As University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire students transition to off-campus housing, setting up utilities can be a daunting task. This article will help you understand the process specific to Eau Claire, ensuring a smooth move into your new living space.
Understanding Utility Responsibilities in Eau Claire
Before signing up for utilities, confirm with your landlord which services you're responsible for. Common utilities in Eau Claire include:
1. Electricity: Provided by Xcel Energy
2. Water and Sewer: Managed by the City of Eau Claire
3. Natural Gas: Provided by Xcel Energy
4. Internet and Cable: Various providers available, including Spectrum, CenturyLink and TDS Fiber
Step-by-Step to Setting Up Utilities in Eau Claire
1. Determine What's Included in Your Lease
Review your lease agreement carefully to understand which utilities are your responsibility.
2. Contact Eau Claire Utility Providers
Electricity and Natural Gas: Contact Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-4999 or visit their website (www.xcelenergy.com) to set up service. You'll need to provide identification, proof of residency, and possibly a social security number [1].
Water and Sewer: Contact the City of Eau Claire Utilities Division at 715-839-4980 or visit their website (www.eauclairewi.gov/government/our-divisions/utilities) to set up an account. You'll likely need proof of residency and personal identification [2].
Internet and Cable: Research local providers such as Spectrum (1-855-243-8892) or CenturyLink (1-866-963-6665). Compare plans and set up installation appointments.
3. Schedule Installation and Activation
For services requiring physical installation, like the internet, schedule appointments well in advance, especially during peak moving seasons (typically late August and early September in Eau Claire).
4. Set Up Payment Methods
Most Eau Claire utility providers offer online payment options. Consider setting up automatic payments to avoid missing due dates.
5. Understand Your Billing Cycle
Familiarize yourself with each utility's billing cycle. For example, the City of Eau Claire bills for water and sewer services quarterly [2].
Tips for Managing Utilities as a UW-Eau Claire Student:
1. Create a Budget: Factor in seasonal changes, such as higher heating costs during Eau Claire's cold winters.
2. Communicate with Roommates: Decide how to split utility costs and consider using apps like Splitwise for easy tracking.
3. Practice Energy Conservation: Take advantage of Xcel Energy's energy-saving tips (www.xcelenergy.com/programs_and_rebates/residential_programs_and_rebates) to reduce your bills and environmental impact [1].
4. Keep Documentation: Save all utility-related documents for your records.
5. Address Issues Promptly: If you experience any problems, contact the relevant provider immediately.
By understanding your responsibilities and utilizing these Eau Claire-specific resources, you can manage your utilities effectively during your time as a UW-Eau Claire student. Remember, this experience will provide valuable life skills that extend beyond your college years.
Disclaimer
Hey there! Thanks for reading our stuff. We want you to know a few important things:
We're General Property Management LLC, right here in good old Eau Claire, WI. You can make an appointment to visit us. Our office is located at 703 5th Avenue #1, Eau Claire, WI 54703 or send written correspondence to General Property Management, LLC, P.O. Box 283, Eau Claire, WI 54702.
If you need to reach us, our email is contact@ec4rent.com and our phone number is 715-832-1200.
We try our best to give you good information, but we're not lawyers. If you have a serious legal problem, it's best to talk to a real attorney.
If you spot any mistakes in what we've written, please let us know! We'd love to fix it or take it down if needed.
We always welcome your comments and thoughts. Your feedback helps us do better!
Remember, when we all do our little part, the world is a better place. So let's work together to make things awesome!
Sources:
[1] Xcel Energy: www.xcelenergy.com
[2] City of Eau Claire Utilities Division: www.eauclairewi.gov/government/our-divisions/utilities
[3] University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: www.uwec.edu
[4] Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection - Tenant Rights and Responsibilities: datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Publications/LandlordTenantGuide.aspx
