bills , costs and TAX ‘25
This blog supports my YouTube video that covers the utility bills I pay on my house in Italy.
LInk to YT video https://youtu.be/Jm7KygKbDsQ
Getting Set Up: Transferring Utility Accounts
When I purchased my house in Italy, the previous owners hadn’t closed their utility accounts for electricity and water. Rather than disconnect and go through the hassle of re-registering, we simply transferred the existing accounts into my name from the date I moved in.
This method avoided any disconnection or reconnection fees and made the transition seamless. There were no outstanding debts, and as all bills are managed online, I began receiving payment reminders via email almost immediately. Logging in to each utility provider’s website to pay bills became a simple, efficient process.
Online Payments: Convenience from Anywhere
All of my bills can be paid online, which means I can manage them from anywhere—even on my mobile phone. I use my Italian bank account since all the bills are in euros.
(Side note: Yes, this is obvious to many, but you’d be surprised by the questions I get!)
Electricity
Providers and Contract Transfers
When I moved in, the electricity contract was with https://www.servizioelettriconazionale.it/ . What I didn’t realize is that in Italy, after two years, your electricity contract can be picked up by other providers unless you actively state otherwise.
While this system aims to keep rates competitive, it can be inconvenient—especially for expats. If your account isn’t in credit when a transfer happens, claiming any balance back involves applying, waiting, and physically visiting a specific office (likely to receive a cheque). It’s an unnecessary hassle.
Current Setup https://servizionline.gruppohera.it/
I’m now with Hera, whose website is much easier to use. Both providers offered full transparency on costs, usage, and billing history via their online portals.
I have a digital meter located inside the house, which sends automatic readings—no need for manual checks or home visits.
Usage and Bills
Bills are sent bi-monthly. I am a light power user, here are my last four electricity bills:
€41.12 issued March 2025
€43.25 issued January 2025
€26.01 issued November 2024
€50.31 issued September 2024
Water https://www.vivaservizi.it/
The mains water connection has a stop tap and meter located in an accessible manhole at the edge of my land. I submitted a meter reading when I moved in, but haven't needed to since. The water company occasionally checks it without requiring access or notice.
Costs and Usage
Here are my recent water bills. See image for issue dates.
€23.50 Active at time of writing
€26.77 Feb / Mar / Apr
€18.43 Nov / Dec / Jan
Gas
I’m not connected to mains gas. Instead, I use bottled gas—photo attached in the video. These bottles are available in various sizes and are quite affordable. You pay a deposit per bottle and can purchase multiple bottles at once.
I keep two: one connected to the cooker and the other as a backup for a portable heater.
Mobile and Internet
Mobile https://maya.net/
Mobile connectivity in Italy is excellent, with reliable 4G and 5G almost everywhere. I use an eSIM on my phone, which I activate before traveling to save on roaming fees. I’ve used Maya Mobile so far and have had no issues.
Once set up (do it before you leave your home country), topping up or renewing is extremely easy and takes just a couple of clicks.
Home Internet https://www.tim.it/
I don’t have a landline or cable connection. Instead, I use a router that accepts a SIM card, with service from TIM.it.
I pay monthly for unlimited data. If I’m not using it in a particular month, I don’t pay. It costs XXX per month, with discounts available for pre-paying multiple months.
TIM’s mobile app isn’t great, but the desktop version of their site is decent enough for checking usage and billing.
Summary: Living Simply, Paying Easily
Managing utility bills in Italy has been refreshingly straightforward. Everything is digital, from account management to payment, making it ideal for expats or frequent travelers. The transition was easy, and with online access, it's all manageable from a mobile phone.
If you have any questions about utilities in Italy, feel free to email me—I’m happy to help.
