A Guide to Paying Your Utility Bill in Grand Forks, ND

Paying your monthly utility bill is a fact of life for Grand Forks residents. The city provides water sewer sanitation, and stormwater services that require regular payment to maintain. With easy online options, paying your utility bill doesn’t have to be a hassle. This comprehensive guide will walk through everything you need to know about managing utility payments in Grand Forks.

Overview of Grand Forks Utilities

The city’s Finance Department oversees utility services and billing for Grand Forks households and businesses. Key services include:

• Water – Clean drinking water is supplied to over 24,000 customers. Metered rates are based on usage.

• Sewer – Wastewater collection and treatment for over 19000 accounts. Billed as a flat rate.

• Sanitation – Trash, recycling, yard waste pickup for around 13,000 households. Varies based on cart size.

• Stormwater – Managing runoff and drainage. Billed as a flat monthly fee.

Rates are set by City Council and may be adjusted periodically to cover operational costs. Review your bill each month to understand the charges

Getting Started with an Online Account

The easiest way to manage payments is by setting up an online account with the city’s billing system. Here’s how to register:

• Go to grandforksgov.com/onlinebillpay and select “Create New Account”

• Enter your account number, address, and email. Create a password.

• Check your email for a verification link to complete signup.

Once registered, you can log in anytime to view bills, make payments, set up autopay, and more.

Payment Options and Due Dates

Utility bills are issued monthly and there are a few options for paying:

• Online – Pay by e-check or card through your account.

• Phone – Call 701-746-2670 to pay over the phone.

• Mail – Detach payment stub from bill and mail with check.

• In-person – Pay at City Hall or night drop box.

Payments are due on the date printed on your bill, typically around the 5th of each month. Allow 3-5 business days for mailed payments.

A late fee of 10% applies to any unpaid balance after the due date. Make sure to pay on time to avoid penalties!

Checking Your Balance and Usage

One advantage of the online account is the ability to monitor usage and charges. You can:

• View current balance and make a payment.

• Access up to 24 months of past billing statements.

• See utilization trends and compare month-to-month.

• Check status of recent payments.

• Download or print bills and payment confirmations.

Reviewing this info helps identify any spikes in consumption and ensures the accuracy of monthly charges.

Setting Up Automatic Payments

Forget late fees by enrolling in autopay through your online account. You can schedule automatic payments from a checking/savings account on the due date each month.

To enroll:

• Log into your account and go to “My Profile.”

• Select “AutoPay Accounts” and choose which account to debit.

• Pick the payment date and confirm your enrollment.

Autopay takes the stress out of remembering bills. Just be sure your payment method has sufficient funds on the scheduled date to avoid penalties.

Going Paperless with E-Bills

In addition to autopay, you can also reduce paper waste and clutter by opting for electronic billing. To switch:

• Go to “My Profile” and click on “Paperless Options.”

• Choose “Go Paperless” and enter email for bill notifications.

You’ll get an email when each new statement is ready to view in your account. Remember to update your email on file if it ever changes.

Moving or Closing Your Account

If you’re relocating within or outside of Grand Forks, you must close or transfer your utility services.

To move your account, simply update the service address on your online account or call customer service with your new details. Schedule a final meter read at your old address.

To close service, download the termination request form and submit at least 3 days before your move date. This schedules a final read and closes out your account. Provide forwarding address if you need a final bill or deposit refund sent by mail.

Notifying the city ensures you don’t end up paying for service at an old address.

Billing Disputes and Leak Adjustments

If you notice an unusually high bill, don’t panic. First, rule out reasons like house guests, sprinklers, or seasonal changes. If usage still seems excessive, it may indicate a leak.

Many types of leaks qualify for a billing adjustment, reducing the sewer portion of your bill. Fill out a leak adjustment form providing evidence such as a plumber’s invoice.

For other billing disputes, immediately contact customer service to investigate and resolve the issue. Provide the account number, disputed charges, and any relevant details. Don’t withhold payment as penalties still apply if a dispute is denied.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you’re struggling to pay your utility bill due to financial hardship, assistance programs are available:

• Payment plans – Arrange a payment schedule for past-due balances.

• Aid programs – Nonprofits provide utility bill grants for qualified applicants.

• Conservation – Energy audits identify savings opportunities to lower usage.

• Shutoff protection – Avoid disconnection with extended grace periods.

Contact customer service to discuss arrangements tailor-made to your situation. They’ll help identify options to maintain essential services.

Contacting Customer Service

The City of Grand Forks wants to ensure an exceptional utility billing experience. Contact them with any account questions or concerns:

• Phone – Call (701) 746-2670 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

• Email – [email protected]

• Address – 255 N 4th St, Grand Forks, ND 58203

The utility billing team is available to help with payment issues, service changes, billing disputes, conservation programs and more.

Convenient Payment Options in Grand Forks

Paying your utilities in Grand Forks doesn’t have to be a monthly nuisance. With automated payments, paperless billing, account monitoring, and helpful customer service, managing your utility bill can be smooth and stress-free.

Sign up for an online account today to make payments in minutes from home. Or use the direct payment link to quickly pay without registration. Just select your payment method, enter your account number, and submit on or before the due date.

With these user-friendly bill pay options, Grand Forks makes it easy to keep your water, sewer, garbage, and other city services in good standing.