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Utilities

Before you sign a lease to your house or apartment, ask your landlord which utilities are covered by the owner and which ones you are responsible for. Many rental agreements will provide water and gas in the rent, while others require you to pay for all utilities yourself. Telephone service is almost never covered in the rent. Most utilities are billed monthly and may require a deposit to initiate service.

Gas

Natural gas is primarily used in older homes to provide heat during the winter and to fuel stoves in the kitchen. If gas is used in your home and is not paid for by the owner, you must request the start of service from Xcel Energy of Colorado. Gas is infused with a foul odor to alert you when a leak is present. If you detect a gas leak, exit the building immediately and notify your service provider.

Electric

Electric power is provided by Xcel Energy of Colorado. If electricity is not paid for by the owner, you must request the start of service from Xcel. Electricity in the United States uses alternating current of 120 Volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. Make sure to use an adapter with any electric devices that were designed to operate using a different voltage system.

Water and Sewage

Water and sewage services are provided by Denver Water. Sewage service is usually only required in houses and is generally paid for by the owner. Conservation of water is highly valued in Denver, so learn how you can reduce your water usage in your daily routine.

Telephone

Local telephone service in Denver is provided by Qwest Communications. Telephone service is billed monthly and depends on the type of service and features you would like in your home. Long distance service is provided by long distance carriers, such as AT&T, Sprint, and MCI. Rates for long distance calls vary depending on the destination of the call. Many students choose not to purchase a residential telephone line if they have a cell phone.

Cable and Internet

Cable and Internet services are provided by several companies in Denver including Comcast, CenturyLink (Qwest), and the Dish Network. The cost of cable and Internet service depends on the type of service you order. Many providers offer a discounted price for ordering cable, Internet, and telephone services together.