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When you move into a property in Italy, the gas and/or electricity supply will probably have been turned off.

To get them connected, you need to sign contracts with the relevant companies. You must have a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) and a tax code number (codice fiscale) to do this. How to obtain a codice fiscale is outlined in the 'Taxation' section elsewhere in this guide. The utilities situation is as follows:

Electricity
Electricity supply is problematic in Italy, as incidents like the countrywide blackout in September 2003 illustrate. Demand is huge and there is a struggle to meet it. The main electricity company is ENEL, though in some areas the local Municipality ('Comune') may control supply. Apply for connection at ENEL's local offices, taking your permesso di soggiorno and codice fiscale. Bills are normally sent out every 2 months and are payable at the local office, in post offices or through your bank.

Italy's supply is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC - check your electrical appliances. The USA, for example, has a 110 volt supply compared with 220 volts across most of Europe. Buy transformers for any equipment operating on a different voltage.