How to Pay Your Utility Bill in Alexander City, AL

Paying your monthly utility bill is a routine task for residents of Alexander City, AL. However, the process can sometimes be confusing, especially if you’re new to the area. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to pay your Alexander City utility bill quickly and easily.

Overview of Alexander City Utilities

Alexander City provides electricity water sewer, sanitation, and gas utility services to local households and businesses. The city’s Utility Billing Department handles payment processing and account management for all utility customers within the municipality.

Utility services are billed on a monthly cycle. Customers receive a consolidated statement detailing charges for each utility service. Payment is due by the 10th of each month to avoid late fees. Alexander City offers various payment options to accommodate different needs and preferences.

Payment Options

There are several ways Alexander City utility customers can pay their monthly bills.

By Phone

• Call 256-329-6710 to make a payment by phone using a debit/credit card or electronic check

• Phone payments are processed 24/7 by an automated system using your account number.

• Phone payments incur a $1.50 service fee.

Online Payment Portal

• Pay online anytime at https //ipn2paymentus.com/rotp/aacua

• Accepts one-time or recurring debit/credit cards and e-checks.

• A $1.50 service fee applies to online payments.

In Person

• Pay with cash, check, money order, or card at the Utility Billing Office at Alexander City Hall.

• Located at 281 James D Nabors Drive. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM.

• No fee for paying in person with cash or check. Card payments incur a 2.5% processing fee.

By Mail

• Mail a check or money order payable to City of Alexander City along with your payment stub.

• Mail early to ensure on-time delivery to PO Box 552, Alexander City, AL 35011.

• No additional fees for paying by mail.

Drop Box

• Place your payment in the drive-thru drop box at City Hall outside of business hours.

• Payments left in the drop box before 8AM will be processed as the previous day’s transactions.

• No additional fees.

Auto Bill Pay

• Enroll in auto bill pay through your bank to have payments automatically deducted from your account each month.

• Visit or call your bank to fill out the auto bill pay authorization form. You will need your Alexander City account number.

• Allow 1-2 billing cycles for auto pay to take effect after submitting the authorization form.

• No fees for auto bill pay.

What to Include with Payment

Be sure to always include your payment stub from your utility bill, as it contains necessary account details. Write your Alexander City utility account number on your check or money order.

When paying online, by phone, or in-person, have your account number ready to process the payment correctly.

Payment Assistance Programs

Alexander City offers programs to help qualified low-income households pay their utility bills, including:

• Payment arrangements: Allows spreading balances over 3-6 months for customers unable to pay in full.

• LIHEAP: Provides federally-funded heating and cooling bill assistance. Apply through the Community Action Agency.

• Project Share: Provides bill payment assistance funded by donations. Apply through United Way.

• ECM: Helps with home weatherization and heating/cooling repairs to reduce costs.

Contact the Utility Billing Office to learn more about these assistance programs and how to apply.

Late Payments and Disconnection

Alexander City utility bills become late after the 10th of each month. A 10% penalty is applied to past due balances.

Accounts remain active with balances up to 45 days overdue. On the 46th day past the original due date, services are disconnected for non-payment.

Once disconnected, the full past due amount plus a $50 reconnection fee must be paid before service is restored.

Customers can apply for payment plans to avoid disconnection. Overall, it is always best to pay on time each month to avoid penalties.

Start or Stop Service

To start new utility service in Alexander City as a new resident or in a new home, contact the Utility Billing Office to set up an account. You will need to provide:

• Full name and contact information

• Date to start service

• Service address

• Mailing address (if different)

• Driver’s license number

• Previous utility company name

A deposit may be required to open a new account.

When moving out of Alexander City or changing addresses within the city, submit a service disconnection request at least one week in advance. This prevents continued billing at your old address.

Provide a forwarding address and date to stop service. Any remaining credit on your account will be refunded to you.

Understanding Your Utility Bill

Alexander City utility bills summarize your usage and charges for the prior month across all your city services. Here are the key sections:

• Account summary: Overview of total charges, due date, and account balance.

• Utility usage: Charts showing monthly usage for each service based on meter readings.

• Itemized charges: Lists individual charges for basic services, fees, taxes, etc.

• Message area: Highlights any account notices, such as balance alerts or rate changes.

• Customer service info: Contact details for the Utility Billing Office and payment instructions.

Carefully reviewing each monthly statement ensures you understand what you’re being billed for. Don’t hesitate to contact the billing office with any questions.

Avoiding High Utility Bills

No one likes getting a shockingly high utility bill. Here are some tips to keep your monthly energy costs lower:

• Track your usage and look for spikes that indicate waste.

• Change air filters monthly to maximize HVAC efficiency.

• Switch to LED bulbs and energy efficient appliances.

• Insulate your home to prevent heat/cooling loss.

• Use ceiling fans to reduce reliance on air conditioning.

• Set thermostats a few degrees warmer in summer and cooler in winter.

• Repair leaky faucets and pipes wasting water.

• Run full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.

With some simple behavioral and equipment upgrades, you can reduce energy consumption and save significantly on monthly utility costs.

Moving Out and Closing Your Account

If you are moving out of Alexander City, you must close out your utility account by requesting a service disconnection. Contact the billing office at least one week before your move date to schedule a final meter reading. This prevents you from being billed for usage after you move.

When closing an account, provide your forwarding address to receive your final bill and any credit refunds. Once the account is settled, your connection to Alexander City utilities will be terminated.

Closing your account promptly ensures you don’t end up paying for utilities at a property you no longer occupy. It also lets the utilities know the property is vacant and new tenants can start service. Proper account closure makes your moving transition smooth.

Alexander City Utility Contacts

For any utility billing questions or issues, Alexander City’s Utility Billing Office staff is available to help:

• Phone: 256-329-6710

• Email: [email protected]

• Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM

Contact them to discuss payment arrangements, request account statements, report service problems, inquire about assistance programs, or any other utility-related needs.