A Guide to Paying Your Utility Bill in Cuero, Texas

Paying your monthly utility bill is a regular necessity for residents and businesses in the city of Cuero Texas. As the county seat of DeWitt County Cuero provides electricity, water, sewer, sanitation, and other utility services to around 6,000 customers.

Navigating how and when to pay your Cuero utility bill can seem confusing, especially if you’re new to the area. This comprehensive guide will walk through all the key details on payment options, due dates, late fees, and other important information for paying your Cuero utility bill smoothly and on time.

Overview of Cuero Utility Billing

The City of Cuero manages billing and payment collection for electricity, water, sewer, garbage collection, and other utility services within the city limits. They bill monthly based on your usage as recorded by the meters.

Accounts are separated into a few main categories:

• Residential – Homes receiving standard utility services
• Commercial – Businesses and offices
• Industrial – Large factories or industrial facilities

Each account category has different rate structures and fees. Your monthly bill will list the prices for each service, such as trash collection, water, electricity, and sewer. Knowing about these line items will help you check your bill every month to make sure it’s correct.

Cuero Utility Bill Due Dates

Cuero utility bills have a due date of the 17th of each month. For example, if you receive your bill on January 5th, payment is due on the 17th.

Payments must be received by 6 00pm on the 17th to avoid any late fees If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, it extends until 6 00pm on the next business day

The city does not offer a grace period for utility bills. Late fees apply starting the very next day after the due date.

Penalties for Late Payments

If your utility payment is late, you will incur a 10% penalty automatically added to your account balance.

For example, if your bill is $100 and you miss the due date, you’ll owe $110 once the late fee is assessed. This penalty applies even if it’s just one day past due.

Accounts not paid by the 27th of the month will be scheduled for disconnection. A $20 administrative fee and $30 reconnection fee will be added if your service gets disconnected. Reconnection after normal business hours incurs a $40 fee instead of $30.

The city does not waive late payment penalties, so be sure to pay your bill in full and on time every month. Setting up automatic payments or reminders on your calendar can prevent overlooked due dates and avoid these extra fees.

Payment Options for Cuero Utility Bills

Cuero offers several ways to pay your utility bill conveniently each month:

Online

The easiest way to pay is through the city’s online bill pay portal. You can pay by credit/debit card or e-check 24/7. Sign up for an account to access online payments as well as view statements and account history.

Phone

Call 1-866-301-7407 to pay through the automated phone system. You’ll need to enter your account number and card information.

Mail

Send your payment stub along with a check or money order to:

City of Cuero Utilities
P.O. Box 848
Cuero, TX 77954

Allow 3-5 business days for mailed payments to avoid late fees.

In Person

Bring your payment to Cuero City Hall located at 212 E Main St. You can pay at the front desk Monday-Thursday 7:30am-6:00pm and Friday 7:30am-12:00pm.

Drive Through

Use the drive through window at the rear alley of City Hall during business hours to conveniently pay from your vehicle.

Drop Box

A 24 hour drop box located in the City Hall alley allows you to drop off payments anytime. Payments left after 6:00pm will be posted the next business day.

Bank Draft

Sign up to have your bill amount automatically drafted from your bank account each month. Drafts occur on the due date. Visit City Hall to complete an authorization form and provide a voided check.

Financial Assistance for Utility Bills

If you’re struggling to pay your Cuero utility bill, check whether you qualify for any local bill assistance programs:

• Project Share – Provides one-time utility payment assistance for households facing financial hardship or an emergency. Administered by the Salvation Army.

• LIHEAP – Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program can help cover electricity bills during the summer and winter. Income limits apply. Apply through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

• CEAP – The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program is another resource for utility payment help. Also administered by HHSC.

Reaching out to social services agencies like the DeWitt County Texas A&M Extension Office is another option to find out about any utility assistance funds available locally.

Tips for Understanding Your Bill

Reviewing your Cuero utility bill line items each month is useful for verifying accuracy:

• The base charge covers costs of delivering service to your location.

• Electricity usage charges are based on your meter kWh consumption.

• The power cost adjustment passes through the city’s wholesale electricity purchase costs.

• Water and sewer charges depend on your consumption and meter size.

• Garbage fees depend on the size of carts and pickup frequency.

• Taxes, franchises fees, and surcharges may apply.

Look at trends month-over-month and reach out to the utility department with any discrepancies or questions. Keeping up with your detailed utility usage helps avoid surprises come bill paying time.

Key Takeaways on Paying Cuero Utility Bills

• Cuero utility bills are due by the 17th of each month to avoid a 10% late penalty
• Pay online, by phone, mail, in person at City Hall, or through auto bank draft
• A $20 administrative fee and $30 reconnection fee applies if service is disconnected
• Check for utility financial assistance programs if you need help paying
• Review the itemized charges each month to understand costs

Paying your utility bill fully and on time is an essential responsibility as a Cuero resident or business. Avoid fees and disruption of service by carefully tracking due dates each month. Reach out to the Cuero utility department with any account or billing questions.