MBA Student Services

Utilities

Both the Laclede Gas Company and Ameren UE do not turn on utilities until a day or two after the request for service is made. If you are lucky, the gas and electricity will still be on in the home you move to; if not, contact these companies immediately after you have selected a place to live and don't expect to have these utilities in less than 24 hours. In the past, people who have not had a Laclede Gas account have been required to make a deposit to Laclede as a show of good faith before the utilities are turned on. This deposit varies with the amount of gas you will need and can range from $5 to $100.

Electricity

Ameren UE - Phone: 314-342-1000
https://www2.ameren.com/residential/default.aspx
Average monthly electric bills in an apartment are around $40, depending upon extent of utilities using electricity usage and age of building. There is a budget billing option where the customer pays a set amount each month regardless of usage, and Ameren credits any overpayment at the end of the year or bills the customer for underpayment. This is a good option if you have old appliances or an inefficient air conditioning or heating system.

Gas

Laclede Gas - Phone: 314-621-6960
http://www.lacledegas.com/
Normal cost of cooking gas is around $30 per month. In some places, heat and gas are combined in your gas bill. If you have gas heat, expect the price to be considerably more. Gas prices have tripled in Saint Louis over the past year. During the coldest winter months, gas bills can be over $150 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Telephone

AT&T - Phone: 314-572-7000
http://www.sbc.com/
The cost of basic phone services provided by AT&T varies with the type of service ordered and the area in which you live. Installation fees average $35 + tax and may vary depending on service required. Visit their website to review different options for service. A letter of guarantee or a cash deposit may be required. You must purchase your own telephone. They can be obtained at most department stores.

Cellular Phone Service

Several national companies offer cellular and digital phone service in the St. Louis area. Prices vary significantly by the plan type and the current specials. Several companies allow you to order service online as well. Make sure you mention that you are a Washington University student in case there are any possible discounts.

Air-Conditioning

In new buildings, central air-conditioning is usually supplied at an additional cost of about $100 a month. Older buildings not only lack air-conditioners, but usually lack sufficient wiring to tolerate the additional electrical load; however, one air-conditioner, if not more than 9 amperes (110 volts), can usually be managed if no other heavy appliances are operating at the same time. These can be purchased new for approximately $300 (6500-7200 BTU) or used for between $100-$150.

Cable

Charter Communications - 1-800-211-4450
http://www.charter.com/
Locally, Charter Communications offers cable service. They also offer DSL, cable high speed internet, cable TV and digital cable business network, Charter media, and telephone service. Basic cable is approximately $45 per month plus installation fees.

A good source of information about local and long distance phone service, cable, internet access, and cell phone plans is www.getconnected.com. This site allows you to enter your zip code, and choose from among a number of plans.

Back to Guide

Washington University Home Page