Paying Your Utility Bill in Huntsville, TX: A Guide

A lot of people who live in Huntsville, TX use the city’s public utility services. Every person who lives or owns a business in the community has to pay their utility bills on time every month. This guide will tell you everything you need to know to easily pay your Huntsville utility bill online, over the phone, through the mail, or in person.

Overview of Huntsville Utilities

The city of Huntsville provides water, wastewater (sewer), and trash pickup utility services to local homes and businesses. The city’s Utility Billing department handles billing and payment collection for these municipal services.

Common Huntsville utilities covered on your monthly bill include:

• Water – Covers water supply and treatment
• Wastewater – For sewer lines and wastewater treatment
• Solid Waste – Trash and recycling collection services

Service rates vary based on factors like meter size, water usage volume, and property type. All billing and payment details can be found on your monthly utility statement.

Utility Bill Payment Options

The city offers Huntsville residents multiple options for paying utility bills conveniently,

Pay Online

The city encourages online bill pay through their Municipal Online Payments portal This allows you to

• Securely pay bills by eCheck, debit, or credit card
• View billing history and make recurring payments
• Receive paperless eBills through email
• Access account info 24/7 with an online profile

To get started, simply create an online account using your utility account number.

Pay by Phone

Call the Utility Billing office at (936) 291-5431 to pay over the phone using a card or eCheck. Be sure to have your account number ready for reference.

Pay by Mail

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

City of Huntsville Utility Billing
1212 Avenue M
Huntsville, TX 77340

Write your account number clearly and allow 3-5 business days for processing.

Pay in Person

Visit the Utility Billing office located at 1220 11th Street in Huntsville. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or card. The office is open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

For after hours payments, a 24/7 drop box is available outside the building.

Billing Cycles and Due Dates

Huntsville utility bills are issued monthly on a cyclical schedule based on your service area.

Due dates are typically around the 25th of each month. Check your monthly bill for your specific due date.

Late fees apply to any unpaid balance remaining after the due date. Failure to pay may also result in service disconnection.

Budget Billing Program

Huntsville offers an optional Budget Billing program to make utility costs more consistent year-round.

This program averages your payments over the previous 12 months and charges a “fixed” amount each month. Your account is reviewed and adjusted quarterly.

To enroll, simply fill out an application available on the city website or at the Utility Billing office.

Financial Assistance Programs

If you are struggling to cover utility bills, these assistance programs may be able to help:

• Payment arrangements – Set up a payment plan with the city to divide costs over several months interest-free.

• One-time bill assistance – Local charities like United Way help pay a single bill for those in crisis.

• Discount programs – Discounts are available for seniors, disabled residents, or low-income applicants who qualify.

Reach out to the Utility Billing office to learn more and apply for any assistance programs that you may be eligible for.

Avoiding Late Fees and Disconnection

To avoid penalties for late payment, sign up for email or text alerts through the city’s Notify Me system. You’ll get automatic notices as your bill due date approaches.

If you anticipate missing a payment, contact the Utility Billing office immediately to make arrangements. As long as you communicate proactively, they will work with you on a payment plan and may waive late fees.

Disconnected service due to non-payment will also incur a $40 reconnection fee when restoring your service. Avoid the headaches by keeping your account current.

New Service Activation

To start new water, sewer, and/or trash pickup utility services in Huntsville, you must open an account with the city.

Starting Service

• Complete a New Service Application available on the city website or by visiting the Utility Billing office.

• Pay a $20 account activation fee per service.

• Provide proof of property ownership/lease and a valid photo ID.

Service usually begins within 1 business day after submitting an application and activation fees.

Service Deposits

All new accounts require paying a refundable deposit covering approximately 2 months of average service fees:

• Residential deposit: $100
• Commercial deposit: $200-$1000+ depending on property

Established accounts in good standing will have deposits credited back after 12 months of timely payments.

Changes to Existing Service

Notify the Utility Billing office right away anytime you need to adjust an existing utility account.

To change or stop service, complete and submit a Change/Disconnect form available on the city website. Provide at least 3 days advance notice.

You must continue paying final bills up to your service stop date. Refund eligible deposits will be applied to your final bill then mailed within 30 days.

Understanding Your Utility Bill

When you receive your monthly statement, here are the key sections to review:

• Account number and service address
• Billing dates covered
• Payment due date
• Previous and current charges for each utility service
• Meter readings and consumption
• Billing totals and amount due

Carefully review charges each month and contact Utility Billing with any discrepancies immediately. Keep bills on file for your records to compare month-to-month usage.

Accessing Past Utility Bills

Referencing your billing history can be useful when analyzing utility usage over time or reconciling payments.

If you enroll in paperless eBills, you’ll have 24/7 online access to current and past bill PDFs through your customer portal account.

You can also contact Utility Billing to request copies of previous bills mailed or emailed directly to you. Specify the statement months needed when submitting your request.

Troubleshooting Billing or Service Issues

For billing questions or to report utility service problems like low water pressure, sewer backups, or missed trash pickup, contact the Utility Billing office for assistance.

Be prepared with your account number, address, and details on the issue being experienced. This helps them quickly pull up your account and records to determine next steps.

Many billing errors or service problems can be resolved with a quick call. However, on-site visits from utility technicians may be required if circumstances warrant further investigation.

Moving Out of Huntsville?

Don’t forget to close out your utility account when moving away from the city.

At least 3 days before your move date, submit an Account Closure form to Utility Billing. Provide a stop service date and forwarding address.

You will receive a final bill that must be paid immediately. Any deposit balance will be credited on this final statement.

Leaving an unpaid utility balance can impact your credit standing and ability to set up service in your new location.