In order to register for your utilities in Italy you will have to provide the following to the companies…
· Proof of residency
· Photocopy of your passport
· Your bank details.
You will be able to find all suppliers contact details in the le pagine gialle (the Italian yellow pages).
Electricity
The main supplier for electricity in Italy is ENEL.
The electricity supply in Italy can be unreliable especially in rural areas. You may find that it is almost impossible to run two electrical appliances at once without blowing a fuse. You can, if you wish, have your electricity supply upgraded to 6kw (the maximum allowed). A qualified electrician (elettricista) will be able to do this for you. The electrician should be registered to the local chamber of commerce (la camera di commercio) and all work should be checked by the ENEL inspector.
Electricity is billed every two months.
Gas
The main supplier for gas in Italy is either Sig or Italgas.
If the property you own is within a large town then you will most likely be connected to the mains gas supply. If however the property you have purchased is more rural then your gas will be supplied by a large tank situated outside the property.
Gas in Italy is a cheaper than electricity. You will be billed every two months.
Water
The main supplier for water in Italy is ACEA.
Depending on where you live In Italy your water may be either plentiful or very scarce. You should have a water meter within your property. However if you live in an apartment there may be only one water meter for the whole block of apartments. Water can cost as mush as €75.00 a month for a family home. All water in Italy is declared as being safe to drink. If you are unsure then you will always find a plentiful supply of bottles water.
Telephones.
The main supplier for landline telephones is Telecom Italia.
In order to get a new phone line installed in your property you will have to apply to the local Telecom Italia office. Be warned that this can be a long slow process, and in some cases it may cost a vast amount of money.
Internet
Internet access is widely available in Italy. ISPs include Freenet, Telecom Italia Net and Tislcali
.
Radio
BBC world service and Voice of America radio stations can be received in Italy
.
Mobile Phones
The following network operators in Italy are…
· H3G
· Telecom Italia Mobile
· Vodafone
· Vodafone Omnital.