About Utility Bills

Utility bills are bills that often come in monthly to pay for such items as electricity, heating and water usage. Utilities are generally services that all homes need. It is important to pay each bill on time in order to avoid service interruption; however, if you do run into problems with your bill there are some steps that you can take to get help.

• If you feel there is an error on your bill, you can file a dispute with the company.


• Utility bills that are not paid and go delinquent are reported to the credit reporting agencies and will go on your credit report as a negative mark.


• Utility bills have a phone number on them for those who would like to setup budget payments. This is for those who may have high heating bills in winter and low ones in the summer. A budget payment arrangement averages out your estimated payments for the year and allows you to pay the same amount each month.


• All the information you need is on your bill. You can see how much service you used, you can also compare it to months before to see if you are using more or less. Your bill's due date in listed, and any phone numbers you may need. You can also see a list of everything you are being billed for.


• There is help for low-income families who cannot pay their utility bill. Contact your utility company for information on how to contact your local assistance company.


• If your utility bill has a shut off notice on it, contact the company to see if there is anything you can do to avoid service interruption. Also mention if someone in your home is seriously ill. There are certain situations in which shut-offs are not allowed.


• There is an emergency phone number on your bill, this number can be used for gas leaks or power outages.