How to Pay Your City of Lemoore Utility Bill

Having reliable utility services like water, sewer, garbage collection and electricity is something we often take for granted. But as a resident or business in Lemoore, it’s your responsibility to pay your utility bills on time each month. This guide will provide all the key details on the best ways to pay your City of Lemoore utility bill.

Overview of Lemoore Utility Services

The City of Lemoore provides water, sewer and garbage collection services to around 8,500 residential and commercial customers within city limits. The city’s water supply comes from a combination of groundwater wells and surface water.

Some fast facts about Lemoore’s utilities:

• Water is treated at 2 different plants with a combined capacity of 7 million gallons per day.
• There are over 100 miles of water lines and 70 miles of sewer lines.
• Garbage collection handles over 3,500 tons per year.
• Electric service is provided by Liberty Utilities with over 4,800 customers.
• Accounts are billed monthly based on metered usage.
• Bills are mailed out near the end of each month.

Understanding Your Lemoore Utility Bill

Lemoore utility bills clearly outline your usage and charges for each service every month. Here’s what’s typically included:

• Account number, service address, billing date
• Meter ID numbers for water and electric
• Previous & current meter readings for water and electric
• Water and electric usage for the billing period
• Water and sewer base service charges
• Garbage collection fee
• Any penalty or past due amounts
• Total current charges
• Due date for payment

Usage is billed in hundred cubic feet (CCF) for water and kilowatt hours (kWh) for electric. Rates are set by the City Council.

When are Lemoore Utility Bills Due?

Lemoore utility bills must be paid by the due date printed on your monthly statement to avoid penalties. Due dates are usually around the 20th of each month.

If payment is not received by the due date a 10% late penalty is added to the account on the day after the due date.

Accounts more than 60 days past due are subject to water service shut off A $50 fee is charged to turn service back on after shutoff for nonpayment

Paying even one day late results in late fees, so be sure to pay the total amount due by the due date.

Payment Options for Lemoore Utility Bills

The City of Lemoore offers several ways for customers to pay their utility bills conveniently:

Online Bill Pay

Customers can pay bills online 24/7 using the online payment portal on the city’s website. Payments can be made by credit card, debit card or e-check. There is a nominal service fee per transaction.

Log in to the secure portal with your account number and last payment amount. Online payments are posted next business day.

Pay By Phone

Call toll-free 1-844-234-1827 to pay bills over the phone using automated system. You will need your account number and last payment amount. Service fees apply.

Pay by Mail

Detach payment stub from bill and mail with check or money order to:

City of Lemoore Utility Billing
P.O. Box 457
Lemoore, CA 93245

Allow 5-7 days for mailed payments to avoid late fees. Include account number on check.

Pay in Person

Bring payment to Lemoore City Hall at 119 Fox St during business hours. They accept cash, check, credit/debit cards.

City Hall hours are Mon-Thurs 7:30am-5:30pm. Closed Fridays and holidays.

Drop Box

A drive-up drop box is located in the City Hall parking lot. Place check or money order payments in sealed envelope marked “Utility Billing”. No cash.

Recurring Bank Drafts

Sign up for monthly auto-drafts from your checking or savings account. Payments are withdrawn on the due date each month. Forms are available on city website or at City Hall.

Budget Billing

Average out payments by enrolling in the Budget Billing program. Your payment stays the same each month based on past annual usage. Call for details.

Payment Extensions and Assistance

If you are struggling to pay your utility bill, the city offers some options:

• Payment extensions – One 15-day courtesy extension may be granted if requested before due date. Late fees still apply.

• Payment plans – Payment arrangements can be made for overdue balances. Requires 20% down and 4 installments.

• Bill review – Staff can review your account for potential leaks or other causes of high bills.

• LIHEAP assistance – Low income households may qualify for federal grant assistance for utility bills.

• Medical support – Additional assistance for customers with medical conditions requiring utility services.

• Senior discount – Senior citizens age 65+ receive a 15% discount on water and sewer service charges.

Contact the city before your account becomes past due to discuss bill payment solutions. Disconnections can be avoided with proper payment arrangements.

Avoid Late Fees and Service Shut Offs

To prevent late fees and potential loss of utility services, always pay your Lemoore utility bill in full by the due date printed on the statement. Even one day late will trigger a 10% penalty.

If mailing a check, make sure it arrives by the due date. You may need to send using expedited delivery like overnight mail to ensure on-time delivery if the date is near.

Setting up recurring monthly drafts from your bank account guarantees your bill is paid automatically before the due date.

Mark your calendar with bill due date reminders and allow 5-7 days processing for mailed payments. Manage your account properly to avoid costly late fees and service interruptions.

Reviewing Your Bill for Errors

It’s important to carefully review your utility bill each month for accuracy:

• Verify meter ID numbers match your service address
• Check for signs of excessively high usage that could indicate leaks
• Confirm billing rates match current city approved rates
• Look for duplicate charges or double billed amounts
• Make sure previous balances match your records

If you find any discrepancies or errors, contact the city right away to have your account reviewed before the due date. This can prevent overpayments and ensure you only pay the correct amounts owed.

Final Bills When Moving Out

If you are moving out of Lemoore, follow these steps for a smooth transition:

• Notify the utility billing office at least 1 week before your move date to schedule final meter readings
• Provide a forwarding address for your final bill
• Pay any past due balance to avoid transferring unpaid bills to collections
• Expect your final prorated bill within 2 weeks of your final meter read date
• Consider enrolling in auto-pay to ensure your final bill is paid even after moving

Following this process will close out your City of Lemoore utilities account properly when relocating.

Paying your utility bill on time every month ensures continuous services to your home or business. Use the payment options and account management tips provided to easily pay your City of Lemoore bill. Contact the utility billing office if you need help or have questions about your account.