How To Pay Your Columbus Light & Water Bill

Columbus Light & Water provides essential electric, water, and sewer utilities to residents and businesses in Columbus, Mississippi. As a customer, you receive a monthly bill for these services that must be paid by the due date to avoid any late fees or disruption of your utilities. Columbus Light & Water offers several convenient payment options to fit any schedule or preference.

Ways To Pay Your Bill

Light of Columbus

• Online—Use the online customer portal to pay with a credit or debit card or an electronic check. Fast and easy with no fees.

• Phone – Call 662-328-7192 and pay over the phone using your card or checking account info.

• Mail – Send a check or money order to PO Box 949, Columbus, MS 39703. Allow 7-10 days for delivery.

• In Person – Visit the downtown office at 420 4th Ave S and pay with cash check or money order.

• Drop Box – Place your payment in the drop box available 24/7 outside the downtown office.

• AutoPay – Sign up to have payments automatically deducted from your bank account each month.

When you pay by phone or online, you get instant confirmation of your payment without leaving your house.

Payment Due Date

Your Columbus Light & Water bill is due by the date printed on your monthly statement, usually around the 10th of each month.

Payments must be received, not just postmarked, by the due date to avoid a 10% late penalty fee being added to your account.

Even if paying late, pay as soon as possible to reduce late fees.

Recurring AutoPay

For maximum convenience, sign up for AutoPay to have your bill amount automatically deducted each month on the due date.

To enroll in AutoPay, complete the authorization form available on the customer portal or by contacting customer service. You will still receive a monthly bill for your records.

With AutoPay, you never have to worry about missing a payment or mailing delays resulting in late fees. It provides peace of mind knowing your bill is always paid on time.

Payment Arrangements

If you are unable to pay the full balance due on your monthly bill, Columbus Light & Water allows payment arrangements to spread the amount due over multiple installments.

Contact customer service before the due date to set up a payment plan that works with your current financial situation to avoid disconnection. Small fees may apply.

Payment plans allow you to keep your utilities connected while gradually catching up your account over time.

Assistance Programs

For customers facing financial hardships and difficulty paying their utility bills on time, Columbus Light & Water partners with assistance agencies to provide the following programs:

• LIHEAP – Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps pay a portion of electricity and gas bills during the winter.

• Project Share – Donations used to provide emergency bill payment assistance for customers in need.

• LifeWorks – Helps pay essential utility bills for qualifying low income or unemployed residents.

Check if you qualify for these money-saving assistance programs to ease the financial stress of utility payments.

Avoid Late Fees

Follow these tips to avoid getting hit with late fees on your Columbus Light & Water bill:

• Carefully review your bill and note the due date on your calendar when it arrives each month.

• Pay as early as possible, at least 5 days before the due date.

• Set up text or email reminders through the online portal for due date alerts.

• Enroll in AutoPay to ensure on-time payment without the hassle.

• Contact customer service immediately regarding any billing disputes to resolve before due date.

• Request a due date extension if occasionally needing more time.

Staying organized and planning ahead helps ensure timely payment of your utilities.

What To Do If You Miss The Due Date

If you happen to pay late and get assessed a 10% penalty, take these steps:

• Pay the past due balance right away, plus any late fees.

• Contact customer service to discuss payment plan options to catch up.

• Enroll in AutoPay to avoid any missed payments going forward.

• Review your budget to determine why the bill was not paid on time.

• Request extensions in advance if you know you’ll need more time in future months.

• Apply for assistance if eligible for ongoing help with bills.

While a past due utility account is frustrating, Columbus Light & Water provides solutions to help you get caught up. Communicate with them right away if you anticipate any trouble paying on time in the future.

Keep Your Account In Good Standing

Staying current on paying your Columbus Light & Water utility bill ensures your essential services like power, water, and sewer continue uninterrupted. Use their convenient online portal and payment options to monitor your balance and submit payments. Contact customer service if you ever need help or bill extensions to avoid late fees. Maintaining your account in good standing takes consistency, but it guarantees you the full use of your utilities month after month.