Paying Utility Bills in Big Rapids – Everything You Need to Know

Paying your utility bill on time each month is an essential part of being a responsible homeowner or renter in Big Rapids However, the process can sometimes be confusing, especially if you’re new to the area This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Big Rapids utility billing, including how to read your bill, payment options, assistance programs, and more.

Overview of Utility Services in Big Rapids

The City of Big Rapids provides water sewer electric, and garbage services to residents and businesses within the city limits. Services are administered by the City Treasurer’s Office and Utility Billing Department.

Key things to know

• Water and sewer services are combined into one utility bill. Garbage collection is billed separately.

• The City operates its own electric municipal utility called Big Rapids Board of Light & Power.

• Utility accounts are set up by property, so renters will need to contact landlords regarding establishing service.

• Bills are issued monthly and are typically due by the 17th of each month.

Reading and Understanding Your Utility Bill

Utility bills in Big Rapids contain a wealth of information, so it’s important to understand how to read them. Here are the key sections:

Account Information: Includes account number, service address, billing date, due date, and customer name/mailing address.

Previous Balance: Any past due amount carried over from previous bills.

Payments/Credits: Lists any payments, adjustments or credits applied to your account.

Water Usage: Shows current and previous meter readings and total water usage in cubic feet.

Sewer Usage: Based on your water usage since sewage flows to the treatment plant.

Charges: Details all current charges including water, sewer, electric (if applicable), and garbage. Lists rate per unit.

Taxes/Fees: Additional city service fees and sales taxes.

Total Current Charges: Total amount due for current billing period.

Message Board: Important notices like rate changes or deadline reminders.

Carefully reviewing the details on your bill can help identify any potential issues like leaks or billing errors. Contact the Utility Billing Department with any questions.

Payment Options for Utility Bills

The City of Big Rapids offers several convenient ways to pay your utility bill each month:

• Online Payment – Pay bills securely on the BS&A Online Payment Portal. Requires account number or address.

• Auto Pay – Set up recurring automatic payments from your bank account by submitting an auto pay authorization form.

• Phone Payment – Call (231) 592-4019 to pay over the phone with a card or e-check.

• Mail – Detach payment stub from bill and mail with check or money order to City Treasurer, 226 N. Michigan Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307.

• Drop Box – Place payment in secure drop box at City Hall entrance after hours.

• In-Person – Bring payment to City Hall Treasurer’s Office at 226 N. Michigan Ave during business hours.

I recommend setting up auto-pay or online payments for convenience and to avoid late fees. One-time e-check payments on the online portal have a lower service fee than card payments.

Payment Deadlines and Late Fees

Utility bills are due by the 17th of each month in Big Rapids. If payment is not received on time, a late fee will be assessed as follows:

• After the 17th – $15 penalty

• After the 27th – Additional $30 penalty (for total $45 late fee)

• Service may be shut off if an account is 60 days past due

Setting calendar reminders for due dates and making payments a week early are easy ways to avoid late fees. The city does not provide exceptions for weekend due dates or mail delays. Online and auto-pay allow control to avoid missing the deadline.

Payment Assistance Programs

For customers facing financial hardships, the City of Big Rapids offers programs to assist with utility bills, including:

Winter Protection Plan – Protects enrolled customers from service shut-offs between November 1 and March 31. Customers must enter into an affordable payment plan.

Project Safe – Helps residents with financial emergencies pay delinquent utility bills. Applicants are eligible once every 12 months.

Home Weatherization – Provides improvements like insulation and air sealing to lower energy bills. Income requirements apply.

State Emergency Relief – Assistance paying utility bills through Department of Health and Human Services for eligible low-income residents.

2-1-1 Community Resources – Referrals to additional local assistance programs. Dial 2-1-1 for more information.

Reaching out early about payment problems is key. The City will work on customized payment plans to avoid shut-offs. Additional protection is available for seniors, disabled residents, and persons with medical needs.

Monitoring Usage to Avoid Bill Spikes

Seeing an unusually high utility bill can be upsetting and difficult to deal with. Luckily, there are ways to monitor your usage proactively to catch problems before they show up on your statement:

• Track meter readings – Note water/electric meter numbers each month to calculate usage. Compare to previous months to spot irregular spikes.

• Check for leaks – Unusually high water bills can indicate hidden leaks. Check pipes, faucets, and toilets for issues.

• Change air filters – Clogged HVAC filters make systems work harder and use more electricity.

• Install a usage monitor – Smart home monitors can track real-time usage stats. Some electric providers offer free monitors.

• Audit appliances/electronics – Upgrade old refrigerators, washers, etc. or unplug unused items drawing phantom power.

• Review rates – Check the latest utility rates to see if an increase is causing a spike. Rates change over time.

• Compare weather – Hotter or colder weather drives HVAC usage up. Compare bills to prior years.

Catching usage spikes quickly can help identify waste issues or faulty equipment before it becomes an ongoing problem. Contact the utility company if a spike can’t be explained – they may be able to investigate other issues like crossed meters.

Changes in Service

If you’re moving to a new home in Big Rapids or need to update your utility account for any reason, follow these steps:

Start or Transfer Service

• Renters need to set up new accounts in their name. Homeowners will need to transfer service from the previous owner.
• Fill out the new owner or new tenant utility form and submit to the Treasurer’s Office with a copy of your lease or closing paperwork.
• A remote meter reading will be done to transfer service and establish a final bill for the previous account holder.

Discontinue Service

• Contact the utility billing department to shut off service at least 5 business days in advance of your move out date.
• Provide forwarding address info for your final bill.
• Service cannot be ended retroactively – you are responsible for usage until the shut-off date.

Update Contact Info

• Submit any address, phone or email changes by calling or emailing the Utility Billing Department to ensure accurate billing.

Following proper service transfer protocols ensures billing duties are handed off properly. Give ample advance notice for shut-offs or transfers to avoid complications.

Disputing Your Utility Bill

If you believe your utility bill contains an error, contact the City of Big Rapids Utility Billing Department right away to dispute the charges:

• Call (231) 592-4019 or email [email protected]. Provide account information and explain the issue.

• Requests must be made within 5 days of the billing date. Disputed bills still must be paid on time to avoid late fees.

• If billing error is confirmed, your account will be credited. Verification of meter readings or equipment may be required.

• If the bill is correct but unaffordable that month, request an extension or payment plan.

• Ask about billing adjustments if a leak on your side of the meter caused abnormally high usage. Adjustments are not guaranteed.

• Unresolved disputes may be presented to the City Commission. Formal appeals require documentation.

The utility company will work diligently to research discrepancies and provide refunds or adjustments if warranted. Be prepared to pay any undisputed portion of disputed bills until issues are resolved.

Accessing Account Information Online

The City of Big Rapids offers online access to utility account information through the BS&A Online portal. Customers can:

• Review account balances
• View current and past statements
• Make one-time online payments
• Sign up for e-bills to end paper statements
• Access payment history and consumption data
• Submit meter readings

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