Gas, electric, water, sewer, trash and recycling, cable…the list continues.
A utility company is defined as, a company that provides an important service to everyone that pays for the service. Utility bills are specific to an individual address and the cost of the bill usually varies based on the amount consumed.
For example, your water bill will be higher in the summer months if you’re filling your pool more frequently. Power bills increase in the summer and winter when the air conditioning and heat are running more to combat the outside elements.
While internet, phone, and cable bills are typically fixed rates month after month, these services are common amenities in most U.S. homes today. Thus, arguing that they are utility bills. Netflix and other subscription and streaming services, however, are not- by definition, utilities.
To have services connected, residents must individually contact the utility companies local to their address to schedule set-up. If you are unsure what companies service your neighborhood, you can ask a neighbor, the Homeowner’s Association, or search online.
We encourage you to contact each company at least two to three weeks before moving in to allow time for connection. Some companies require a connection fee. First and last month services are often prorated and each company can detail their payment options.
More than just providing a service, utility bills are used to prove residency. When getting a driver's license at the DMV or applying for a United States passport a utility bill stating an individual's name and address is required.
Today, NextEra Energy is the largest utility company in the United States with nearly 20 billion dollars in annual revenue. Utility companies vary greatly in size and not all see the same profits. The services they provide, how many customers they serve, and their location are all contributing factors.
When calculating utilities, residents must take into consideration the size of their home, as well as the quality. Newer homes are more energy efficient. They must also consider the location of their home. Exterior climate has a large impact on what it costs to power a home.
Those looking to save on utility bills should look to their windows, lighting, and appliances first as they largely contribute to energy consumption. Looking for help paying your utility bills? Energy Star offers rebates and tax credits for residential energy efficiency and for builders of energy efficient homes.
For statistics specific to the United States energy sources and information on energy assistance, visit the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average American makes an annual salary of $54,132. Of that, the average family spends approximately $7,000 a year on utilities with Hawaii being the most expensive state for utility bills and Utah being the least expensive. However, since usage is the largest factor, the average utility bill does vary by household. To view a full breakdown of average utility costs per state, click here.
Regardless of where you live, utility bills and the services it takes to power a household add up quickly. It’s no wonder why utility companies disconnect services every day due to unpaid billing statements.
Depending on the state of service, the laws differ. Many similarities transcend state lines. Before ending service, a service termination letter must be provided by the utility company. The letter is often mailed via Certified Mail to guarantee it’s delivery. Sending the letter certified provided the sender with proof of mailing, USPS tracking, and Electronic Delivery Confirmation.
Once a statement is past due, a termination letter is usually mailed within three weeks. To regain good standing with the utility provider, residents who have received a termination letter can pay the bill, late fee, and any other fines associated with the termination process. Many utility companies offer payment plans for customers who need them.
Utility companies searching for an easier and more cost-effective way to mail notices should look no further than Certified Mail Labels.
Why Certified Mail Labels?
Certified Mail Labels allows users to create USPS Certified Mail® Labels, Priority Mail labels, and Express Mail labels with USPS Postage online from the comfort of their home or office.
With no monthly contracts, fees, software, or special equipment., Certified Mail Labels is easy and efficient. Users receive email notifications with Electronic Delivery confirmation, Return Receipt Signatures, tracking, and a 10-year compliance archive at no extra cost.
Certified Mail Labels offers Certified Mail services for less than USPS and you get to skip the trip to the Post Office entirely. Save $3.15 on every certified letter sent when you use Certified Mail Labels.
Receive proof of mailing, letter tracking, delivery confirmation, and mailing receipts for each of your compliance letters available 24/7 – 365 days a year. Not only can you skip the trip to the printer and post office, but you can save over $2.75 per letter mailed.
For companies looking to consolidate the termination notice process, our full-service print and mail option is the perfect solution and allows users to skip the trip to both the printer and Post Office. Contact our customer service team to learn more about our full-service solutions.
Learn more about Certified Mail and how Certified Mail Labels works, here.