You’ve likely heard the term ‘utility bill’ a few times. But do you know exactly what they are and how many you have? Knowing how many utility bills you have each month can help you save accurately so that you have no nasty surprises that leave you scrambling to find cash. The more we know about our expenses, the better our chances of budgeting for the right things and the more chance we’ll be able to save for the things we really want to do.
What is a utility bill?
A utility bill is usually a monthly statement showing how much you owe for essential services you’ve used such as water, electricity, council rates, etc. The bill will have your full name, address, and account number, and will state how much is due, when the due date is and how to pay it.
What are the most common types of utility bills?
There are many types of utility bills but the most common are electricity, gas, water, sewage and rates. Internet and phone services might be considered a utility bill, too, but not always.
Electricity: Electricity bills come from your energy provider and cover the cost of being connected to an electrical grid and consuming energy. If you’re serious about cutting down on your electricity bills, consider getting solar panels. Getting solar panels for your house can significantly reduce your electricity bills. Investing in solar power is a smart long-term choice with eventual rewards. When you have your own solar setup, it’s akin to owning a personal power station right at home. By bypassing intermediaries and managing it on your own, the benefits might not be instant, but the savings will grow significantly over time.
Gas: Natural gas bills are sent by a gas supplier for using natural gas and being connected to a gas mains network. Some Australians use liquid petroleum gas, or LPG, in their homes and businesses, so they may receive bills for restocking or refilling their cylinders.
Water: A water utility bill is issued by a utility company and bills you for the amount of water you consume at home or in your business. To lower your water bill, consider using a timer so that you get into the habit of having shorter showers. Also, check for any leaks that might be causing you to consume water unknowingly.
Sewage: Your sewage bill is usually part of your water bill and will cover the costs of any maintenance of local sewage and stormwater drains.
Rates: Council taxes are dependent on where you live and are issued by a council for maintenance and improvements to the local area. You can’t do much to change your local council rates so consider reducing your other utility bills to save money.
Utility bills are a part of our lives, whether we like it or not. While we can’t get rid of them, we can reduce them.
Your Solar & Electrical Experts
Established in 2020, Tropical Solar and Electrical Services is a locally owned and operated company servicing homes and businesses throughout Mackay and surrounding areas including Moranbah, Sarina, Proserpine and Rockhampton. Whether it’s power on the roof or within the property, we’ll ensure it’s running as it should. Get in touch with our electrical experts today for a free quote. We’re available 24/7 for your convenience.
