Most people don't assume that their utilities and other monthly bills like cable and internet are negotiable - but I'm here to tell you otherwise. We all know how quickly these expenses can add up, so it's important to use your negotiating skills to your advantage to maximize your $$ each month. I've watched my dad do this for years growing up - whether it was calling Verizon, or his credit card company, etc. From watching him over the years, I've successfully negotiated my cable bills, cell phone, etc. There are a few other great resources out there who also talk on this topic, like Tori Dunlap of HerFirst100k and others.
First, start by calling and asking for a fixed rate with companies like your electric and gas companies - usually they offer a good monthly rate that you can lock in for the whole year, which helps to manage your budget, and usually will lower your overall expenses for the year. Water and waste management are less likely to budge, but it never hurts to ask.
Next up, take a look at your monthly expenses outside of utilities - things like cable, internet, cell phone. Companies are always running discounts and specials, it's worth it to take a look at your bill 1-2x a year, call them and see what they can do for you, their loyal customer. They can usually offer a better deal, especially on things like cable & your cell phone.
Now I want to specify how to have these conversations - be cordial and kind, ask the person on the other line how their day is and know that their first response may be that there isn't anything they can do. You need to be calm, polite and generally not a jerk - but be persistent - you can be firm in asking for what you want (which is a lower rate, a better monthly payment, etc) and not be a jerk about it.
Hi *blank* thanks so much for your help today - how are you
(They respond)
I'm looking to see what we can do with my monthly rate - I'd like to know what discounts can be offered at this time
(They respond they don't have anything)
I appreciate you taking a look, if you would mind checking to see if there's anything for customers who have been with you for X years, or asking a manager if there's anything they might know of. (Being persistent, while still thanking them for taking a look, and not accusing them of not knowing anything, or being a jerk, you have some leeway of finding another savings avenue)
Ultimately, do everything short of begging, being a jerk, crying, etc - people taking customer service calls are not therapists, and they shouldn't need to talk you off a ledge one way or another. Most of the time, a little persistence goes a long way. And if nothing else, you're not getting your bill raised if they say no to any discounts. If you want a fully in depth script, I highly suggest checking out Tori Dunlap's full script on negotiating bills and interest.
Happy negotiating!