Denver Utilities Setup Guide

Everything you need to know about setting up electricity, gas, water, internet, and more

⏰ Timeline

2 weeks before move-in: Contact all utility providers to schedule service start date for your move-in day.

Denver Utility Providers

⚡

Xcel Energy - Electric & Natural Gas

Phone: 800-895-4999
Website: xcelenergy.com
Hours: 24/7
Avg Cost (1BR): $80-120/month
Deposit: $0-150 (credit dependent)
Setup Time: Same day to 3 days

How to Set Up:

  1. Call or visit website 2 weeks before move-in
  2. Provide: Name, SSN, move-in date, address, phone, email
  3. Choose service start date (your move-in day)
  4. Set up auto-pay or select billing method
  5. No need to be present - service turned on remotely

💡 Money-Saving Tip: Enroll in budget billing to spread winter heating costs over 12 months. Sign up for Home Energy Squad for free energy audit.

💧

Denver Water

Phone: 303-893-2444
Website: denverwater.org
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm
Avg Cost: Often included in rent
If Not: $40-60/month
Deposit: Varies

⚠️ Note: Most Denver apartments include water/sewer in rent. Check your lease before setting up.

📡

Internet & Cable Providers

Xfinity (Comcast)

Speed: 100-1200 Mbps | Cost: $30-80/month
Installation: $89 or self-install kit
Contract: 12 months typical

CenturyLink

Speed: 100-940 Mbps fiber | Cost: $50-65/month
Installation: Free self-install
Contract: No contract, price for life

Ting Internet

Speed: 1000 Mbps fiber | Cost: $89/month
Installation: $89 professional install
Coverage: Limited areas (check availability)

💡 Tips: Skip cable TV - use streaming (Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV). Get your own modem/router to avoid $15/month rental fee. Negotiate "new customer" rates every year.

💰 Total Monthly Utility Costs

Studio/1BR Apartment

Electric & Gas $80-120
Internet $50-80
Renters Insurance $15-25
TOTAL $145-225/mo

2BR Apartment

Electric & Gas $120-180
Internet $50-80
Renters Insurance $20-35
TOTAL $190-295/mo

💡 Save $30-50/Month on Utilities

Winter (Heating)

  • Set thermostat to 68°F (65°F when sleeping)
  • Use space heater in room you're in
  • Close vents in unused rooms
  • Keep curtains closed at night
  • Use draft stoppers on doors

Summer (Cooling)

  • Set AC to 78°F (82°F when away)
  • Use fans to circulate air
  • Close blinds during hottest part of day
  • Cook outside or use microwave
  • Run AC at night when it's cooler

Year-Round

  • Replace all bulbs with LED
  • Unplug devices when not in use
  • Use power strips, turn off when leaving
  • Run dishwasher/laundry only when full
  • Take shorter showers (5-7 minutes)

Internet Savings

  • Buy your own modem/router (pay off in 6 months)
  • Call yearly to renegotiate rate
  • Threaten to cancel for better deal
  • Skip cable, use streaming services
  • Share streaming accounts with roommates