SettlementFebruary 17, 20268 min read

Guide to Setting Up Your FortisBC Gas Account (2026)

By WelcomeAide Team

Natural gas furnace and hot water heater in a British Columbia home

What Is FortisBC?

FortisBC is British Columbia's primary natural gas utility, delivering natural gas to over one million customers across the province. If your home in BC uses natural gas for heating, hot water, cooking, or a fireplace, you'll need a FortisBC account. Natural gas is one of the most common energy sources in BC homes, especially for heating and hot water, making FortisBC an essential service for many newcomers.

It's important to understand that FortisBC is separate from BC Hydro. While BC Hydro provides your electricity, FortisBC provides your natural gas. You may need accounts with both companies depending on how your home is set up. Some homes are all-electric (no gas), in which case you only need BC Hydro.

Do You Need a FortisBC Account?

Not every home in BC uses natural gas. Here's how to determine if you need a FortisBC account:

Check your lease or purchase agreement — it may specify what utilities are included or what type of heating the home has
Look for gas appliances — if your home has a gas furnace, gas hot water tank, gas stove/range, or gas fireplace, you need FortisBC service
Ask your landlord or property manager — they can tell you if gas is used and whether it's included in your rent
Check the utility connections — look for a gas meter on the outside of your building

Newcomer tip: In many rental apartments, especially in newer buildings, gas may be included in your strata fees or rent. Always confirm with your landlord before setting up an account you might not need.

Natural gas meter mounted on the exterior of a British Columbia residential home

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your FortisBC Gas Account

Step 1: Gather Required Information

Before contacting FortisBC, have the following information ready:

Your full legal name as it appears on your identification
Your new address where you need gas service
Your move-in date — the date you want service to begin
Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) — FortisBC may use this for identity verification and credit check
Government-issued photo ID — driver's license, passport, or BC Services Card
Phone number and email address
Previous FortisBC account number — if applicable (not relevant for newcomers)

Step 2: Contact FortisBC to Start Service

You can set up your account through several channels:

Online (recommended): Visit fortisbc.com/accounts and select "Start, Stop, or Transfer Service." The online form is straightforward and available 24/7.

By phone: Call FortisBC at 1-888-224-2710 (Lower Mainland: 604-576-7000). Customer service hours are typically Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Pacific Time.

Important: Try to set up your account at least 2-3 business days before your move-in date to ensure gas service is active when you arrive. If gas service at your address has been disconnected, a technician may need to visit to reconnect it, which requires scheduling.

Step 3: Credit Check and Security Deposit

Similar to BC Hydro, FortisBC may perform a credit check when you open your account. For newcomers without Canadian credit history, a security deposit is typically required.

The security deposit amount depends on your estimated gas usage, but generally ranges from:

Apartment with gas stove only: $50-$100
Home with gas heating and hot water: $150-$400
Larger home with multiple gas appliances: $300-$600

The good news is that this deposit is fully refundable. After 12-24 months of paying your bills on time, FortisBC will return the deposit to you, typically as a credit on your account. You'll also earn interest on the deposit.

Step 4: Schedule a Connection (If Needed)

If gas service at your address has been shut off, FortisBC will need to send a technician to turn it on. This involves:

A scheduled appointment (usually within 1-3 business days)
Someone must be home for the appointment — the technician needs access to your home to light pilot lights and check appliances
The technician will check gas connections for safety

If gas service is already active at your address (common in apartments where the previous tenant just moved out), you may not need a technician visit — just an account transfer.

Step 5: Set Up Your Online Account

After your account is created, register for FortisBC's online portal at fortisbc.com. Your online account allows you to:

View and pay bills
Track your gas usage
Set up pre-authorized payments
Enrol in the Equal Payment Plan
Sign up for paperless billing
Receive important service notifications

Cozy living room in a Canadian home heated by natural gas furnace

Understanding Your FortisBC Bill

FortisBC sends bills monthly (unlike BC Hydro, which bills bi-monthly). Your bill will include several components:

Basic charge: A fixed monthly charge (approximately $14-$16/month) that covers the cost of maintaining gas infrastructure and delivering gas to your home
Delivery charge: Based on the volume of gas delivered, measured in gigajoules (GJ)
Storage and transport charge: Costs for storing and transporting gas through the pipeline system
Cost of gas: The actual commodity cost of the natural gas you used
Carbon tax: BC's carbon tax applied to fossil fuels, including natural gas
GST: 5% federal Goods and Services Tax

A typical BC household using gas for heating and hot water might pay between $50-$80/month in summer and $150-$300/month in winter, depending on the home's size and insulation.

