Sims 4 - Make It Happen: Sims Off the Grid - No Utility Bills! Sims 4 Basegame

Although there is a challenge to living off the grid in the Sims Worlds, it can now be done.

At the time of this article, Sims "Off the Grid" updates are constantly being added, so take these suggestions for what it they are worth. Examples are shown at the bottom of this piece.

The Off the Grid trait must be selected for the Residential Lot.

Some of the important things I have learned:

You cannot go on vacation or be off the lot between 5 and 6:30 AM, especially on Mondays or Tuesdays. Your Sims will start receiving utility bills! (Might be a script bug.)
All refrigerators will act as coolers/storage in Off the Grid home traits. You can store fish and garden harvests in the refrigerator. The better quality (more expensive) fridges tend to help food stay fresh longer.
Only two basic stoves work (gas and wood) but the Sims can only cook Grilled Cheese or Eggs and Toast regardless of the Cooking skill level on these stoves.
With all refrigerators, the Sims can also prepare Garden Salads.
When cooking, the Sims can opt to use Fresh Ingredients, or not.
Quality with cooking comes by upgrading the appliances as soon as possible
Hygiene tends to take longer and may cause discomfort with foul smells and tepid water.
Toilets need to occasionally have "water-saving" flushes for cleaning purposes.
No Internet and almost no electronics.
Some cell phone services don't work.
Books can still be ordered through the Bookshelves.
Few Lighting Options - some candles don't work and none of the oil lamps or lanterns work. None of the ceiling lights work Off the Grid!
Install a lot of tall windows when building for natural lighting during the day.
Be certain to have both a sink and a small trash bin inside the home in order to clean up after eating. (Seems to be a bug at this point.)
Different extension packs provide other unique Off the Grid options.
Use the Build Mode Search Engine to locate Off the Grid items.

Off the Grid Pros:

No Utility Bills!
If your Sims owns the Nano Trash Recycling Bin, you can actually earn money by collecting trash from around the neighborhood to dispose of in the Recycle Bin.
The candles are romantic
It's an adventure without leaving the lot!
Most of the Cell phone features still work, but not all.
Encourages the Sims to Grill foods more often for cooking variety.
Your Sims can build a large home without having to pay for utilities.
Some electronics like tablets and cameras work (mostly) Off the Grid.
Most entertaining/skill building items can still be used Off the Grid - Chess board, music instrument, handicraft table, gardening, reading books, mirror, etc.
All Fireplaces work Off the Grid

Off the Grid Cons:

Getting clean is more difficult with everything needing to be quick.
Fewer cooking options.
No Career selection access from cell phone without traveling to another lot.
Careers that require certain skills may need to be handled off the lot.
Electronic entertainment options suck!
You may need to leave the lot to use laptops or order some items online.
The Gym or other commercial buildings become the best places to clean up unless you have acquired the "Always Welcome" reward to shower at the neighbor's home.
There are other game bugs that keep popping up.

Off the Grid Tips:

Keep the Hygiene levels in the green as much as possible.
Develop a high Handiness skill as soon as possible.
Upgrade appliances and plumbing with quality as soon as possible to reduce discomfort.
Taking showers just before going to bed minimizes discomfort moodlets during the day.
Eat Garden or Wild harvests stored in personal inventory as much as possible.
Garden salad leftovers seem to store well in the refrigerators.
Store fish in the refrigerator to use for quality garden fertilizer.
Getting High Skills in a single day with a first level Skill book!

Switch the Sims Lot Traits to have the "Peace and Quiet" option.
At some point (like the day before) have the Sims read the first level skill book up to level three then stop reading the book.
Do other activities for the rest of the day, meeting and improving all "Sims needs" before going to bed.
Get up the next day and refresh (top off) needs, then start reading the first level skills book non-stop - don't answer the door, don't stop to eat or bladder or anything until the Sims has become so worn down that stopping is essential.
I have been able to get Sims to the Seventh or Eighth Skill level on the first level skills book alone and this is not a cheat or bug!
Recommendation - Start with the Handiness Skill Book!