Navigating Utility Services in Our Italian Home

PART 165: It might be interesting to share how we pulled off living in Italy for part of the year. I will post some steps and what we are learning along the way.

We love every minute of it, and what was once a dream is our life!

We live in Tuscany in the Fall, then return again in the Spring, and spend the rest of the time in California (as I explained in a previous blog, we only live in Italy part of the year).

Step 1: As we explore areas in Italy, we discover some gems worth sharing. Some are well-known tourist magnets, and others are lesser-known but always amazing. 

This week, let's explore dealing with utilities and other similar issues that foreigners in Italy might have.

Step 2: I often receive suggestions from my blog readers, and I genuinely appreciate them. This week, I received a suggestion that I'd like to address (at least parts of it):

"Could you write about all aspects of dealing with local utilities? Topics could include trash collection, tips for managing water shortages, the use of public water spigots, and the use of wells on private property. Additionally, please provide information about average electricity usage and whether it's advisable to disconnect services when away for three months."

I am no expert on these issues, but will share some of our experience.

Step 3: Utilities: Gas, electricity, and water

The energy efficiency of each house varies, making it challenging to estimate energy costs for a specific property.

In Italy, the standard household power capacity is typically 3.3 kilowatts (or 3,300 watts). This is often the default setting for residential electricity contracts and is generally sufficient for running common household appliances.

When we lived in Puglia, 3.3 kilowatts met our needs. The energy systems in our house relied on both gas and electricity. While we couldn't run the washing machine and dishwasher simultaneously without tripping the circuit breaker, it was easy to stagger our use of energy-intensive appliances. Living within the 3.3 kilowatt limit was manageable.

Upon moving to Tuscany, we purchased a house that relied solely on electricity, as there were no gas lines in the 16th-century building. We underestimated the impact this would have until we turned on the oven and used the hot water, causing a power outage. After resetting the breaker, we attempted to use the microwave and television, only to experience another shutdown of the circuit breaker.

We were hesitant to even attempt using the washing machine.

We contacted our realtor for assistance, and he arranged for an increase in our electricity capacity to 6.6 kilowatts. Since making that change, we haven't faced any electricity issues.

Since we are not currently relying on gas in our home in Tuscany, I will leave it at that.

Step 4: What about electricity averages and rates?

The average cost of electricity in Italy for a small 70-square-meter apartment in 2025 is estimated to be between €70 and €120 per month.

If you are on the government-regulated market, the cost of energy per kWh is approximately €0.16053/kWh. However, by switching to an energy company on the free market, you might find more affordable rates, with some offers starting as low as €0.107/kWh. It's essential to note that rates can vary based on several factors, including daily consumption and billing methods. Choosing a more advantageous supplier in the free market can often lead to significant savings.

Our realtor introduced us to a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy alternative in the free market: "Italia Gas e Luce". This company provides energy services throughout Italy and relies predominantly on clean, wind energy. Since we made the switch, our electric bill has decreased. As of June 2025, their electricity tariff is:

June Electricity Tariff: €0.1415/kWh

"Italia Gas e Luce" is a 100% renewable energy company operating across Italy. They currently offer excellent promotions, allowing you to sign up for free in just five minutes with no activation fees. Additionally, for every person you refer, you can earn €30!

You can sign up here: https://www.plank.global/plank/attivaonline/IGL/index.php?custarea=1&refcode=E473309&lang=italian

In summary, you can lower your energy bills by switching from your regulated energy provider in Italy to a free market company like "Italia Gas e Luce".

Step 5: Water

Factors Affecting Water Bill Costs in Italy:

Your location, specific water provider, and personal water usage habits all influence your final bill.

According to Statista (https://www.statista.com/statistics/867875/water-price-index-in-italy/), the average annual water bill for a household in Italy is approximately €487; however, ours is much lower than this figure.

For accurate information about average water costs in a specific area, consulting a knowledgeable real estate agent is recommended. Our agent has guided us through all these issues.

Is the Water Safe?

Europe is known for having some of the cleanest drinking water globally, and Italy ranks high on this list. The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) places Italy second in the world for sanitation and drinking water, following only Singapore.

In areas where water is not safe to drink, there will typically be a clear sign indicating this, often displaying phrases like "acqua non potabile" (non-potable water). Most tap water in Italy is sourced from springs and wells, similar to the sources used by ancient Romans. The sources of freshwater can vary significantly across different regions in Italy. For example, Rome obtains its drinking water from springs and wells, while Northern Italy benefits from the abundance of fresh water from the surrounding mountains.

Italy adheres to the EU's Water Framework Directive and regularly monitors tap water treatment.

The Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) is responsible for ensuring that all Italians have access to safe and clean drinking water. The ISS conducts regular checks for contaminants and evaluates the effectiveness of water treatment processes.

Step 6: Trash collection

In Italy, the cost of trash collection is covered by a local tax called TARI (Tassa sui Rifiuti). This municipal charge must be paid by all property owners and tenants for solid waste collection and disposal services.

In a previous blog, I explained how recycling works in Italy; however, this time I want to focus on the TARI tax and its relationship to trash collection payments.

In our municipality, TARI bills are sent exclusively through regular mail to be collected from our mailbox upon our return. A helpful official at our city hall (Comune) explained this to me. When I asked about any potential missed payments while we were back in California, he reassured me, saying, "Don't worry. You can always settle your account when you return."

So, we didn't worry about it. We paid our bill upon returning to Tuscany by visiting the bank, and settling the amount due using our local account.

I make it a point to visit our local government office when we return to Tuscany to confirm that trash and property taxes have been fully paid for that period.

As for trash disposal costs in Italy, they vary by municipality and depend on factors such as property size and waste generation. On average, annual fees can range from €122 to €529, with some cities exceeding €300 per year. The efficiency of local waste management and the presence of recycling programs also impact the cost.

Just like with electricity costs, it's a good idea to consult a trusted local realtor about specific trash disposal costs in a given region.

Step 7: "Water shortages, public water spouts and wells on private property"

I haven't experienced any water shortages in Italy, so I can't provide any insights on that matter. In fact, I don't know anyone in Italy who has faced a shortage.

Regarding public water fountains, I have had great experiences, especially in Rome on a hot day. The icy cold water flowing from the fountain into my mouth is something I always look forward to. My advice: drink it!

Regarding wells on private property, I have no knowledge or experience in this area. Consulting a trusted professional real estate agent is the best way to gather information on this topic.

Step 8: Disconnecting services while away or not?

When I leave my house in Italy for three months or more, should I disconnect my services?

If "disconnect" means canceling your energy services while you're away, the simple answer is: NO! That can lead to a bureaucratic nightmare when it comes time to reconnect electricity, gas, water, and any other interrupted services. Instead, we have budgeted to keep all services connected and operational while we are away. This is the most practical option. Utility and water bills decrease when we're not in Italy, and the internet bill remains at about 30 euros per month, so the cost of keeping everything running is manageable.

But if "disconnect" means safeguarding your home while you're gone, read on.

Before we leave for an extended period, we close the shutters and cover the furniture and bed with plastic to keep the dust off. We turn off the main water valve to prevent leaks and unplug the water heaters. Then we unplug any lamps near the bedspread, switch off everything else, and leave the circuit breakers alone.

The first time we left, we unplugged the refrigerator and left the door ajar, which seemed like the right move. When we came back, though, dust and dirt had settled inside and it needed a thorough cleaning. The second time, we just left the fridge running and plugged in — that worked much better for us.

We have now returned to the house twice after leaving it vacant for months, and fortunately, we encountered no other issues.

Step 9: Geothermal energy

Geothermal energy uses natural heat from deep underground to provide steady warmth for homes and hot water, and on Monte Amiata (our area) this heat comes from the volcanic systems beneath the mountain itself. In towns like Santa Fiora and Piancastagnaio, that heat is distributed through a district network managed by Amiata Energia, replacing the need for natural gas or electric heating.

When I asked how the cost of it actually works, I learned there are two options: a yearly contract for unlimited use, or a metered system where you pay only for what you consume. Either way, the energy comes from geothermal fields that have been operating here for decades.

Residents told me a typical household might spend roughly €1,200 to €1,800 per year, depending on the size of the home and the plan chosen, which is generally cheaper and more predictable than natural gas or electric heating, where annual costs can easily climb into the €2,200–€3,200 range. What people seem to appreciate most is the stability—no gas hookups, no surprise winter spikes—and the quiet satisfaction of relying on a renewable resource that’s literally beneath their feet.

Insights:

If there's one theme running through all of this, it's that managing utilities in Italy doesn't have to be overwhelming, but it does require a willingness to ask questions and lean on people who know the system.

We learned early on that our 3.3 kilowatt limit wasn't going to work, and it was our realtor who helped us fix that. We switched energy providers on his recommendation and saved money. We figured out — through trial and error — how to shut down the house when we leave and what not to do (leave the fridge door open, for example). And we discovered that our area runs on geothermal energy, which turned out to be one of the pleasant surprises of living on Monte Amiata.

None of this came from a guidebook. It came from asking our realtor, talking to neighbors, and making a few mistakes along the way. That's how it works here — and honestly, that's part of what makes it worth it.

More next time.

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