Setting Up Utilities in a New Condominium or House in Cebu

Moving into a new home in Cebu—whether it’s a modern condominium or a stand-alone house—requires more than just unpacking boxes. One of the most important aspects of making your new space livable is setting up the utilities: electricity, water, internet, gas, garbage collection, and sometimes cable TV. If you’re a foreigner or a first-time resident in the Philippines, navigating the utility setup process can be confusing. This guide breaks it down step by step to ensure a smooth transition into your new Cebu residence.

1. Electricity: Powering Your New Life

Who Provides It?

In Cebu, the main electricity provider is Visayan Electric (VECO), which serves Cebu City and the surrounding areas such as Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Talisay.

How to Apply

If you’re moving into a condominium, the power may already be connected and simply require a name transfer at the building’s admin office. In standalone homes, you may need to:

• Visit a VECO office (or use their website)

• Present ID, proof of ownership or lease, and Barangay Clearance

• Pay a meter deposit (usually PHP 2,500–5,000 depending on capacity)

Monthly Costs

Expect to pay between PHP 2,000–8,000/month, depending on usage. Air-conditioning, refrigerators, and water heaters are the top energy consumers.

2. Water Supply: Basic But Essential

Main Providers

Most of Cebu is serviced by MCWD (Metropolitan Cebu Water District). Condominiums often have centralized billing handled through building admin.

How to Apply

For houses:

• Submit proof of ownership/lease

• Show valid ID

• Pay a connection fee (PHP 2,000–3,500)

• Install a water meter (included in connection)

In some rural areas, private water cooperatives may provide the service instead.

Costs

Expect PHP 300–800/month for typical use. Water pressure and supply consistency may vary during peak hours or in high-altitude areas.

3. Internet: Stay Connected

Main Providers

Cebu is relatively well-connected with fiber-optic and cable internet. Top ISPs include:

• PLDT Fibr – Known for stability

• Globe At Home – Offers bundled data

• Converge ICT – Growing in popularity

• SKY Fiber – Popular for cable + internet bundles

Setup Process

• Choose a plan (usually PHP 1,500–3,500/month)

• Provide valid ID, address, and sometimes proof of billing

• Wait for on-site installation (1–7 days)

Speeds

Fiber plans range from 50 Mbps to 500 Mbps. In central areas (IT Park, Banilad, Ayala), speeds are generally more stable than in the outskirts.

4. Gas: For Cooking or Heating

Options

• LPG tanks (liquefied petroleum gas) are the most common.

• Brands include Solane, Petron Gasul, and PRYCE Gas.

• Delivered to your home via mobile vendors or refilled at hardware stores.

Setup & Costs

• No official application required.

• A new tank setup (with regulator and hose) costs around PHP 2,000.

• Refills are PHP 800–1,200 depending on size.

Condos may restrict LPG usage for safety; in that case, induction cookers are widely used.

5. Trash Collection: Keeping Your Area Clean

How It Works

In most urban areas:

• Municipal waste collection happens 2–3 times per week

• Garbage must be sorted (biodegradable, non-biodegradable, recyclables)

• Follow your Barangay’s waste schedule

For Condos

Condominiums usually have internal garbage chutes or collection points with daily pickup by admin staff.

Tips

• Always separate your trash to avoid penalties

• Large items or electronics require special pickup requests

6. Cable TV and Streaming Services

Cable Options

• SKY Cable

• Cignal TV

• Gsat

Monthly packages range from PHP 300–1,200. However, most residents prefer streaming services.

Popular Streaming Platforms

• Netflix Philippines

• YouTube Premium

• iWantTFC

• Amazon Prime Video

• Disney+

These require a solid internet connection and range from PHP 149–600/month.

7. Backup Systems: Plan for Power or Water Outages

Cebu, like many tropical locations, experiences occasional outages due to storms or scheduled maintenance.

Recommendations:

• Buy an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for routers/computers

• Water storage containers (for areas with low pressure)

• Generator or power bank for essential electronics

8. Utility Payment Methods

You can pay your bills via:

• GCash or Maya (mobile wallet apps)

• Online banking (BPI, BDO, UnionBank)

• 7-Eleven CliQQ

• Bayad Center branches

• Auto-debit arrangements for long-term residents

Pro tip: Set up reminders for due dates to avoid late fees or disconnection.

9. What to Know as a Foreigner

• Most utilities require a Philippine Tax ID Number (TIN) or local representative if you’re on a tourist visa.

• Renting? Utilities may already be under your landlord’s name. Make sure to clarify who pays and how.

• Condos often include association dues but exclude personal electricity, water, and internet.

10. Condos vs. Houses: What’s Different?

11. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not reading the lease contract – Know who handles what.

• Forgetting barangay clearance – Needed for utility registration.

• Using appliances over voltage limits – Philippine voltage is 220V.

• Not budgeting for deposits – Initial costs for connection and meters can add up.

12. Sample Monthly Utility Budget (for 2 people)

13. Final Thoughts

Setting up utilities in Cebu isn’t overly difficult, but it does require some planning, local knowledge, and patience. Whether you’re staying short-term or putting down roots, making sure your electricity, water, internet, and other essentials are running smoothly is key to a comfortable lifestyle.

With this guide, you’ll be ready to turn your condo or house into a true home—connected, powered, and ready for daily life in the Queen City of the South.