Payment Options

FortisBC offers flexible payment options:

Pre-authorized payments: Automatic withdrawals from your bank account on the bill due date
Online banking: Add FortisBC as a payee through your bank (available at all major Canadian banks)
Credit card: Pay through the FortisBC website
Equal Payment Plan: Spread your annual gas costs evenly over 12 months for predictable budgeting
At a bank or credit union: Pay in person at most financial institutions
By mail: Send a cheque to FortisBC

Recommended for newcomers: The Equal Payment Plan is highly recommended. Gas bills in BC vary dramatically between summer and winter. The Equal Payment Plan averages your annual cost so you pay the same amount each month, preventing budget surprises during your first Canadian winter.

Gas Safety for Newcomers

If you're from a country where natural gas is not commonly used in homes, it's important to understand gas safety:

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Natural gas appliances can produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colourless, odourless gas that is dangerous in enclosed spaces. Every home with gas appliances should have carbon monoxide detectors installed. In BC, carbon monoxide detectors are required by law in homes with gas appliances. If your rental doesn't have them, ask your landlord to install them.

Gas Leak Detection

Natural gas is naturally odourless, but utility companies add a chemical called mercaptan that gives it a distinctive "rotten egg" smell. If you smell gas:

Do not turn on/off any electrical switches or appliances
Do not use your phone inside the home
Open windows if easily accessible
Leave the building immediately
Call FortisBC's 24-hour emergency line: 1-800-663-9911 (or 911 if you feel in immediate danger)

Regular Maintenance

Gas appliances (furnaces, hot water tanks, fireplaces) should be inspected and maintained regularly. If you're a renter, maintenance is typically your landlord's responsibility. If you own your home, schedule annual maintenance with a licensed gas technician.

Financial Assistance Programs

If you're struggling with gas bills, FortisBC offers several assistance options:

Equal Payment Plan: Smooths out seasonal billing variations
Payment arrangements: If you can't pay a bill in full, contact FortisBC to set up a payment plan
Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP): Free home energy upgrades for qualifying low-income households, including insulation, weather-stripping, and energy-efficient appliances
Rebate programs: FortisBC offers rebates on high-efficiency furnaces, hot water tanks, and other upgrades

Additional Resources

FortisBC website: fortisbc.com
Start/stop service: fortisbc.com/accounts
Customer service: 1-888-224-2710
24-hour gas emergency line: 1-800-663-9911
Energy conservation programs: fortisbc.com/rebates

Setting up your FortisBC gas account is an important step in making your new home in British Columbia comfortable, especially before winter arrives. Take the time to understand your gas system, set up convenient payments, and learn about safety — your home will be warm and welcoming in no time. WelcomeAide is here to help you with every aspect of settling into Canadian life.

Saving on Your FortisBC Gas Bill: Practical Tips for Newcomers

Once your FortisBC gas account is active, understanding how to manage your energy consumption is key to keeping your utility costs predictable and affordable, especially as you settle into your new Canadian home. Here are some practical tips to help you save:

Monitor Your Thermostat: Small adjustments can make a big difference. Consider setting your thermostat lower when you're away or asleep. Even a one or two-degree change can impact your bill. Smart thermostats can automate this for you.
Seal Drafts: Check windows and doors for drafts. Simple weatherstripping or door sweeps are inexpensive solutions that can prevent heat from escaping during colder months.
Regular Furnace Maintenance: Ensure your furnace is serviced annually and change filters regularly. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, using less gas.
Utilize Natural Light and Heat: Open curtains and blinds during sunny days to let natural warmth in, and close them at night to retain heat.
Understand Your Bill: FortisBC bills typically show your consumption in gigajoules (GJ). Familiarize yourself with the different charges, including delivery, storage, and the cost of gas itself. This knowledge empowers you to track your usage.

If you find yourself struggling with utility costs, there are resources available. British Columbia offers various programs to help low-income households manage their energy bills. You can explore potential financial assistance options by using our Benefits Finder, which can connect you with provincial and federal support programs. For broader financial planning, our Cost of Living Calculator can help you budget for all your essential expenses, including utilities.

For more general energy efficiency tips applicable across Canada, Natural Resources Canada provides valuable information on how to reduce energy consumption in your home. Visit their website at Natural Resources Canada: Energy Efficiency for Homes for detailed guides.

Beyond Gas: Connecting Other Essential Utilities for Your New Home

While setting up your FortisBC gas account is a crucial step, remember that a comfortable home requires several other essential utilities. For newcomers, coordinating these services can feel overwhelming, but a systematic approach makes it manageable.

Electricity (BC Hydro): In most of British Columbia, electricity is provided by...
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