Episode Details

When you rent or own a home in the United States, you will be responsible for paying utility bills. Common utilities include electricity, gas, water, and internet service. Understanding how to read and pay these bills will help you avoid late fees and service interruptions.

When you move into a new home, you will need to set up accounts with the utility companies that serve your area. Your landlord can tell you which companies provide electricity, gas, and water in your building. For internet service, you can choose from different providers and plans.

Each month, you will receive a bill showing your usage, the amount owed, and the due date. Pay close attention to the due date — paying late usually results in a fee of $5 to $25. If you receive a disconnect notice, do not ignore it. Call the company immediately, as most will offer a payment extension or payment plan.

Setting up auto-pay is highly recommended. With auto-pay, the payment is automatically deducted from your bank account on the due date. This eliminates the risk of forgetting to pay. You can usually set up auto-pay on the utility company's website or by calling customer service.

Budget billing is another helpful option. Instead of paying different amounts each month (higher in winter for heat, higher in summer for air conditioning), budget billing averages your usage over the year and charges you the same amount each month. This makes planning your monthly budget easier.

If you are having financial difficulty, contact the utility company before your bill becomes past due. Most utilities have assistance programs for customers who are struggling to pay. You may also qualify for government energy assistance programs such as LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program).

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