How to Create a Sample Utility Bill for Design, Film, and Educational Use

Whether you're a filmmaker, designer, educator, or software developer, sometimes you need a realistic-looking utility bill that isn’t tied to a real account. Creating a sample utility bill can add authenticity to a scene, clarity to an app interface, or realism to a classroom exercise.

In this post, we’ll show you how to create a convincing—but entirely fictional—utility bill that’s suitable for legal and creative uses.

Why Create a Sample Utility Bill?

Legitimate uses include:

• Film and TV props: Add realism to scenes involving mail or financial struggles.

• Graphic or UX design portfolios: Demonstrate how your interface handles uploaded documents.

• Educational tools: Teach students how to read utility bills or manage budgets.

• Software testing: Simulate document scanning and parsing features in apps.

Important: Creating or using a utility bill to deceive (e.g., for proof of address) is illegal. Always label mock documents as “Sample” or “For Demonstration Only.”

What Should a Sample Utility Bill Include?

Here are the standard sections to replicate for realism:

• Utility company name (fictional)

• Customer name

• Address

• Account number

• Billing period

• Usage summary

• Charges

• Total due

• Due date

• Barcode or QR code (for visual realism only)

You can also include a detachable payment stub at the bottom, just like real bills.

Tools to Build One

For simple layouts: Google Docs, Microsoft Word, PDF editors.

For visual design: Canva, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign.

For film props: Print in high-resolution with subtle folds or textures to enhance realism.

Example Template (Text Version)

HORIZON POWER & LIGHT Account #: 000-1456789
123 Energy Way, Springfield, IL Bill Date: 07/01/2025
Customer Name: Alex Johnson Due Date: 07/15/2025
Service Address: 123 Elm St, Springfield, IL 62704

Billing Period: 06/01/2025 – 06/30/2025
Total Usage: 722 kWh

Charges:
Base Charge: $45.00
Energy Usage: $86.64
Taxes & Fees: $10.52

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE: $142.16

Please pay by 07/15/2025 to avoid late fees.

Stay Legal and Ethical

When you create a sample utility bill:

• Use fictional names and addresses

• Avoid using real logos from actual utility companies

• Mark documents clearly as “Sample” or “For Demonstration Only”

• Do not use for ID verification, loans, or any official purpose

Final Thoughts

A well-designed sample utility bill can be a powerful prop or teaching tool—but only when used responsibly. By using fictional data and clear disclaimers, you can add realism to your work without crossing legal lines.

Need help designing one for your next creative project or training session? I’d be happy to generate a realistic-looking mock bill with fictional data for you—just ask!