How to Pay Your Berea Municipal Utilities Bill: A Guide

It’s important to be a responsible homeowner or renter by paying your bills on time every month. It can be hard to figure out the best way to pay your Berea Municipal Utilities (BMU) bill, though, because there are so many choices. In this complete guide, we’ll show you how to pay your BMU bill in every possible way, from online to checking the mail.

Online Payments

One of the fastest and most convenient ways to pay your BMU bill is online BMU offers online bill pay through their website

To make an online payment simply

• Go to https://berea.epayub.com/
• Enter your BMU account number and the amount you owe
• Choose whether to pay by credit/debit card or e-check
• Enter your payment information and submit

Online payments are processed immediately so you don’t have to worry about your payment getting lost in the mail. You’ll also receive an email confirmation for your records.

The online payment system is available 24/7, so you can pay your bill at any time of day or night. This makes it easy to set a reminder on your phone and pay your bill from anywhere.

One thing to note is that BMU does charge a $1. 95 convenience fee for online payments. For many customers, though, the small extra cost may be worth it because it’s so easy to pay online.

Pay By Phone

In addition to online payments, BMU offers a pay-by-phone option.

To utilize the pay-by-phone system:

• Call 859-756-4842
• Enter your BMU account number
• Choose whether to pay with a credit/debit card
• Provide your card information to the automated system

Just like with online bill pay, you’ll get an instant confirmation that your payment has been processed. This allows you to pay your bill at the last minute without having to drive to the BMU office.

The convenience fee for pay-by-phone is $1.95 per transaction.

Auto Pay

If you want to truly set it and forget it when it comes to paying your BMU bill, auto pay may be the best option.

With auto pay:

• BMU will automatically debit your payment from your checking account each month
• Payments are withdrawn on the 10th of each month
• You just need to complete an authorization form and provide a voided check

Auto pay ensures you never miss a payment or incur late fees. The money is drafted directly from your account, so there’s no need to remember to log in and submit a payment manually.

The great thing about BMU’s auto pay system is that it’s completely free. There are no convenience fees associated with auto drafted payments.

Pay By Mail

While not as convenient as electronic payments, you can always mail in a physical check or money order to pay your BMU bill.

To pay by mail:

• Write your check or obtain a money order payable to Berea Municipal Utilities
• Write your BMU account number in the memo line
• Mail your payment to:
  Berea Municipal Utilities
  P.O. Box 926
  Berea, KY 40403
• Allow 3-5 business days for your mailed payment to reach BMU and be applied to your account

The advantage of paying by mail is that you don’t incur any convenience fees. However, it does requireplanning ahead to ensure your payment arrives on time before the due date. Be sure to factor inadditional days for mailing.

You can use the return envelope included with your monthly BMU bill to mail in your payment. Just drop it in any mailbox once your check or money order is enclosed.

Pay In Person

For those who prefer the human touch, you can pay your BMU bill in person at their office.

In-person payments can be made:

• At the drive-thru window
• In the lobby at 212 Chestnut Street in Berea

BMU accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards for in-person payments. Your payment will be instantly credited to your account.

Paying your bill in person allows you to get proof of payment on the spot. And for some, talking to a customer service rep face-to-face provides peace of mind.

Just be sure to arrive at the BMU office during business hours Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Use the Drop Box

If you can’t make it to the BMU office during business hours, you can use the after-hours drop box.

The drop box is located outside the drive-thru window at 212 Chestnut Street. To use it:

• Place your payment (check or money order only – no cash) in an envelope
• Write your BMU account number on the check
• Seal the envelope and deposit it in the drop box

Payments left in the drop box will be credited to your account the following business day.

While you miss out on instant payment confirmation, the drop box does provide another way to pay your bill outside of normal office hours.

Paying Your Bill at Third-Party Locations

In addition to BMU’s own payment options, you may also be able to pay your utility bill at certain banks or stores like Walmart.

Many stores like Walmart allow you to pay various bills at their customer service desks. So you can drop off your BMU payment when you’re out running other errands.

Your bank may also allow you to sign up for online bill pay through their website. You’d then just need to enter Berea Municipal Utilities as the payee each month.

Just keep in mind payments made through third parties take 1-2 business days to reach BMU. Pay early enough to avoid late fees.

Avoid Late Fees and Service Disruption

However you choose to pay your BMU bill, the most important thing is doing so before the due date each month. This avoids both late payment fees and potential service disruption.

If your payment is late, BMU will assess the following fees:

• Electric late fee: 5% of your past due balance (minimum $5)
• Water late fee: 10% of your past due balance (minimum $5)
• Sewer late fee: 10% of your past due balance (minimum $5)

Unfortunately, if your balance remains unpaid for 30 days past the due date, BMU may suspend your services. This means no electricity, water, or sewer until the past due amount is paid in full.

Don’t let it get to this point! Pay your bill early utilizing one of the convenient options above.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you’re struggling financially, BMU does offer payment assistance programs for those who qualify:

• LIHEAP: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program – Helps pay a portion of your electricity and/or gas bill. Must meet income guidelines.

• CAP: Crisis Assistance Program – Provides up to $400 for individuals who are disconnected or have received a disconnection notice.

• WAP: Weatherization Assistance Program – Provides home improvements like insulation to lower energy bills.

Contact BMU to learn more about applying for these and other assistance programs if you’re having trouble covering your full balance each month.

Reviewing Your BMU Bill

When you receive your monthly statement, it’s a good idea to review the charges to ensure accuracy. Here are some key sections to check on your BMU bill:

• Account summary: Provides your previous balance, any payments made, new charges for the month, and the total now due. Compare this total to previous bills.

• Meter readings: Shows the meter readings at the start and end of the billing period for electricity, water, and sewer. Check that they align with your actual usage.

• Usage history: Charts your usage over the past 13 months so you can identify spikes or drops.

• Breakdown of charges: Details the separate charges for electric, water, sewer, customer service fees, and taxes. Review for any irregularities.

• Payment stub: Detach and enclose this portion with mailed payments. Contains account details needed for proper crediting.

• Due date: Shows the due date for payment to avoid late fees. Mark your calendar.

• Account alerts: Highlights any important account notices like past due balances.

Carefully checking over each monthly bill can help identify potential issues early on. Be sure to contact BMU with any discrepancies or questions.

Change of Service Requests

If you’re moving to a new home within Berea, you’ll need to let BMU know so they can transfer or end your services. Some key change of service needs:

• Start new service: Complete a new service application if you’re moving to a new address in Berea. Services cannot be transferred.

• Stop existing service: Inform BMU at least 1 day before you move so they can finalize and close out your account.

• Update account name: If you’re taking over utilities at an address, provide your name to have the account transferred into your name.

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