Words (Core Vocabulary)
- utilities – hydro (electricity), gas, water, internet, waste/recycling
- provider / service provider / account / customer number
- plan / package / contract / term / month-to-month
- installation / technician visit / self-install kit
- modem / router / Wi-Fi / bandwidth / speed (Mbps/Gbps) / data cap
- meter / reading / estimate / statement / bill / balance / amount due
- due date / late fee / reconnection fee
- equal payment plan / budget billing / autopay / paperless billing
- outage / service interruption / maintenance window
- thermostat / baseboard heater / furnace / boiler / heat pump
- hot water tank / water pressure
- insulation / draft / energy-efficient
Phrases (Set up, troubleshoot, pay)
Setting up / moving
- I’m moving in on [date]—could we set up a new hydro account?
- Is gas or hot water included in the rent?
- Can I transfer my internet service to the new address?
- What installation windows are available this week?
Billing & payment
- Could you explain the charges on my bill?
- Can I switch to an equal payment plan to even out costs?
- I’d like to set up autopay and paperless billing.
Troubleshooting & outages
- My internet speed is much lower than my plan—could we run a test?
- We’ve lost power—is there a reported outage in my area?
- The hot water is inconsistent—can maintenance check the tank?
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- Move-in: Hi, I’m moving in on the 1st—I’d like to open a hydro account and schedule internet installation.
- Bill question: I noticed a high balance this month—could you break down the charges and last meter reading?
- Outage: Our building has no power—is there an outage notice or an ETA for restoration?
- Payment: Can we switch to an equal payment plan? It would help budget through winter.
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
Accounts & setup
- open an account
- transfer a service
- schedule an installation
- choose a plan
- confirm the account number
Billing
- receive a statement
- check the meter reading
- dispute a charge
- set up autopay
- enrol in an equal payment plan
- pay by e-Transfer/online/bank
Issues
- report an outage
- reset a modem/router
- book a technician visit
- submit a maintenance request
Efficiency
- lower usage
- seal drafts
- adjust the thermostat
Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)
- In many places, “hydro” = electricity; heating can be electric baseboards, gas, or boiler (radiators).
- Some rentals include heat/hot water; confirm what’s included vs. extra.
- Outage maps and texts/emails from providers are common—be patient and polite when requesting ETAs.
- Winter bills can be higher; equal payment plans help smooth costs.
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Setup: “Could we open a hydro account for [address] starting [date]?”
- Billing: “I’d like to set up autopay and paperless billing; could you confirm the due date?”
- Troubleshoot: “My internet speed seems low—can we run a remote diagnostic?”