So what are the most important things that you need to do or check when you start living in a new house? Is it finding decorations for your new room? Or how about figuring out where are you going to place the rest of your stuff in the house if it gets too crowded? Actually, those two issues should be the last in your list, because there is a priority you need to check in your new once you move there: to see if you have power, water, a phone line and Internet running there.
If it’s your first time owning a property, then you’re going to need the rundown of the essential process of how to contract the basic supplies for your house. Don’t assume that the previous owner will help you by leaving his old power and water connection intact. In fact, the local companies of these supplies would immediately cut off the previous owner’s connection. Why? Because the person who lived there before has applied for cancelling the service or may have moved his power, water, and Internet connection when you bought the house.
So, these are the tips you should follow in order to contract the basic supplies for your home:
POWER
In the city of Manila (or pretty much all over the National Capital Region or NCR), power is not a big issue, thanks to the multi-billion power plants that are available there. Here’s the step by step process on how to file for a new power line for your home:
1. You need to submit a Letter of Intent for New Service Application.
2. You need to prepare the following as New Service Application requirements:
- Any valid government ID – This means any ID with your photo, signature and it should come from a government or any institution or company that is recognized by the government. Examples are a Driver’s license, Passport, SSS ID, TIN ID
- An electrical plan – This is a comprehensive layout that should be prepared by an electrical engineer during the planning and construction of your house.
- Proof of Ownership of the House – This is to determine that you are indeed the owner of the house. Examples for this document is the Transfer Certificate Title and/or a Contract of Lease.
- Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection – This is a document that is given to you by the local government as a clearance from the local power company, stating that your house is ready for the power installation.
3. While you are completing the submission of the requirements, your power company will send one of their personnel to inspect your home. After the inspection, you should receive the following from the representative:
- Estimate of the Project Cost – The total amount as to how much it would cost you to have your home connected with your local power company.
- An assessment should there be a need for more facilities for the installation of your home’s power supply
- The Contract of Energization- A document needed for final approval from your local power company regarding your new service application.
4. When you have submitted all needed requirements and have paid the estimated project cost, the local power company will sign the Contract of Energization and will give the go signal for the construction of the facilities needed to energize your new home.
WATER
For water services in Manila, there’s also a bunch of providers available.
If the old owner of the house has disconnected his/her water line by the time you moved in, then here’s the process for applying for new service:
1. The local water company will usually conduct an interview to check and see if you are indeed the owner of the property where the water connection will be established. You should also not have any pending balance with any other water company.
2. You’ll be required to fill up an application form.
3. Once you have finished filling up the application form, you need to submit the necessary requirements together with the application form:
- Original and photocopy of Transfer Certificate of Title or the Deed of the Sale for your house or residence – This is needed as proof that you are the owner of the house.
- Two clear copies of your valid government ID
- Proof of Billing – This can be the power or Internet bill. This is proof that you have the capacity to pay for the monthly service.
- Barangay Clearance or Certificate – This is additional documentation needed to certify that you are a resident of the address where the water installation will take place.
4. Your local water company will issue a reference number to you so you can follow up regarding your application.
5. The local water company near your area will send a representative to inspect your location to create the installation plan needed to have your home connected. This will happen two business days after you have filed your application.
6. The company will then activate your account and will inform you once your account is ready.
7. Once your application is ready for approval, the local water company will issue a Request to Accept Payment form and you will be informed to fill it up and submit it to the water company near your area. Once you have filled up and made your payment, the water company will install your water service within seven business days after the payment is made.
PHONE LINE AND INTERNET
Manila has may ISP’s or Internet Service Providers who can offer services where you can either have both phone and Internet or you can have a stand-alone plan, where you only have the Internet connection.
When you have decided on the rate that you want to get, you can contact them through their business line or by going to their office. Both companies have the same process when it comes to having your Internet installed:
1. You will need to fill up an application form and submit it to their office, along with the following requirements:
- Proof of Billing – These can be your power or water bill. This is proof that you can pay for their services every month.
- Two copies of your valid government ID – This is used as proof of identity.
- Your latest payslip with your current company – You can ask your employer or company HR for this. This is used as supporting document for your proof of billing.
- A sketch of your preferred installation address.
2. You can submit the requirements by going to their office or by email.
3. The process takes around from two weeks to a month, depending on how fast the business agent from your preferred ISP (Internet service provider) will work on your application.
4. You will be informed once your application has been approved and the company will set up a date for the installation.
5. Once the installation team arrives, you will be required to pay the installation fee as part of the installation process. At most times, there will be promos where the installation fee is usually waived, so watch out for that.
Well, that wasn’t too hard, right?
Again, just a quick reminder to make your settling down more comfortable:
- Inspect your new home before you even transfer to the new house.
- Don’t assume that the old owner will leave the power and water connection intact by the time you move in.
- Always prepare the necessary documents needed when applying for a new power and water line.
Have fun settling down in your new home!