The facts about utilities

What are the main differences in utilities for houses and apartments?

Most apartments in Bloomington include gas, heat, water, satellite TV and Internet in the month’s rent, and residents are responsible for their electric bills. If you’re renting a house in Bloomington, you’re more likely to be responsible for paying each of these bills on your own.

How does trash pickup work in Bloomington?

Trash is picked up by the city once a week, with the day varying depending on where you live. According to the Bloomington Sanitation Department, the city uses a pay-as-you-throw program, meaning that you are charged per bag of trash rather than a flat rate. Trash stickers are $2 per sticker, and yard waste stickers are $1 per sticker. These stickers can be found at Kroger, Marsh, Bloomingfoods and other places around town.

How much do utilities normally cost?

Your water bill is calculated based on the size meter you have and the amount of water you use, according to the City of Bloomington Utilities. Two people typically pay about $46 for water, and four people typically pay $78. For a four-bedroom townhouse at Covenanter Hill Apartments, the water bill is typically $43 per person per month.
Duke Energy, the company that serves most of Bloomington, charges a $9.40 initial connection charge, nine cents for each of the first 300 kilowatts and five cents for the next 700 kilowatts of energy. Each person living in a four-bedroom apartment at Varsity Villas typically pays $50 per month for his or her electric bill.

HOW TO SAVE ON UTILITIES
Turn off unnecessary lights and use energy-effi cient bulbs. This will also save you money on air conditioning because cooling your home won’t require as much energy.

Unplug electronic devices that use energy even when they are turned off , such as cell phone chargers, laptop cords, DVD/VCR players and coff ee makers.

Turn your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day when you’re on campus. This can save you 10 percent a year on heating and cooling bills.

Install a low-fl ow showerhead, and take showers rather than baths. This can save you 10 gallons of water every day.

Switch from hot to cold water while you’re shaving or brushing your teeth.

SOURCE: DUKE ENERGY