Paying your utility bill is an essential part of being a responsible homeowner or renter The city of Concord aims to make paying your water, sewer, electric, and other utility bills as easy and convenient as possible This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps for paying your Concord utility bill.
Overview of Concord Utility Billing
The city of Concord provides water, sewer, electric, stormwater, and other utility services to residents and businesses within the city limits. Utility services are billed monthly, and the city offers several payment options to fit every schedule and preference.
Concord utility bills include charges for
- Water usage
- Sewer usage
- Electric usage
- Stormwater fee
- Other fees like street lights or ambulance fees
Bills are issued monthly, and the due date is typically 3 weeks after the billing date. Payments received after the due date will incur a late fee. Service may be disconnected if a bill remains unpaid for long enough.
Payment Options for Concord Utility Bills
Concord offers several ways to pay your utility bill conveniently
Pay Online
The easiest way to pay is through the city’s online payment portal, eCare. With eCare you can:
- View bill history
- See payment history
- Pay immediately online
- Set up autopay
To pay online, you’ll need your 10-digit utility account number from your bill. A small convenience fee applies to online payments.
Pay by Phone
Call the city’s automated payment line at 1-844-826-5332 to pay by phone with a credit/debit card or electronic check. Like online payments, a small convenience fee applies.
Pay by Mail
Detach the payment stub from your paper bill and mail it along with a check or money order to:
City of Concord
PO Box 604220
Charlotte, NC 28260-4220
Be sure to allow 3-5 business days for mailed payments to reach the city offices.
Pay in Person
Take your bill to the finance department window at City Hall, located at 35 Cabarrus Avenue West. Cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards are accepted.
Enroll in Autopay
For ultimate convenience, enroll in autopay through eCare to have payments automatically deducted from your bank account each month. You’ll still receive a bill for your records, but don’t have to manually make a payment.
Budget Billing
To make utility costs more predictable, Concord offers an optional budget billing program. This averages your payments over 12 months to create a fixed monthly amount. Apply for budget billing each March-June.
How and When to Pay Your Bill
Now let’s walk through the step-by-step process to pay your Concord utility bill:
1. Receive Your Utility Bill
Utility bills are mailed to all Concord utility customers on a monthly basis. If you don’t receive your bill, call the city to verify your mailing address.
Bills are typically generated around the 10th-15th of each month. Allow 5-7 days for delivery via US mail.
2. Review Your Bill
When you receive your utility bill, look it over carefully to ensure there are no errors. Your bill should include:
- Account number
- Service address
- Billing date
- Previous and current meter readings
- Usage amounts for each service (electric, water, etc)
- Service rates
- Total amount due
- Due date
If anything looks incorrect, contact the city right away to resolve any discrepancies. This can help avoid late fees if the error results in a delay in payment.
3. Select Your Payment Method
With your bill in hand, decide how you want to pay:
- Online through eCare
- By phone
- Mail in the payment stub
- In person at City Hall
- Through pre-established autopay
Choose the most convenient option that fits your schedule. For quick processing, electronic payments or autopay are recommended over mailing a check.
4. Complete Payment Before Due Date
The due date for Concord utility bills is typically 3 weeks after the billing date printed on your statement. Payments must be received (not just mailed) by this due date to avoid a late fee.
If paying by mail, allow 3-5 business days for your check to reach the city’s processing facility in Charlotte. For online or phone payments, funds can be deducted immediately from your account.
Set a reminder on your calendar yearly when your bill is usually due as a prompt to pay.
5. Confirm Payment
Keep your payment confirmation or processed check as a record showing your utility bill was paid on time. This can protect you in case of any errors or system glitches.
Log into eCare to view your payment history for extra documentation.
6. Review Next Month’s Bill
When next month’s utility bill arrives, review the “Previous Balance” section. It should show a zero balance and the recent payment you made. Notify Concord if any unpaid balance seems to carry over erroneously.
Assuming all looks correct, repeat the payment process again for the new bill by the new due date.
