You’re Probably Overpaying for Utilities (And Don’t Realize It)
Here’s what usually happens … You sign up for internet, electricity or water, set it to autopay and never touch it again. Then the bill shows up, by mail or email, but because you are auto-paying, you ignore it. What you’re missing is how it’s getting higher little by little.
Years go by and even though you have the same provider and same plan, you’re paying more. Sometime a lot more, but you don’t notice.
Meanwhile, people with the same provider, in the same neighborhood, even the same usage are paying less. Because they made a phone call — and you can do this, too.
How Making One Phone Call Can Save You Money
You don’t need to argue or be aggressive. This isn’t about switching companies or threatening to cancel. All you have to do is make one polite phone call to your provider and say, “Hey, am I still on your best deal?” along with a few other questions.
All it takes is a phone, 30 minutes and a little bit of prep.
If making the call yourself sounds intimidating, you’re not alone. Some people are even experimenting with AI tools to help negotiate bills on their behalf — and in at least one real-world test, it worked. In fact, CNET recently put ChatGPT to the test to see whether it could help lower bills through negotiation, with mixed but promising results.
The takeaway? Whether you use AI or do it yourself, the savings come from asking.
Do This Before You Call
Before you call your providers, grab your last few bills and confirm what you’re being charged. You’ll want to have this information on hand. Check for anything weird, new or higher than usual. If your usage jumped, try to remember why. Heatwave? Holiday guests? New job schedule?
Now, search your provider’s website to see what deals are being advertised right now. It doesn’t matter if they’re for new customers. You’re collecting information so you can make an informed ask.
Also helpful? Know how long you’ve been with them. Three years? Five? That loyalty counts. And if you’ve been on autopay, never missed a payment, you’re a dream customer. You just haven’t asked for anything yet.
Last thing: jot down what you want to ask. Doesn’t need to be formal. Something like:
- Do you have any current customer discounts?
- Are there more affordable plans that fit my usage?
- What happens when my contract ends?
These notes can help you stack on topic when you call.
Make a Call That Could Lower Your Utility Bill
Make the call like you’re checking in, not complaining. Try midweek mornings if you can. Tuesdays or Wednesdays are usually the best because they are quiet. Avoid Mondays, they are high traffic days for utility call centers.
Once someone answers, keep your tone neutral. You’re not mad. You’re just trying to see if there’s a better option. Something like, “I’ve been with you for a while and just want to make sure I’m on the best rate you’ve got.”
Ask if there are any loyalty discounts. Ask if bundling services lowers the total. Ask if there’s a usage-based plan that might fit better. And while you’re at it, ask when your contract ends. Most people have no idea. You might be month-to-month and not even know it.
Also? If you’ve been a long-term customer, you can ask for a one-time credit, just for being consistent. A lot of companies won’t offer it unless you bring it up, but they do it all the time.
If You Save Money, Don’t Let It Disappear
You made the call, got the discount and got a better rate. That’s great! Now, keep track of it for next year. Put the contract end date in your phone, set a reminder one month before. This is important because most of these plans expire quietly. If you don’t keep track, you’ll get bumped back up to a higher rate and not even notice.
Also, write down what changed. Open your Notes app and type, “Got $10 off electric, ends next April.” That way next year, you’re not guessing.
Follow Up With Your Utility Provider Once a Year
Call around the same time every year. Right before your contract ends is best. Or after something changes — like a move, a new job, a new roommate, etc.
A lot of those discounts vanish after 12 months. And if you don’t check in, your rates creep right back up. One quick check stops that from happening.
A Half Hour That Pays for Itself
Most people autopay their utility bills and never question them. But spending just 30 minutes once a year can keep you from wasting money.
You don’t have to change how you live. You just have to stop treating these bills like they’re non-negotiable. Because they aren’t. You just have to ask.