Electricity, water, and gas in Singapore all run through one SP Services account. Here is how tenants open it, what to bring, what it costs, and how to avoid the classic move-in-day problem of walking into a dark unit.
SP Group runs the national electricity and gas grids and bills you for three things on one monthly statement: electricity (from SP at the regulated tariff, or from a retailer you choose), water (supplied by PUB, billed through SP), and piped town gas (supplied by City Energy, billed through SP, if the unit has it).
Most condos built after the mid-2000s do not have piped gas and use induction or electric hobs. Older condos and landed homes often do. Check the kitchen before you apply so you tick the right boxes.
The one thing that delays everyone: SP cannot open your account while the previous account on the unit is still active. Before you apply, ask your agent to confirm in writing that the landlord or outgoing tenant has terminated their account effective the day before your turn-on date.
Every household can buy electricity from a licensed retailer instead of SP. The grid, meter, and reliability are identical. Only the price plan and the billing change. For a 12 to 24 month lease, this is how it usually shakes out.
| Option | How it works | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP regulated tariff | Price reviewed quarterly by EMA. No contract, no exit fee. Default when you open the account. | Short leases, tenants who move often, anyone who wants zero admin. | Usually a little pricier than fixed-price retailer plans in a normal market. |
| Retailer fixed-price plan | Lock a rate per kWh for 6, 12, or 24 months. Bill still arrives through SP or the retailer. | Predictable budgets and 12 to 24 month leases. | Early termination fees if you leave before the contract ends. Match the contract length to your lease. |
| Retailer discount-off-tariff plan | A fixed percentage discount off the SP tariff for the contract period. | Tenants who want savings without betting on where prices go. | Same early termination caveat. Read the exit clause. |
Licensed retailers include Geneco, Keppel Electric, Senoko Energy, Tuas Power, PacificLight, and Union Power. Compare current plans on the Open Electricity Market price comparison tool before signing. Plans and prices change often. Estimates only, not guaranteed, figures may change.
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit (refundable) | S$150 to S$300 | Higher for non-owners and private property. Refunded at account closure less final bill. |
| Account opening charge | Under S$20 | One-off administrative fee, if applicable. |
| Monthly bill, 2-bedroom condo, moderate aircon use | S$150 to S$300 | Aircon is 40 to 60 percent of most condo bills. A 3-bedroom with daily aircon in every room can exceed S$400. |
| Gas turn-on visit | Small fixed fee | City Energy, piped gas only. |
All figures are estimates only, not guaranteed, and may change. SP displays the exact deposit and fees before you confirm your application.
KTA tenants: we run this checklist with you at handover and keep the meter photos on file, so the deposit refund at the end of your lease is clean and quick.
These open in a new tab on the provider's or agency's own website. Links checked September 2026. Plans, fees, and rules change, so always confirm on the official page.
Online applications are usually processed within 3 working days, and many are activated the next working day if the previous account has already been closed. Apply at least 7 days before your move-in to be safe, and pick your move-in date as the turn-on date.
SP collects a refundable security deposit when the account is opened. Non-owners (tenants) generally pay a higher deposit than owners, and private property accounts are higher than HDB. Budget roughly S$150 to S$300 for a private condo, depending on property type and whether you are a citizen, PR, or foreigner. Estimates only, not guaranteed, figures may change. SP shows the exact amount before you confirm.
No. Singpass with Myinfo makes the form faster, but foreigners without Singpass can apply online with a passport or FIN card and a copy of the tenancy agreement, or visit an SP customer service centre.
SP Group is the national grid operator and your default electricity supplier at the regulated tariff. Under the Open Electricity Market you can choose a licensed retailer (such as Geneco, Keppel Electric, Senoko Energy, Tuas Power, PacificLight, or Union Power) for a fixed or discount-off-tariff plan. Water and gas still come through SP either way, and the electricity still flows through the same grid.
SP cannot open a new account on a unit that still has an active account. Ask your agent to confirm the landlord or outgoing tenant has submitted a termination for the day before your turn-on date. This is the single most common cause of move-in day delays.
Almost always the tenant, in the tenant's own name, unless the tenancy agreement says utilities are included (common in co-living and short lets). Check clause by clause.
Division Director, ERA Realty Network. CEA R003793E. 25 years in Singapore property, leading Keith Tan Associates (KTA) within HexaGroup. Keith and his team handle leasing, expat relocation, TOP handovers, and resale across Singapore's prime districts, and every KTA tenant gets this setup guide as part of the move-in service.
Tenants: tell me your budget, district, and move-in date and I will shortlist units that fit. Landlords: get a free rental assessment and a tenant-ready handover checklist for your unit.
General information only. Not financial or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional. Provider fees, deposits, and timelines are estimates only, not guaranteed, and may change. Always confirm with the provider.