Late Payments and Disconnection
If you miss the due date for payment, Concord will issue a late fee on the following month’s bill. The late fee amount depends on the size of your outstanding balance:
| Overdue Balance | Late Fee |
|---|---|
| Under $30 | $5 |
| $30-$100 | $10 |
| Over $100 | $15 |
In addition, the city charges a $25 processing fee if your payment gets returned or declined.
If a bill remains unpaid long enough, Concord reserves the right to disconnect utility service on a delinquent account. Basic service charges continue to accrue even during disconnection.
A $40 reconnection fee applies if service is disconnected for nonpayment. Reconnection typically occurs within 24 hours after the overdue balance is paid.
Avoid these fees and potential disruption of service by carefully paying your Concord utility bill in full each month by the due date. Communicate immediately with the city if a financial hardship ever threatens your ability to pay.
Financial Assistance Programs
If you’re struggling to pay your utility bill, Concord does offer some financial assistance programs:
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Payment arrangements – The city may agree to a payment plan to pay off an overdue balance gradually over several months. Payment plans must be approved by the city and adhere to a strict schedule.
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LIHEAP – The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides grants to help families pay energy bills. You must apply and qualify based on income criteria.
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Nonprofit assistance – Local organizations like the Salvation Army sometimes offer one-time utility bill grants for households facing shutoff.
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Emergency rental assistance – Renters affected by COVID-19 may qualify for federally funded emergency help paying utility bills and rent.
Contact Concord’s customer service department to ask about assistance options if you are unable to pay your utility bill at any point. Be proactive before service interruption occurs.
Ways to Reduce Your Bill
Practice conservation to use utilities wisely and reduce the amount due each month:
- Monitor electric usage and unplug appliances when not in use
- Take shorter showers to conserve hot water
- Fix leaky faucets immediately to avoid excess water usage
- Adjust thermostat a few degrees higher in summer and lower in winter
- Replace old appliances and lighting with energy-efficient models
The city also offers free energy audits to help identify savings opportunities. Lower utility costs will make paying your bill more affordable going forward.
Flexible Plans Made to fit Your Lifestyle
Once you’ve chosen an electricity provider, the next step is to set up your new electricity plan. At Amigo Energy, you have the option to enroll online or call 866-239-5056 to set up your new plan with us over the phone.
How To Get Same-Day Service
1. Call Before 12PM CST
Request same-day service before 12:00 PM CST and provide any necessary documentation requested.
2. Verify Your Meter
When you call Amigo Energy, an experienced energy advisor will work with you to confirm that you have a smart meter.
3. Pick An Energy Plan
Your advisor will help you choose and enroll in an electricity plan that best fits your residence, budget, needs, and lifestyle.
4. Turn On Your Lights
Once we review your credit and any other required documentation, you’ll get to enjoy your new service. *You must have a Smart Meter to qualify. Other terms and conditions may apply.
Utility Bill Payment Assistance is Available
How do I pay my water bill in Concord NH?
Bring in your bill payment to Concord General Services at 311 North State Street or to City Hall at 41 Green Street. Pay water and sewer utility bills over the phone by calling 1-888-312-1873. Payments can be made by credit or debit card. A nominal convenience fee will apply. Send checks to City of Concord, PO Box 9622, Manchester, NH 03108-9622.
Where do I send utility payments to Concord MA?
When searching under Town of Concord within your bank’s Internet banking setup, you may find a listing for “Concord Municipal Utilities” which is strictly for utility payments. Concord Municipal Utilities (Electric, Water, Sewer or Broadband) payments should be sent to the following address: Town of Concord, PO Box 590, Concord MA 01742.
Where do I send a payment to the town of Concord?
Town of Concord (real estate, motor vehicle excise, etc.) payments should be sent to: Town of Concord, PO Box 535, Concord MA 01742. If you have any questions, contact Customer Service at 978-318-3101 or [email protected].
How do I pay my personal property taxes in Concord MA?
For payment of your Personal Property taxes, you will need to set up the Town of Concord under Other Company selection. Town of Concord (real estate, motor vehicle excise, etc.) payments should be sent to: Town of Concord, PO Box 535, Concord MA 01742.