Singapore utilities are well-organised but can be confusing at first glance. Two companies dominate: SP Group (electricity and gas) and PUB (water). Here's everything you need to know about setting up accounts, reading your bills, and keeping costs reasonable.
Setting Up Your Utilities Account
SP Group (Electricity & Gas)
Register at spgroup.com.sg or via the SP app before your move-in date (or within 3 days of moving in). You'll need:
- NRIC or pass (FIN) number — from your EP, S Pass, Work Permit, Student Pass or Dependant's Pass
- Tenancy Agreement (start and end dates)
- Premises address
Deposit required:
- HDB flat: $100–$150
- Condo: $300–$400
- Landed property: $400–$600
The deposit is refundable when you close the account at move-out. SP Group also handles the Open Electricity Market (OEM), where you can buy power from alternative retailers at potentially lower rates (more on this below).
PUB (Water)
Water registration is linked to your SP Group account in most cases. When you register with SP, PUB is automatically notified. If it isn't, register directly at pub.gov.sg.
Internet
Singapore has one of the fastest internet networks in the world. Fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) is available island-wide at speeds up to 10 Gbps. Typical plans:
- 500 Mbps: $30–$40/month
- 1 Gbps: $35–$55/month
- 2 Gbps: $45–$65/month
Major providers: Singtel, StarHub, M1, ViewQwest. Check if your building has a preferred provider (some condos have exclusive deals).
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Reading Your SP Group Bill
Your monthly bill includes several components:
Electricity
Singapore uses a tariff system reviewed quarterly. As of mid-2026 the tariff is approximately $0.30 – $0.33 per kWh before GST (around $0.33 – $0.36 with 9% GST) — it reached a record high in Q3 2026 and fluctuates with fuel prices.
Typical monthly electricity consumption and cost:
| Property Type | Monthly kWh | Monthly Cost (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| HDB 3-room | 250 – 400 kWh | $75 – $130 |
| HDB 4-room | 350 – 550 kWh | $110 – $180 |
| Condo 2BR | 400 – 650 kWh | $130 – $215 |
| Condo 3BR | 550 – 900 kWh | $180 – $295 |
| Landed house | 800 – 1,500 kWh | $260 – $490 |
The biggest electricity consumer in a Singapore home is typically the aircon, accounting for 50–60% of the bill in hot months.
Water
Water in Singapore is excellent quality — it's drinkable straight from the tap. PUB charges:
- First 40 m³/month: $1.43/m³ (tariff)
- Above 40 m³/month: $1.81/m³ (tariff)
On top of the tariff, PUB adds a Water Conservation Tax (50–65% of the tariff) and a Waterborne Fee (~$1.09/m³), so the all-in cost works out to roughly $3.24/m³ before GST (about $3.53/m³ with 9% GST) for typical household use. Water prices last rose in April 2025.
- Waterborne fee and sanitary appliance fee are added (~$5–$15/month)
A typical 4-person household uses 15–25 m³/month, resulting in a water bill of roughly $25–$50/month.
Gas
Not all Singapore homes have piped gas — many HDB flats and older condos use it for cooking, while newer developments often use electric hobs. If your home has piped gas, SP Group bills it alongside electricity at approximately $0.20–$0.25/kWh of gas.
Goods & Services Tax (GST)
All utilities are subject to 9% GST (as of 2024), added to the total bill.
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The Open Electricity Market (OEM)
Since 2018, Singapore residents can choose their electricity retailer instead of defaulting to SP Group. Alternative retailers often offer plans that are 5–20% cheaper than the standard tariff.
Types of plans:
- Fixed-price plans: Lock in a rate (e.g., $0.26/kWh) for 6–24 months. Good when tariffs are expected to rise.
- Discount-off-tariff plans: You pay the SP tariff minus a percentage (e.g., 10% off). Good when tariffs are expected to fall.
Popular retailers: Geneco, iSwitch, Tuas Power, Ohm Energy, Sembcorp, PacificLight.
Note: The electricity still comes through the same grid and wires — only the billing changes. Switching is free and takes 1–2 months to take effect.
As a tenant, check with your landlord before switching — some landlords keep the account in their name and charge you reimbursement. If the account is in your name, you're free to switch.
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Keeping Costs Down: Practical Tips
Aircon Management
- Set the thermostat to 24–25°C rather than 16–18°C. Every degree lower adds ~10% to aircon electricity consumption.
- Use the fan mode in the evenings when temperatures drop.
- Ensure regular servicing — a dirty aircon coil consumes 20–30% more electricity.
- Use a timer to avoid running aircon when you're not home.
Water Conservation
- The most water-efficient shower heads are labelled 3-tick under Singapore's Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS). Check if yours qualifies.
- Fix dripping taps immediately — a dripping tap wastes ~20 litres/day.
- PUB offers a free Shower Bag you can request to measure your shower usage.
Lighting and Appliances
- Switch to LED bulbs if your unit still has older fluorescent or incandescent lighting.
- Unplug appliances on standby — TV, microwave, and chargers left plugged in contribute to phantom load.
- Use 4-tick energy-efficient appliances (check the Energy Label when buying).
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Bill Disputes and Unusually High Bills
If your bill seems abnormally high:
- Check if the readings are actual or estimated (SP sometimes estimates when the meter reader can't access the premises)
- Look for appliances running 24/7 (water heaters, dehumidifiers, aging fridges)
- Check for aircon refrigerant leaks — a leaking unit works harder and uses far more power
- Call SP Group at 1800-222-2333 to request an actual meter reading
You can also monitor your usage in real-time via the SP app, which shows daily consumption and compares you to similar households.
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When You Move Out
Close your SP Group account 1–3 days before your lease ends. Submit the final meter readings online or via the app. SP will send a final bill and refund your deposit (minus any outstanding balance) within 7–14 working days via PayNow.