A household budget is just a plan for the money you already have: list what comes in, list what has to go out, and give every dollar a job before the month starts. In Lexington, utility bills are one of the easiest categories to underestimate, especially in a hot summer or a cold snap.

A simple way to plan the month

1. Write down take-home pay for the month, not the gross amount on an offer letter. If you are paid weekly or every two weeks, count only the checks you will actually receive.
2. List fixed bills first: rent or mortgage, electric, water, gas, sewer and trash, internet or phone, insurance, minimum debt payments, childcare.
3. Then list variable spending: groceries, gas for the car, household stuff. Use last month's totals if you have them.
4. What is left is for savings, extra debt payments or the "this broke" envelope. If nothing is left, trim the variable list or look at the bills you can actually change.

You do not need special software. A notebook works. If you want a spreadsheet or printable pages, The Hire Power™ budget planner and bill tracker are on Gumroad (also on Payhip: budget planner, bill tracker).

Plan around Lexington utility bills

Most Lexington households receive more than one bill, from more than one company. The city's utility franchises page is a useful official overview of who is authorized to serve the city. Start service before move-in day when you can, and do not email a Social Security number.

• Electric: Kentucky Utilities (KU) start, stop or move service, on the shared LG&E and KU site. Residential contact details, including the current start-service phone number, are on the residential contact page. Confirm that the address is in KU territory.
• Water: Kentucky American Water. The city's New LEXserv customers page says to call (800) 678-6301 to activate a water account if you have not already signed up.
• Sewer, landfill and water-quality fees: billed by LEXserv. When you start water service with Kentucky American Water, LEXserv says it automatically receives your billing information and creates the account; you do not need to contact LEXserv separately in that usual case. LEXserv is at 218 E. Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507, phone (859) 280-8047 or (888) 987-8111. The city notes that LEXserv billing can run two to three weeks behind the Kentucky American Water bill for the same period, so the first LEXserv bill may arrive later than you expect.
• Natural gas: Columbia Gas of Kentucky start, stop or move service. The company says to schedule at least one business day ahead and lists 1-800-432-9345 for support. (For a gas emergency it publishes a separate 24/7 number, 1-800-432-9515, and says to go outside and call 911 first if you smell gas.)
• Trash, recycling and yard waste: city collection details are on the waste collection page. The city points people to 311 or (859) 425-2255.

What to watch on the first few bills

• Deposits and connection fees can show up on the first bill or as a separate charge. Use the official provider page, not an old forum number.
• Seasonal swings: electric bills often jump with air conditioning; gas or electric heat can jump in winter. If you can, set aside a little extra in the mild months.
• Due dates vs. paydays: line the due dates up against your paycheck dates on a calendar. Our payday bill guide walks through a 15th and 30th schedule.
• Residential utility sales-tax treatment: Kentucky has had special rules for a residential exemption. Henderson's utilities page discusses a declaration of domicile for city-utility customers. Ask your own utility which form, if any, you need. Do not guess from a neighbor's bill.

Rates, deposits, due dates and service territories change. This page is general information, not a bill estimate or financial advice. Confirm every number and start-service rule on the official utility site or by calling the number on that site.