Question re: Bedford, TX Utility Costs (Fort Worth, Hurst: foreclosed, appliances, how much)

[DFW_Freelancer]

Hi everyone,

I'm about to be a first-time homeowner (with all the joy and headache that entails..hehe!). We're purchasing an 1,800 sq. ft. single-story brick home in Bedford, TX.

I'd like to just get a general ballpark figure of how much other homeowners in Bedford pay for electric and water each month. The home has standard windows (not energy efficient - yet) and a vaulted ceiling in living room, if that helps with an estimate.

Thanks!
Janna

[loves2read]

probably varies depending on insulation/orientation to sun/trees and shade/number in household/appliances--whether or not there is gas or electric water heater and gas/electric stove...

did you ask for past utility bills?
if you contact TXU which is the main electric provider for Bedford area, you might get past bills for that address -- but those are tied to sellers' factors--
call the city and see if you can get past water bills as well...
I was able to get the past Arkla bills for our Hurst address from Arkla

[DFW_Freelancer]

Great suggestion, I never thought of asking for past bills. The house has been foreclosed and on the market for almost a year, so we have no contact with the former owner. I will check and see if the city still has records.

Thanks again!
Janna

[babs7907]

Use an average of around $10/sq ft - so you're looking at around $180/month on electricity. (of course, the type of insulation etc also matters)

Asking for previous bills might not help because electricity is deregulated in Texas, therefore the previous owners might have been using other electricity providers other than TXU, plus client confidentiality!.

Water and Sewage you can get from the local council.

[Mckellyb]

The electricity middleman, the person you write the check to, makes a huge difference.

Our SW Fort Worth electric is 6.6¢ per kwh, which I'm not certain I believe.