The City of Fort Collins provides electricity, water, and sewage services. No deposit is required, unless you have a questionable credit rating. You can usually initiate your city utilities with just a phone call or a visit online (click link above). It is important to do this during regular business hours, as there is a charge for hook-up after regular hours of $55.45. There is an installation charge of $15.65 to set up a new account and an additional $20.00 if the water to the unit has been turned off. If you plan to move on a weekend or after business hours, it is recommended that you arrange to have the utilities connected prior to your move-in date to avoid the extra charge.
Your electricity bill is based on consumption. The cost is between $.05 to $.06 per kilowatt-hour plus a base charge of $3.00 per month. A meter is used to determine your consumption.
Water and sewage rates are flat rates or metered and are often included in the monthly rent of a unit. Check with your landlord.
330 S. College
(970) 212-2900
Public Service provides natural gas. Service can be initiated with a phone call or a visit online (link above). Be sure to do this at least 24 hours prior to when you need the service. A security deposit is required if you have not had a previous account with Public Service. It will be equal to approximately two month's average bills for the specific unit (ex. $40.00 x 2 = $80.00). If, during a 12-month period, all bills are paid by the due date, the security deposit will be credited to your account. You may waive the deposit by providing your social security number for a credit check or by having a guarantor's name added to the account. The guarantor must have an active account with good history. Call during regular office hours: 6:00am to 7:00pm, Monday through Friday. If the gas has been turned off, the turn-on fee is $20.00. If the account needs to be transferred to a different name there is an $8.00 charge. They can give an average estimate cost if they know the address in advance.
Your actual energy costs will depend on the efficiency of your appliances, the insulation in your home, and your personal lifestyle. Public Service has an alternative billing system available such as automatic bank withdrawal. They also have a "Budget Billing" program that allows a credit build-up during the warmer months to apply to the larger winter bills. This will help so that you won't have to sell your stereo to cover heating bills that are unexpectedly high!
1-800-772-7858
P.O. Box 840
Denver, CO 80201
Heating Alternatives
Fireplaces, wood stoves, and propane gas are some heating options. Firewood can be bought by the cord (approximately 800 pieces) for anywhere from $85 to $150. To use propane gas you first need a tank (usually 500 gallons). Renting one costs approximately $55 per year; buying a new tank is approximately $1000, used ones cost less. When you buy or rent a tank, by law you must purchase your gas from the same company. Remember that your landlord must approve alterations to your home for energy conservation purposes in writing before they are made.
To establish your phone service, call the Qwest office a minimum of 3 business days before service is needed. The installation fee is $35. If you prefer to pay the installation fee in installments you can arrange for this in advance. If you live out of town, you may be in a special rate zone that will raise your basic rate a varied amount, depending on where you live. A deposit may be required for long distance service. Contact Qwest directly by phone or via their website (linked above).
Additional services to consider are caller ID and call waiting. Package deals are available, ask for assistance.
One suggestion is to only get local service and then have each roommate obtain his/her own long distance service. That way no one is left with a huge long distance bill that isn't your own.
Qwest Communications
1-800-244-1111
Garbage Service
If you live in a house or apartment that doesn't provide a trash dumpster, you will need to arrange for garbage pick-up. There are several companies in Fort Collins that are listed in the phone book. Prices and services vary from company to company.
Comcast provides cable services within the Fort Collins City limits. Numerous choices are offered, including basic cable and digital cable options. High-speed internet is also available. Contact Comcast directly by phone or online by clicking on the link above.
1201 University Ave.
970-493-7400
1-888-824-4010