Attn apt dwellers: Electric and water bills (appointed, apartment)

[vansgirl]

My boyfriend and I will be moving into a 1-bd apartment (700-800 sq ft) soon. I am particulary concerned about the water and electricity bills (especially with the way winter has gone this year).

For all you apartment dwellers, what is considered a “normal” electric/water bill for you during winter and summer? Also, I’ve read to “never get a top floor apartment” b/c you will pay a crap load of $$ during the summer. Well, I’d rather get a top floor unit b/c I think it’s safer.

Could someone please give me some tips on what type of unit to rent so that it may save me some $$ on water/electric bills?

Thanks!!

[vansgirl]

Anyone??

[asubram3]

My apartment is not on the top floor. The electricity bill was around $110 in the past 2 months where it used to be $50, due to the cold. Water bill is around $13. My apartment is only 520 sq. feet, though.

Hope it helps.

[JoycMarr]

my apartment is around 1100 sq feet, bottom floor and I've paid a range of $130-$200 for electric and water is about $20. This is for winter months...haven't lived here long enough to live through a summer yet. I was told my apartment management the bills are lower in summer though. (we'll see, lol)

[loves2read]

make sure when you look for apts that you lease one where YOU can choose an electric provider--
not an apt where the complex sells electricity to you...
there is vast difference in rates because the apt complex is not under as much scrutiny from the state utility commission as an electric provider is...

[JoycMarr]

yeah, I got to choose mine.

[lh_newbie]

Originally Posted by loves2read

make sure when you look for apts that you lease one where YOU can choose an electric provider--
not an apt where the complex sells electricity to you...
there is vast difference in rates because the apt complex is not under as much scrutiny from the state utility commission as an electric provider is...

Though if you go to a reputable apartment that passes on their commercial rate, you can get a price 20-30% lower than residential rates. I was in an apartment in the Villages at one point and was paying around 6-7 cents/kwh when the going rate was 9-10.

[loves2read]

I would really like to know how many apts do that---was not my son's experience

[lh_newbie]

No idea how many, I just know that this was the case when I was in the Villages about 4 years ago.

[namcor]

My apt is on top floor, 750 SF, Green Mountain is my el. provider at fixed price of 11.3 cents, and my bill for the past 2 months was 140 and 134.
I was very disappointed to see that although I have a contract with GM, they still charge me 9.99 a month usage charge, plus some advance meter readings at $2.5, plus some other BS... $15-$20 extras, plus tax of course
Should have read the fine print )
Water/sewage/trash is $20-$30 per month