Electricity

In Beijing, electricity costs quite much, especially for air-conditioning in summer. The average charge is RMB500 yuan/month for a 2-bedroom apartment and RMB3,800 yuan/month for a house.
Charge: RMB0.48 yuan per kwh

Electricity can be bought at Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Construction Bank of China or any other major banks. If you have a card of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, you can buy electricity on ATM. Some property management also provides such services.

Natural Gas

AIn case your gas stove is the only gas consumer, you will spend about RMB70 yuan/month in a common apartment or house. In case a house relies on gas heaters for heating and hot water, the average cost shall increase to about RMB800 yuan/month.
Charge: RMB2.15 yuan/m3
Natural gas can only be bought at Beijing Bank.

Public central heating

Public central heating is annually measured by square meters instead of energy consumption. Great effort has been taken to eliminate wastes, but infrastructure improvement takes time. Public central heating is provided from 15 November to 15 March. If it is exceptionally cold, the authorities concerned will change the schedule by days, otherwise residents have to rely on electric heating. Heating is offered in most suburban houses with gas heaters (as mentioned above). As a rule, the fixed public central heating fee is included in the rent.
Cost: RMB24.00 yuan/m2

Water

Water charge is relatively low in Beijing. Tenants of apartments might spend RMB80 yuan/month while families at villas RMB350 yuan/month.
Charge: RMB4.00 yuan/m3 (cold water), RMB13.00-20.00 yuan/m3 (hot water)

Pre-paid utilities

Electricity and Gas are pre-paid at most apartments and some houses. Usually water is not pre-paid, it is billed monthly. You should always ensure that you have a loaded pre-paid card, which should be kept carefully since it is difficult to get a new one. Cards are refilled at a management office or bank. In case your air-conditioner stops working in the mid-night, some properties can offer fast solutions. However, it is strongly recommended you take the aforementioned precautions.