Moving into a new place in Italy means setting up electricity, gas, water, and internet. Most hiccups come from using the wrong procedure (transfer vs reactivation) or missing codes and documents. Use this guide to choose the correct activation type, gather what providers ask for, and line up payments from day one. If your building has central heating or shared services, skim Understanding Condominium Fees and Rules so you don’t duplicate costs. And if you still need an Italian bank account for direct debits, keep How to Open a Bank Account in Italy as an Expat handy while you prepare.
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Transfer or reactivate: pick the right action first
For electricity and gas, you’ll either request a name change (voltura) if the supply is active, or a reactivation (subentro) if it was shut off. Your choice affects fees and whether a technician visit is needed (gas reactivations typically require safety checks). Water is managed by the local utility; many ask for a takeover contract in your name once you register occupancy. Internet depends on the building’s coverage (FTTH/FTTC/FWA); availability checks determine both timing and hardware.
The identifiers suppliers ask for (and where to find them)
Electricity uses the POD code; gas uses the PDR code—both appear on previous bills or on labels near meters. If you can’t obtain a prior bill, ask the building manager or the seller/landlord for the codes tied to your unit. Exact address, stair/flat number, and meter serial help the call center match the right point of delivery.
Required documents (one clean folder speeds everything)
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Passport/ID and codice fiscale; if you don’t have one yet, follow How to Get a Codice Fiscale in Italy.
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Proof of occupancy (lease or deed), full service address, and POD/PDR (for power/gas).
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IBAN for direct debit (or card) and a contact email/phone for e-billing.
Step-by-step setup you can copy
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Collect codes (POD/PDR) and confirm if supplies are active (voltura) or off (subentro).
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Choose provider/offers (fixed vs variable price, green options, e-billing).
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Submit application with documents and preferred start date; share initial meter readings.
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Schedule any technical visit (common for gas reactivation or router/fiber install).
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Activate direct debit and verify your first bill reflects the correct start reading and tariff.
Electricity and gas: readings, deposits, and safety
Send move-in readings on day one; they anchor your first invoice. Some providers request a security deposit (credited back under contract terms) and may offer lower prices if you enable e-billing + SEPA. For gas, expect a technician appointment if the line was closed; keep the area around the meter accessible and have your ID on hand.
Water and waste: who bills what
Water is usually a regional/local utility contract in your name; waste fees (TARI) are instead tied to the occupant and handled with your municipality when you register your address. Ask the landlord or building manager which office handles water for your street, and coordinate meter access if it’s in a common area.
Internet: check coverage before you sign
Run an address check for FTTH/FTTC availability; if fiber isn’t live, providers may offer FWA/4G/5G home as a bridge. Contracts often include a modem/router and minimum term; confirm installation fees, delivery method, and whether the line requires building manager permission (some condos want notice for vertical cabling).
Rentals vs purchases: align roles to avoid double work
In rentals, landlords often keep electricity/gas active between tenants to allow a voltura instead of a reactivation; ask before you apply. In purchases, coordinate with the seller so you can submit your transfer as soon as you get the keys and share final readings for each party’s closing bill.
Payments and contract housekeeping
Set direct debit and e-billing to avoid missed invoices. Keep order numbers, contract IDs, and first bills in a single PDF. If you later change provider, the new company will typically manage the switch; provide final readings to close cleanly.
