The Complete Guide to Setting Up Utilities After Moving to Calgary

There's so many reasons why moving is stressful. One thing that might be forgotten until its too late is setting up all utilities at your new home, especially if you find yourself in a new area you're not really familiar with. This article deals with moving to Calgary and will tell you everything you need to know about setting up electricity, natural gas, water, and waste services before the big day.

ENMAX: One Bill for All

Getting your essential services going in Calgary has been made relatively simple because all utilities are gathered together under ENMAX. This consolidated bill covers electricity, City of Calgary water, wastewater (sewer), stormwater drainage, and waste/recycling cart fees. You'll get one bill for all services which can be covered in one payment once your account is set up.

An account can be opened by calling 310-2010 (or 1-877-571-7111 from outside Alberta) and you should contact them at least three days before moving in. You won't be charged for opening an account and no deposit is needed if the credit check is passed. For those who don't have a credit card, a refundable deposit may be asked for.

Customers can also choose between fixed and floating rates in regards to Electricity as this is provided under Alberta's regulated Rate of Last Resort or through ENMAX's EasyMax plans.

Forget About Water, Sewer & Stormwater? ENMAX Has You Covered.

In some cities, the water system has been privatized or else is controlled by a separate governing body. In Calgary, however, the city operates the water system and so it also falls under ENMAX. This is inclusive of water, wastewater, and stormwater charges.

No new account needs to be opened for these services and collectively, they tend to cost the average household $119 per month, based on 2026 rates. Any problems or disruptions of service can be dealt with by contacting the City of Calgary by dialing 311.

ATCO Gas: The Natural Exception

Remember when we said ENMAX covers almost everything? Well, natural gas is the exception. This service is covered by ATCO Gas which controls the pipelines and will bill you through your ENMAX account. So, while ENMAX isn't the natural gas provider, you can still get it included in your same multiple utility bill. You can also set up your natural gas account through ENMAX.

Give ATCO at least five days' notice before moving in. You also need to decide on a competitive natural gas plan, which can be billed on a fixed or floating rate.

Internet & TV: Battle of the Billionaires

When it comes to Internet and TV in Calgary, most end up choosing between Telus and Rogers. It depends on what's available in your area. You'll get the fastest Internet speeds out of Telus PureFibre but this isn't available everywhere.

Rogers bought out Shaw in 2023 and now offers cable Internet to most of the city. There are cheaper options such as Oxio, TekSavvy, and VMedia, but they also run off the Rogers network.

You'll want to contact whichever provider you want about a month before moving in because it can be difficult to get a technician to show up when you want.

Canada Post Mail Forwarding

If you're worried about missing out on mail sent to your previous address, make sure to sign up for mail forwarding.

• Within Alberta: ~$55.50 for 4 months, ~$98 for 12 months

• Between provinces: ~$69.05 for 4 months, ~$106.55 for 12 months

• Set up online: canadapost.ca/mailforwarding or at any post office

• Timing: Takes effect 5 business days after online purchase. Set it up before you move.

Alberta Driver's Licence & Vehicle Registration

An important thing to remember is that you need to update your driver's license with your new Alberta address. This needs to happen within 14 days of your arrival. It costs $28 and you'll a temporary license at first while your permanent one is being processed.

In regards to your license and vehicle registration, you have 90 days to make the exchange after arriving from another province. You just need to provide your valid license and proof of address. There is usually no additional test.

Where the Waste Goes

There is a three-cart waste disposal system in Calgary: a blue recycling bin, a green compost container and black carts for all other garbage. Fess are covered under ENMAX.

Recycling gets picked up every two weeks. Compost is collected weekly in fair weather months and every two weeks in the winter. Garbage is picked up every second week as well.

Alberta Health Care Card

If you've moved locally within Alberta, you still need to update your address your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). People moving from out of province need to apply for their card within three months of arrival. Your previous health card will still be good for that period.

The Full Address Change Checklist

Beyond utilities, here's everything else that needs your new address:

• CRA (Canada Revenue Agency): Update through My Account at canada.ca — processed almost immediately. Critical for GST/HST credit and Canada Child Benefit.

• Banks and financial institutions: Update through online banking or visit a branch.

• Employer/HR: For payroll, T4 mailing, and benefits.

• Auto and home insurance: Your address change can affect premiums, especially if you're moving between neighbourhoods.

• Elections Canada: Can be updated through CRA or at elections.ca.

• Pet licence: City of Calgary requires pet licensing ($54 for altered dogs, $84 for unaltered).

• Subscriptions: Gym memberships, streaming services, loyalty programs (Air Miles, Aeroplan), and any delivery subscriptions.

Quick-Reference Setup Timeline

Here's when to do what, counting back from your move date:

• 2–4 weeks before: Book internet installation (Telus or Rogers)

• 1 week before: Set up ENMAX account (electricity + water + gas retailer). Set up Canada Post mail forwarding.

• 5 days before: Confirm ATCO gas transfer if using a non-ENMAX gas retailer.

• Move day: Verify all utilities are active. Check your collection schedule for waste carts.

• Within 14 days: Update driver's licence at a registry agent ($28). Update CRA, bank, employer, insurance.

• Within 90 days: Exchange out-of-province licence and vehicle registration (if applicable). Apply for Alberta Health Care card (if new to AB).

Planning your move to Calgary? Get a free moving quote from Two Small Men and let us handle the heavy lifting while you tackle the paperwork.

For more Calgary-specific moving information, visit our Calgary movers page for neighbourhood guides, bylaw details, and pricing information.