What are you responsible for?
With a house, you are usually responsible for setting up all utilities including gas, electric and water. With apartments, all utilities except the electric bill are generally included in the month’s rent.
Ways to save
Don’t just turn off. Unplug appliances and gadgets when they’re not in use.
Lower the thermostat temperature. For every degree you lower the temperature during the winter you can save up to 5 percent on your bill, according to the Alliance to Save Energy.
Wash clothes in cold water. It halves your energy use.
Install a low-flow shower head in your bathroom. It has a water output of no more than 2.5 gallons per minute, as opposed to a normal shower head’s 5.5 gallons per minute. Low-flow fixtures cost only $10 to $20 to install.
Lay area rugs on hardwood floors. Not only do they look nice, they also help warm a room and therefore reduce heating costs.
Names to know
Electric: Duke Energy
1-800-521-2232
Water: City of Bloomington Utilities
812-339-1444
Gas: Vectren Corporation
1-800-227-1376
