Hong Kong Utilities and Internet Guide: Electricity, Gas, Broadband and Mobile Plans 2026
Hong Kong’s utility infrastructure is reliable, well-priced by global standards, and straightforward for new residents to navigate. This guide covers what to expect for electricity, gas, water, broadband, and mobile plans — including typical monthly costs and what differentiates each provider.
Electricity
CLP vs HKE — Which Provider Covers Your Area?
Hong Kong has two electricity providers, and your address determines which one serves you — there is no choice between them.
- CLP (China Light and Power) — covers Kowloon, the New Territories, and Lantau Island
- HKE / Hong Kong Electric (HK Electric) — covers Hong Kong Island and Lamma Island
Both are regulated and reliable. Power outages are rare. Bills arrive every two months and can be paid online, via bank autopay, at convenience stores (7-Eleven, Circle K), or at provider service centres.
Typical Electricity Bills
| Unit Size | Estimated Monthly Cost (HKD) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom (~500 sq ft) | HK$200 – HK$350 |
| 2-bedroom (~700 sq ft) | HK$350 – HK$600 |
| 3-bedroom (~1,000 sq ft) | HK$550 – HK$1,000+ |
Costs rise significantly with air conditioning usage (May–October). Both CLP and HKE offer online account management, e-billing, and direct debit setup.
Gas
Town Gas vs LPG Cylinders
Most residential buildings in Hong Kong use Town Gas, supplied by The Hong Kong and China Gas Company (Towngas). It is piped directly to the unit. A small number of older buildings and village houses use LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders.
| Feature | Town Gas (Piped) | LPG Cylinders |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Most modern buildings | Older buildings, village houses |
| Monthly cost | ~HK$80 – HK$200 | ~HK$150 – HK$250 (cylinder delivery) |
| Convenience | Continuous supply, auto-billed | Manual reorder, delivery scheduling |
| Setup | Account transfer on move-in | Arrange with cylinder supplier |
Town Gas bills are issued bi-monthly. LPG cylinder pricing varies by supplier; common providers include Towngas cylinder service and Shell Gas.
Water
Water in Hong Kong is supplied by the Water Supplies Department (WSD). Billing is in both English and Chinese, arrives quarterly, and is among the cheapest utilities you will encounter.
- Rate: Approximately HK$5 – HK$6 per cubic metre for the first tier
- Typical quarterly bill: HK$50 – HK$200 for a 1–2 person household
- Free initial allocation: The WSD provides a quarterly free allowance (currently 12 m³ per quarter per account), meaning many small households pay very little
- Flushing water: Hong Kong supplies seawater for toilet flushing in most urban areas — a separate system that further reduces freshwater consumption
Water is safe to drink from the tap, though many residents use filtered water or bottled water as a preference.
Broadband Internet
Hong Kong consistently ranks among the world’s fastest broadband markets. Gigabit connections are standard, and pricing is competitive.
Broadband Provider Comparison
| Provider | Speed Options | Monthly Price (HKD) | Contract Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HKBN | 100 Mbps – 10 Gbps | HK$158 – HK$328 | 24 months | Widest residential coverage; frequent bundle deals with mobile |
| HGC | 100 Mbps – 10 Gbps | HK$168 – HK$338 | 24 months | Strong in commercial areas; competitive on price |
| i-Cable (NowBroadband) | 100 Mbps – 1 Gbps | HK$148 – HK$268 | 24 months | Lower entry price; bundled with Now TV packages |
| SmarTone Home | 300 Mbps – 1 Gbps | HK$178 – HK$298 | 24 months | Useful if already on SmarTone mobile; bundle discounts apply |
| China Mobile HK (CMLink) | 300 Mbps – 1 Gbps | HK$148 – HK$268 | 24 months | Competitive pricing; good for cross-border users |
Gigabit (1,000 Mbps) plans typically cost HK$200–HK$250/month. Installation is usually free with a 24-month contract. Most providers offer the first 1–3 months free as a sign-up incentive.
Practical note: Coverage in your specific building matters more than the provider’s overall reputation. Check which providers have active network infrastructure in your block before committing.
Mobile Phone Plans
Hong Kong’s mobile market is highly competitive, with widespread 5G coverage across urban areas and excellent 4G LTE everywhere else.
Major Providers
| Provider | Network | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| 3HK (Hutchison) | 5G/4G | Aggressive pricing, large 5G network |
| CSL / HKT | 5G/4G | Premium quality, widest rural coverage |
| SmarTone | 5G/4G | Consistent quality, good customer service |
| China Mobile HK | 5G/4G | Budget-friendly, strong cross-border data |
Typical SIM-Only Plan Pricing
| Data Allowance | Monthly Cost (HKD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5 – 10 GB | HK$68 – HK$98 | Entry-level; suits light users |
| 20 – 30 GB | HK$98 – HK$148 | Most popular range |
| 50 – 100 GB | HK$138 – HK$198 | Good for streaming and remote work |
| Unlimited data | HK$168 – HK$248 | Available from all major providers |
SIM-only (month-to-month) plans start from around HK$68–HK$100/month and are widely available — no contract required. Device contracts are also common and typically come with a subsidised handset over 24 months.
Cross-border users: China Mobile HK and 3HK offer plans with substantial Mainland China data included, useful for frequent Shenzhen or Guangzhou travellers.
Tips for New Residents
Transferring Accounts When Moving In
When you sign a tenancy agreement, utilities are typically in the previous tenant’s or landlord’s name. You will need to open new accounts in your name:
- Electricity: Contact CLP or HKE directly — online account opening is available. A meter reading is done at changeover. Deposits are typically HK$150 – HK$300 for residential accounts.
- Gas (Towngas): Call or visit a Towngas customer centre. Initial deposit is approximately HK$150 – HK$300 depending on account history.
- Water: No action needed for tenants in most cases — the landlord’s account covers water, and it may be itemised separately in rent. Confirm this with your landlord.
Deposit Amounts (Typical 2026)
| Utility | Typical Deposit |
|---|---|
| CLP / HKE (electricity) | HK$150 – HK$300 |
| Towngas | HK$150 – HK$300 |
| Broadband | HK$0 – HK$200 (varies by provider) |
| Mobile SIM-only | None required |
Bundling Savings
Providers actively incentivise bundling:
- HKBN: Discounts of HK$30–HK$60/month when combining home broadband with a mobile SIM plan
- SmarTone: Similar bundle discounts for combining home broadband and mobile
- HKT/PCCW: Bundles broadband, Now TV, and mobile — worth comparing if you want a single bill
Practical Setup Timeline
Most utility transfers and broadband installations can be completed within 3–7 business days. Schedule broadband installation as soon as your tenancy start date is confirmed — appointment slots fill quickly, especially in Q3 and Q4.
Last updated: April 2026. Prices are indicative and subject to change. Always verify current rates directly with providers.