Utilities - Looking Back on My Household Utilities Cost

Every year I look back at the previous year to see how I am making and spending my money.  Comparing year over year helps me to identify where I need to make adjustments in my lifestyle.  It helps me make my goals and in general is a good road-map for my future.  Today I wanted to look at my spending on Utilities.

I am always interested in comparing how much I spend to "operate" my house to what others spend.  The cost of running a home is a fairly large expense, so keeping it under control is key to meeting my financial goals.  I am continuously looking at ways to be more energy efficient.

In 2012, we effectively reduced our utilities expense by $557, or $46 per month.  I say "effectively" because that excludes what we had to pay in deposits to turn on the utilities when we moved.

• Our average monthly electric bill was $60.91.  This was for 3 adults all year.
• Our average monthly water (and sewer and trash) bill was $59.67.  Again, for three people.
• Our average monthly cell phone bill (for two phones) was $16.17 (but it is actually $44 per month) - Republic Wireless gave us free service for several months until we upgraded our phones.

Background

• We are currently a household of three, but the 3rd person is only here temporarily.  She moved into my house in November 2011 and followed us to Florida.  Even though the arrangement was supposed to be measured in weeks, she is still here.  Having a roommate isn't perfect, but I receive $75 a week in rent and she cleans up after herself, so I won't complain.  Still, she insists she is moving soon.
• I live in the Clearwater, Florida area, which is part of the Tampa Bay Metropolitan area.  We have hot, humid summers and mild winters.  Since we moved to Clearwater in August, 2012, I have not needed to turn on the heat.  Our air conditioning needs are similar to my previous home in Birmingham as Birmingham actually experiences slightly warmer summers than Clearwater. 
• I set the thermostat to 60 in winter and 81 in summer.
• The water bill also included sewer, trash and recycling charges.  I only pay for trash service because I am required to do so.

Cable TV

2006: $156

2007: $0

2008: $0

2009: $0

2010: $0

2011: $0
2012: $0

Electricity

2006: $755

2007: $679

2008: $1173

2009: $436

2010: $500

2011: $564
2012: $1106 ($731 excluding deposit at new house)

Internet

2006: $120

2007: $229

2008: $196

2009: $575

2010: $296

2011: $239
2012: $196

Natural Gas

2006: $205

2007: $0

2008: $132

2009: $529

2010: $485

2011: $447
2012: $163

Telephone

2006: $598

2007: $329

2008: $1323

2009: $1335

2010: $900

2011: $913
2012: $194

Water

2006: $327

2007: $432

2008: $571

2009: $573

2010: $522

2011: $559
2012: $936 ($716 excluding deposit at new house)

Total

2006: $2161

2007: $1669

2008: $3395

2009: $3448

2010: $2703

2011: $2722
2012: $2760 ($2165 excluding deposits)

Here is how our Utilities spending will change in 2012.  

• Beginning in February, my partner will pay the water bill.  I will be tracking our usage but not our spending.
• Our new home is all electric, so there will be no natural gas bill.
• We still don't have Internet at home.