Utilities such as water and electricity have improved in terms of access over the past few years. However, only 70% the population have access to safe drinking water. Equally, access to electricity is not completely stable as only 90% of the population receives it. It is mostly those living in the rural areas that suffer the most in terms of access to utilities.
Recent government policies have improved and continue to develop the quality and accessibility to water and electricity. Water services are overseen by the Vice-Ministry of Water and Sanitation, but on a daily basis they are regulated by private and public companies.
You will find that you will most probably have to use separate companies for each service that you need, i.e. a separate water, electricity and gas provider. However, Emcali is a company which provides Internet, drinking water, sanitation, electricity and some phone lines.
Electricity is produced through renewable power, a mix of hydro generated electricity and thermally generated power. Power cuts do happen frequently and are estimated at 200 per year. Power cuts do not usually last very long. There is a 110 volt system and the plugs are the two pin kind, the same as in the United States. You can find adapters in the larger cities.
Your landlord or estate agent can usually help or arrange for you the utilities needed when looking for providers to connect to. You will need to prove your identification when connecting to these services and you may be asked to pay a deposit upfront.