supply on the closing date
- Deposit refund: After deducting any outstanding charges, the balance is refunded by cheque together with the final statement; FPS (for amounts under $8,000) or cash (limited to $2,000, must be collected in person at a customer centre within two hours of disconnection) are also options
- If neither the old nor the new unit has any outstanding balance, the deposit can be transferred directly to the new address instead
- Not every estate has a gas pipe connection — check with the developer or management office before moving in
Source: Towngas official website (towngas.com); accessed: 14 July 2026.
This page is for general reference only and is not official material from the Water Supplies Department, CLP, HK Electric, or Towngas, nor does it constitute professional advice. Hotlines, fees, deposit amounts and processing times are subject to change — please refer to each organisation's latest official announcements. The Company makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy, completeness, and/or fitness for any particular purpose of this information.