Utility Services in Panama
Getting Electrical, Gas and Water Services in Panama
In favor of getting electrical, gas and water services, a permanent address in Panama is needed. You'll need to make an appointment and bring the property title or rental agreement of the property, and your identification to request the service.
Panama Electrical and Gas Services
Individual
The following documents are required:
- Copy of passport or national ID card (cedula issued by Panama Immigration);
- Copy of the Certificate of Public Registry of a Lease or the Title Deed of property ownership or Certificate of Address issued by a competent authority, which certifies ownership or legal possession of the property.
Corporation
The following documents are required:
- Copy of the ID of the legal representative (passport, cedula issued by Panama immigration);
- Copy of the ID of the person authorized to act on the legal entity's behalf (passport, cedula issued by Panama immigration).
- Original notarized letter authorizing a 3rd party the right to act on the legal entity's behalf regarding obtaining electrical and gas services;
- Copy of the Certificate of Public Registry of the Panama corporation or Panama Private Interest Foundation;
- Copy of the Certificate of Public Registry of a Lease or the Title Deed of property ownership or Certificate of Address issued by a competent authority, which certifies ownership or legal possession of the property.
If there is a new building or unoccupied facility: bring a Copy of the Occupancy Permit.
What to Know About Gas Connection
Many apartment buildings in Panama City have central gas service which is included with the Condominium Homeowners Association (HOA) fee. In some older apartment buildings in Panama City, there is a gas line from the kitchen to an area outside that connects to a gas tank which needs to be refilled periodically. If you live in a house, contact the gas company to buy a new gas tank if none is installed in the property. When the tank is near empty, call the provider to have it refilled, which takes about two to five days.
Contacts for the two gas companies in Panama City
- Tropigas http://www.tropigas.com.pa/ (507)206-0088
- Panagas http://panagas.net/ (507)216-0155
Electricity Connection
Union Fenosa provides electricity in Panama. You will need to bring your housing lease agreement or the property's title deed to the company, as well as your identification documents (passport or photocopy of it) and pay a deposit. An appointment will be scheduled to switch on the service at your home. It can take 1 up to 2 weeks, so we recommend you begin the process as soon as you have the required documents available.
How to Pay Electricity Bills
Your bill is calculated on the use registered on the electricity meter. The electricity bill is delivered to your home or to the apartment building's reception.
You can pay your electricity bills online, directly from most banks, or make the payment at a Rapid Money or E-Pago agents located in supermarkets and malls. E-Pago payments usually are credited in a few minutes, while the Rapid Money payments can take a couple of days to be credited.
Overdue Electricity Payments
The electricity is turned off after two consecutive months of non-payment.
Union Fenosa
http://www.gasnaturalfenosa.com.pa/pa/1285084426281/inicio.html (In Spanish)
Telephone: (507) 315-7222
Panama Water Service
The water service in Panama is provided by IDAAN, (Instituto de Acueductos y Alcantarillados Nacionales), a government-run company.
Just like with the other utilities, it's necessary to bring the title deed or lease agreement, along with your passport (or a photocopy) to IDAAN, and pay a deposit.
In case of condominium buildings, the water is generally paid by and included in the Homeowners Association (HOA) fee.
In case of leased premises, the water bills are paid by the tenant. The process for switching on In case of condominium buildings, the water is always turned on and the water bills is paid by the Homeowners Association (HOA).
Tap water is safe to drink in Panama City, as well as in most of the country. Tap water in the Bocas del Toro province is not safe to drink, so there is bottled water which is affordable and available everywhere.
Paying Water Bills
You can either pay your water bills online or make the payment at a Rapid Money or E-Pago IDAAN: (Instituto de Acueductos y Alcantarillados Nacionales) https://www.idaan.gob.pa/ Telephone: (507) 523-8570
