When looking for a new place, it’s important to keep in mind what amenities you’re after and if you’ll be responsible for paying for utilities separate from your rent.
Amenities can vary. Apartment complexes with higher rent, like Evolve, typically offer perks including fitness facilities, outdoor and indoor common areas and swimming pools. Other local apartment complexes may offer fewer amenities but at a lower cost.
Many student-oriented apartment complexes include all or some of your utilities in the cost of rent. They can include furnishing, as well. At The Quarters, for example, rent includes internet, water and sewage, but electricity costs are up to the renters. If you rent a house, duplex or other dwelling, you’re more likely to be responsible for utilities.
If you are responsible for utilities, there are a few places you can begin.
City of Bloomington Utilities includes water, wastewater and weekly trash and recycling pickup. To get started, visit the individual customer contract online. Here, you’ll provide a form of identification, list your address, add when service should begin and set up billing preferences. You can pay city utilities online, by phone, by mail or in-person.
To set up electricity payments, first check who your provider is. You can ask your landlord or try checking your electricity meter. Duke Energy also has a web page that can tell you if it’s your provider or not.
Duke is the service provider for much of Bloomington. If it’s yours too, go to the Duke “Start Service” page online. To get your payments started, you’ll need your new address, date of service and identification.
After you get set up, you can pay your bill online, by mail, by phone, in person or with auto-pay. You can also use the Duke Energy app to pay your bill and monitor your electricity usage.
If your first electricity bill seems a little high, don’t worry. That also includes a security deposit. According to Duke, residential customers will get that deposit back after nine consecutive months of on-time payments or 12 months with two or fewer late fees.
If you need natural gas, CenterPoint Energy is the provider for Bloomington, according to the city website. You can get started on service through its website. Consider enrolling in “budget billing,” which divides your annual bill across 12 months. That way, you won’t be surprised by higher energy bills in the winter.
It’s important to be clear what you’re responsible for paying or not when you sign your lease. If you’re not sure, feel free to ask who you’re renting from. IU Student Legal Services also offers free lease analyses via appointment.
This story was originally published in the Indiana Daily Student's Housing and Living Guide print publication Feb. 21, 2025.
