What Is a Utility Bill? Examples, Average Cost, Affordability
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Utility bills aren’t the most glamorous expenses, but they can be significant, adding up to hundreds of dollars per month. Read on for utility bill examples, average cost, how you can save money and what to do if you can’t pay.
What is a utility bill?
A utility bill is a monthly statement of the amount a household owes for any one (or more) of the basic services that generally keep a home operable and comfortable. Examples of utilities include electricity, water and gas. Depending on how you define utilities, you could also add sewage, trash and recycling, or even cable, internet, phone and streaming services to that list.
What information is on a utility bill?
A utility bill lists the customer’s name, address and account number. It also states the amount owed and the due date, as well as guidance on how to pay.
Utility bills typically give information about your usage of the service, too. A water bill, for example, would list the amount of water you used during the billing period and may show how that amount has changed over the past several months.
How much utilities cost varies widely depending on the service, provider, location and usage. Below are a few examples of utility bills and their average costs.
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Electric bill
In 2023, the average electric bill among U.S. residences was about $137 per month, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
To save money on your electric bill, try to be more efficient with your appliances and devices. Investing in a programmable or "smart" thermostat that will adjust temperatures for when you're home or away can save money.
Setting your thermostat up or down 7 to 10 degrees (depending on the season) for eight hours a day can save you up to 10% over the course of the year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Check with your electric company to see if you qualify for budget billing. Typically, after living in your apartment or home for one year (sometimes longer), you can qualify if you have good credit. The electric company takes your average usage from the previous year and bills you the same each month, saving you from surprise fluctuations that can bust your monthly budget.
You might also wait until you have a full load before running your washing machine. Or try a smart power strip, which turns off electricity to the products you aren’t using.
» Call your utility provider: here's your script to potentially lower your bill
Water bill
The average family spends more than $1,000 per year on water costs, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data. That puts the average water bill at about $83 per month.
To lower your water bill, check for and fix any leaks in faucets, showerheads, sinks and toilet valves. The EPA also says you could save more than $380 per year by upgrading to WaterSense- or Energy Star-labeled appliances to improve efficiency.
Tweaking your habits can also help. Taking faster showers and turning off the tap while brushing your teeth will save water — and money. And rethink hand-washing dishes each night. If you have eight or more dirty dishes, consider running the dishwasher instead.
Gas bill
The average residential gas bill was $964 per year, or about $80 a month in 2022, according to the latest figures available from the American Gas Association. But that amount depends on where you live because the retail price of gas varies from state to state. Larger homes and those with gas-powered appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters and stoves, will also have higher gas bills.
Given that much of your gas bill probably goes toward heating the house, save money by monitoring your thermostat. In the winter, allow for lower temperatures while you’re away or asleep.
How to handle these bills
Utility bills can certainly add up, so it’s helpful to understand how much you’re spending on them. Consider tracking these bills and other expenses in a budget app.
And give the 50/30/20 rule a try. This type of budget divides your monthly take-home income like this:
50% toward needs, like utility bills, rent or mortgage payments and groceries.
30% for wants, such as meals out and vacations.
20% toward savings for the future, such as emergency funds and retirement accounts, as well as paying down debt.
There are several other types of budgets if this breakdown doesn’t work for you.
What if you can’t pay your bills?
If you don’t pay your bills, you risk late fees, damaged credit and possible disruption in service. But you have options:
Call the customer service line of your provider. You can likely find this number on your bill or through a quick online search. Explain your situation and request help. The company may lower or defer your bill or waive late fees.
Call 211 or visit 211.org. This network of experts may connect you with local resources and assistance.
Apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. This federal program helps eligible households struggling with energy costs.