Residents > Utilities
Utilities
Related Information
How do I contact utility billing?
E-mail Us
Telephone: 250.361.0226
Fax: 250.361.0214 (attention utility billing)
Can I access my utility account information online?
Access your utility account information online 24 hours a day to review billing history.
Pre-Authorized Payment Program
The Pre-authorized Payment Program offers an easy and convenient way to pay your utility bill automatically through your bank account, three times a year (every four months), on the due date.
Once you sign up for the Pre-authorized Payment Program, your financial institution will automatically withdraw the balance of your utility bill on the due date. You will still receive a copy of your bill in the mail for your records, but you won't have to wait in line, write cheques or pay postage or late fees. Your bill will always be paid on time - even when you're on vacation.
Signing up for the Pre-authorized Payment Plan is easy. You can download the online application form - [PDF 533KB], or pick one up at City Hall. Once you have completed the application form, mark a blank cheque "void" and fax or mail it to:
Utility Billing
City of Victoria
1 Centennial Square
Victoria, BC V8W 1P6
F 250.361.0214
The program is set to begin on January 1, 2011. Please note, the previous monthly auto-debit payment option will no longer be available after December 31, 2010 and customers will be responsible for ensuring payment is made by the due date for each future billing after this date. Customers who currently use the monthly payment option are encouraged to register for the new Pre-Authorized Debit Program.
Moving?
If you are moving please contact utility billing for a special reading, email utilities@victoria.ca or phone 250.361.0226.
Name or address change?
If you are changing your name or mailing address please contact utility billing, email utilities@victoria.ca or phone 250.361.0226.
How often are utilities billed and what are the billing dates?
Utilities are billed every 4 months; there are 4 different billing groups: Jan, May and Sep 15th; Feb, Jun and Oct 15th; Mar, Jul and Nov 15th; Apr, Aug and Dec 15th.
When is my utility bill due and what happens if I can't pay?
The utility bill is due and payable by the due date indicated on the front of the utility bill. A late payment charge will be imposed on overdue accounts. At December 31st any outstanding amount billed before November will be transferred to the property tax roll as property arrears.
What happens when an outstanding utility amount is transferred to the property tax roll?
It owes on the property taxes as arrears on the property. Interest accumulates at the going tax rate from the 1st of January until the date of payment is received.
Is HST included on the utility bill?
No, utilities are exempt from HST.
What charges are on the utility bill for City of Victoria properties?
Water consumption, water service charge, CRD sewer, and residential garbage if applicable.
Why are CRD sewer charges on my utility bill?
In 2009, a phased process began to base CRD sewer costs on your metered water use, rather than on your assessed property value. Since then, a percentage of CRD sewer costs has been reflected on your utility and property tax bills. As of January 1, 2011, the CRD sewer cost will be based solely on your metered water consumption and charges will appear only on your utility bills.
This change is due to the anticipated costs associated with secondary sewage treatment mandated for the Capital Region. Basing sewer charges on water consumption is considered a best practice, and a more equitable system than basing on assessed property value. In addition, this system will enable you to potentially reduce your CRD sewer costs by reducing the amount of water you use.
Does the City of Victoria bill Esquimalt properties?
Yes, the City owns and maintains the Esquimalt waterworks system.
What charges are on the utility bill for Esquimalt properties?
Water consumption and water service charge only, sewer and garbage are billed on Esquimalt property taxes.
Is it customary for the tenant or the owner to receive the utility bill?
The tenant, property manager or the owner can receive the utility bill, but the owner is always responsible for any outstanding amounts.
Is a new owner responsible for arrears on the utility bill prior to the possession date?
Utilities are a charge against the property and any outstanding amounts incurred by the previous owner stays outstanding against the property to where the water was delivered.
Owner Responsibility
Owners are required to give notice to the Utility Billing Department of any change of ownership. Persons purchasing property should see that utility rates are paid; the current property owner is responsible for utility accounts unpaid by former owners or occupants.
Is a new tenant responsible for arrears on the utility bill prior to their occupancy date?
A new tenant is not responsible for arrears owing prior to their occupancy date, but this amount will stay outstanding on the bill until it is paid. It is the owners' responsibility.
Access to Meters
The homeowner must maintain clear access to the water meter to minimum of three feet on each side of the meter box and four feet above. Should it become necessary for the Water Department to clear the access to the water meter box to obtain a reading, these costs will be added to your water account.
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