Hong Kong Utilities Setup & Move Guide

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

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

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