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.

Gas
Gas supply is controlled by the local Comune or by an authorised company. Most cookers and central heating systems run on gas - water heaters can be gas or electric, but gas is cheaper and will give you instant hot water. Apply to your local office for connection. Billing is every 2 months, payment at the local offices, post offices or through your bank.

Water
The local Comune is responsible for water supply. If you live in an apartment block water charges are included in your rent. Homes with a water meter will be billed after meter readings. Italians tend to drink bottled mineral water rather than tap water.

Added March 2007 by Max: Drinking mineral water is just a habit due to considering mineral water more classy.
Quality of tap water in Italy is excellent, especially in the north, and goes under many more controls than bottled water. If problems with tap water will occur, notices will be given by local authority ('Comune') and everyone will talk about it. Issues are generally solved in a few days, being mostly caused by natural reasons (heavy rains on some types of terrain).