In Singapore, whether it’s an office, a retail shop, or a temporary construction site, you must open a dedicated commercial water and electricity account according to regulations.
Many corporate clients are unfamiliar with the registration process, required documents, and key points after renting an office. To help, Haohaoguo has prepared this detailed guide for a smooth setup of your business utility account.
1. Confirm the Property Use: Residential or Commercial?
Before applying, determine how the property will be used:
- Residential Use: The space is purely for living, not for any business activity.
- Commercial Use: The space is used for trade, business, or professional purposes.
Always declare truthfully. False declarations violate the Public Utilities Act (Cap. 261).
2. Choose the Type of Supply: Permanent or Temporary?
Depending on your needs, the supply can be:
- Permanent Supply: For long-term use such as offices, shops, or homes.
- Temporary Supply: For places like construction sites, event stages, site offices, or gondolas.
3. Security Deposit
Both permanent and temporary accounts require a deposit upon application.
4. How to Apply
You can apply through:
- SP Utilities App (iOS or Android)
- SP Group official website
- SP Customer Service Centre
5. Required Documents for Business Accounts
If applying under a company name, prepare:
- Completed application form (signed by a director registered with ACRA)
- Latest ACRA Business Profile (BizFile)
- Proof of premises occupancy (e.g. tenancy agreement)
- EIL Form (if power capacity exceeds 45kVA)
- Security deposit (based on account type)
If the applicant is not a director, also include: - Authorization letter (on company letterhead, with representative’s name and ID number)
- Copy of director’s ID (front and back)
6. When Will Utilities Be Activated?
Usually, utilities are turned on within 3 working days after submission of complete documents and deposit payment.
If no meter is installed, activation will be arranged by your licensed electrician/plumber/gas worker.
For urgent cases, you may request Express Turn-on Service (extra charges apply), except in these situations:
- Power capacity above 45kVA
- Water meter larger than 25mm
- Gas supply required
- Supplied by a third-party retailer
7. Account Management & Meter Reading
Through the SP Utilities App or Utilities Portal, you can:
- View and pay bills
- Track consumption
- Submit meter readings
To avoid estimated billing, submit your readings regularly via:
- SP Utilities Portal (after registering online)
- SP App upload
- Email photo of the meter to customerreading@spgroup.com.sg
8. Payment Methods
You can pay your bills via:
- eGIRO auto deduction (approval within 48 hours)
- PayNow QR, credit/debit card
- AXS kiosks
- 7-Eleven stores (for selected accounts)
- DBS/POSB/OCBC ATMs
- Internet banking
A $0.55 notification fee applies for overdue bills, and a 1% late payment fee may follow.
9. How to Close a Utility Account
Closing steps are similar to opening:
- Submit closure request via SP App, website, or service centre
- Provide company BizFile and ID of the authorized person
- If not a director, include authorization letter
After closure:
- Deposit will be refunded after deducting the final bill
- GIRO auto-payment will be cancelled automatically
- If gas supply is involved, City Energy will charge termination and removal fees (see website for details)
Managing utilities may seem minor, but it’s vital for smooth business operations in Singapore.
Haohaoguo’s team can assist clients not only in finding and leasing office spaces but also in setting up business utility accounts—saving time and effort.
If you’re planning to rent, relocate, or open a utility account for your office, contact Haohaoguo for a one-stop corporate service solution.
