Setting Up Electricity in Your Home: A Newcomer’s Guide to Israel
Moving to a new country is an adventure filled with excitement, but it also comes with a long list of tasks to tackle. One of the most important things you’ll need to arrange is setting up electricity in your new home. If you’re new to Israel, navigating the process can feel overwhelming at first, with unfamiliar utility companies and systems. But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the essentials, helping you get the lights turned on in no time!
1. Understanding the Electricity Provider: חברת חשמל (Hevrat Hashmal)
In Israel, electricity is provided by a single, state-owned company known as חברת חשמל (Hevrat Hashmal) or the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC). This means you don’t have to shop around for different providers as you might in other countries. While this simplifies the process, you’ll still need to understand a few key steps to get your service up and running.
Opening an Electricity Account
When you rent or buy a home in Israel, the first thing you’ll need to do is transfer the electricity account from the previous occupant to your name. This step is crucial, as you don’t want to end up paying someone else’s outstanding bills, or worse, having your electricity cut off unexpectedly.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Gather Documents: Prepare a copy of your Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID) or passport if you’re new to the country, and a copy of the rental or purchase agreement for your home.
- Contact Hevrat Hashmal: You can do this via their online portal, by phone, or by visiting one of their local offices. The website has options for English speakers, so don’t worry if your Hebrew isn’t perfect yet.
- Submit a Request: Once you’ve contacted Hevrat Hashmal, you’ll submit a request to transfer the account to your name. They may ask for a small deposit, depending on your payment history or status as a new customer.
After following these steps, your electricity account will officially be transferred to your name, and you’ll receive your bills directly.
Example: If you just signed a lease for an apartment in Tel Aviv, your first step is to ask the landlord or previous tenant for the meter number and account information. Then, follow the steps above to get the electricity transferred to your name, ensuring you’re all set before moving day.
2. Reading Your Electricity Bill: What to Expect
Once your electricity is set up, it’s important to understand how billing works in Israel. The bills from Hevrat Hashmal may look a bit different from what you’re used to, so let’s break it down.
Billing Frequency
In Israel, electricity bills are typically sent once every two months and can be paid online, through your bank, or at various post offices and kiosks. It’s a good idea to set up automatic payments (hora’at keva) with your Israeli bank account to ensure you never miss a bill.
Understanding the Charges
Your bill will include details like:
- Actual Usage (צריכה בפועל): Measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), this is the amount of electricity you’ve used during the billing period.
- Fixed Fees (אגרת חשמל): A set charge that covers the cost of maintaining the electricity grid.
- VAT (מע”ם): Like most goods and services in Israel, VAT (Value Added Tax) is added to your total, currently at 17%.
Some months might have higher bills than others, particularly during the summer when air conditioning use is high, or in winter if you’re using electric heaters.
Example: A typical bill for a small apartment in Haifa might look like this—200 kWh of usage at approximately 0.50 NIS per kWh, plus a fixed fee of 25 NIS and VAT. Your total would come out to around 135 NIS for the two-month period.
3. Energy-Saving Tips: Keeping Your Bill Manageable
Electricity in Israel can be relatively expensive, especially during peak usage times in the summer and winter. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your consumption—and your bill—in check.
Use Air Conditioning Wisely
Air conditioners, or mazganim (מזגנים), are a staple in Israeli homes, but they can be costly to run. Try setting your air conditioner to 24-26°C (75-78°F) to keep cool without overworking the system. Additionally, consider using a timer to turn the AC on and off at specific times, especially if you’re not home during the day.
Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you’re in the market for appliances, look for those with energy-saving ratings (דירוג אנרגיה), which are labeled with a letter grade from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). While energy-efficient appliances may cost more upfront, they’ll help you save on electricity in the long run.
Solar Water Heaters
In Israel, most homes are equipped with a dud shemesh (דוד שמש), or solar water heater, which can significantly reduce your electricity usage. Make sure to use the solar heater during sunny days for hot water, and only rely on the electric heater on cloudy days or when necessary.
Example: If you live in Jerusalem, where winters can be cold, using a solar water heater during sunny spells can reduce your reliance on electric heating, bringing down your electricity bill.
Conclusion: Settling into Your New Israeli Home
Setting up electricity in your new Israeli home is just one of the many tasks you’ll need to handle when settling in, but once you know the steps, it’s a straightforward process. From transferring the account into your name to understanding your bills and adopting energy-saving habits, you’ll be well on your way to managing your electricity like a pro.
So, take a deep breath! Soon enough, your new home will be fully lit, your appliances will be humming, and you’ll have one more item checked off your to-do list as you embrace life in Israel.
If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our other posts on Navigating Israel, where we cover everything from setting up internet to finding healthcare services.