Making Utility Bill Payments Easy in Fairfield, Illinois

Paying utility bills can feel like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. The city of Fairfield, Illinois offers easy and convenient ways for residents to pay their electric, water, sewer, trash, and other utility bills. In this article, we’ll explore the different payment options available and provide tips for streamlining utility bill payment.

Overview of Utility Services in Fairfield

Fairfield provides residents with essential utility services including

• Electricity through Wayne-White Counties Electric Cooperative
• Water and sewer through the city’s Public Works department
• Trash and recycling pickup through Sunrise Sanitation
• Natural gas through Ameren Illinois

Usage rates and billing policies vary by utility provider Bills are typically issued monthly and payment is due within 20 days of the billing date to avoid penalties

Paying Your Utility Bill In-Person

The most traditional payment method is to pay your utility bill in-person at Fairfield City Hall, located at 109 NE Second Street. City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 7am to 4pm, excluding holidays.

To pay your bill, simply bring your payment stub or account number to the utility billing office at City Hall. You can pay using cash, check, money order or debit/credit card. Be sure to retain your receipt as proof of payment.

Paying in-person ensures your payment is processed immediately. However, this option requires you to make a trip to City Hall during business hours.

Paying by Mail

For added convenience, most Fairfield utilities allow payment by mail. Simply mail your payment stub and check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Allow 5-7 days for your mailed payment to reach the utility billing office.

Paying by mail avoids a trip to City Hall, but has the downside of potential mail delays. Be sure to mail your payment at least 7-10 days before the due date to avoid late fees. Purchase a money order rather than mailing cash for security.

Paying Online

For quick and easy online payments, the city has partnered with Payment Service Network (PSN) to offer online utility bill pay.

To use the online payment portal:

• Visit https://www.paymentservicenetwork.com/
• Enter your Fairfield utility account number
• Enter your name or business name associated with the account
• Select your payment method – credit/debit card or electronic check
• Enter payment details and submit

Online payments are fast, secure, and available 24/7. You can also view payment history and opt into paperless billing. The main limitation is convenience fees that apply to online payments.

Paying by Phone

In addition to online payments, the Payment Service Network system allows payment by phone.

To pay your utility bill by phone:

• Call 877-885-7968
• Follow the prompts to enter your Fairfield account number and set up payment
• Have your credit/debit card or checking account information ready
• Enter payment details when prompted

The automated phone system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone payments have the same convenience fees as online payments.

Setting Up Automatic Payments

For maximum convenience, consider enrolling in auto-pay through Payment Service Network. This allows your utility bills to be paid automatically each month using your preferred payment method.

To enroll:

• Log into the PSN online portal
• Navigate to “My Profile”
• Select the “AutoPay” tab
• Enter your payment method details
• Check the box to authorize automatic payments

With auto-pay in place, your utility bills are paid on time without any effort on your part. The payment amount is simply deducted from your account each month when the bill is due.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you are struggling financially, Fairfield offers programs to assist with utility bills such as:

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Helps pay a portion of winter heating bills
• Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) – Reduces monthly utility bills to a percentage of household income

Contact the utility providers to learn more about bill assistance programs you may qualify for. Temporary deferred payment plans may also be available if you communicate with them about your situation.

Tips for Hassle-Free Utility Payments

Follow these tips for a smooth utility payment process:

• Review bills promptly – Catch any billing errors early
• Pay on time – Avoid late fees and service disruption
• Go paperless – Reduce clutter and avoid misplacing bills
• Automate payments – Set and forget bill payment each month
• Contact providers – Seek help if struggling to pay bills
• Retain records – Keep payment receipts and account history

By taking advantage of the various payment options available, Fairfield residents can easily pay utility bills on time every month. Reach out to utility providers with any questions or for help managing payments.