Paying your utility bill each month is a necessity, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. The city of Picayune offers convenient online bill pay options for water, sewer, gas, and garbage services to save residents time and hassle. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything Picayune utility customers need to know about paying bills digitally so you can choose the best option for you.
Overview of Picayune Utility Services
The city of Picayune provides water, sewer, gas and garbage services to local residents and businesses. The Gas & Water Department handles water and sewer accounts. Garbage collection is included on the water bill for residential customers. Gas service is managed separately through the Pearl River County Utility Authority.
Bills are issued monthly and payment is due by the 21st of each month to avoid penalties. Bills can be paid online, by phone, by mail, or in person at the Gas & Water Department office on Goodyear Blvd.
Let’s take a closer look at the convenient online and digital payment options now available from Picayune Utility.
Pay Bills Online Through Customer Portal
The easiest way to pay your Picayune utility bill online is through the customer portal available on the city website. This allows you to securely access your account 24/7 to make a payment, set up recurring payments, view billing history, update account information, and more.
To use the customer portal, you’ll first need to create an account Have your account number ready, which can be found on your monthly utility bill. Enter some basic contact information and create a username and password.
Once your account is set up you can log in anytime to view or pay your bill online. The portal accepts VISA MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and e-checks with no transaction fees. Payments post instantly to avoid late fees. You can also opt for auto-draft payments.
The customer portal is the most full-featured option for managing your utility account digitally.
One-Time Payment Through City Website
If you prefer not to create an account, you can make a one-time online payment through the city’s website using the big green “Pay Utility Bill” button on the home page.
This will redirect you to a secure payment portal where you can enter your account number, payment amount, and credit/debit card information to pay your current bill. No registration needed.
However, one-time payments do incur a flat $1.95 transaction fee. And you won’t have access to account management features that the customer portal offers. But it’s useful for quick, occasional payments.
Pay By Phone
In addition to online payments, Picayune utility customers can pay over the phone by calling 601-798-9776. Like the website portal, you’ll need to provide your account number and card details.
Phone payments also include the $1.95 transaction fee. And you’ll need to call during Gas & Water Department business hours of 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday. But it’s a helpful option if you prefer talking to someone directly.
Auto-Draft Through Bank Account
For hands-free bill payment, consider setting up automatic bank draft through your checking or savings account. This authorizes the city to withdraw your monthly bill amount directly on the due date.
To enroll, complete the auto-draft authorization form available on the city website and return it with a voided check. Bank drafts occur on the 21st of each month and avoids the online payment fees. You still receive a bill for your records.
Auto-draft is free, convenient, and ensures your payment is never late!
Pay in Person at Gas & Water Office
The Gas & Water Department office provides in-person payment services if you prefer to pay your bill face-to-face.
Located at 203 Goodyear Blvd, the office is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card.
One thing to note is a 3% fee applies to card payments made at the office. But cash or check allows you to pay fee-free. The office also has an after-hours drop box to deposit payments.
Payment by Mail
The traditional option for paying your Picayune utility bill is by mail using the payment stub and return envelope included with your monthly statement.
Standard mail delivery times apply, so make sure your check or money order is postmarked at least 5 business days before the due date for on-time arrival. This method takes more planning but avoids any online fees.
Manage Your Account Through Mobile App
For on-the-go account access, Picayune utility customers can download the Municipay app for Apple or Android devices. You can view or pay bills, see payment history, monitor usage, receive notifications and more.
The app offers convenience and organization through your smartphone. Payments can be made right from your device anytime, anywhere. Download Municipay to easily manage your utility account from anywhere.
Choose the Best Payment Method for You
Many customers find the customer portal or auto-draft to be the simplest approaches. But you may prefer the flexibility of one-time website payments or using the mobile app. And the Gas & Water office remains available for in-person help.
The goal is providing payment choices to fit all preferences and make the routine task of paying monthly bills quick, easy and stress-free. Reach out to the Picayune utility department if you have any other questions on enrollment or getting set up with online bill pay. Convenient bill payment means more time focused on the things you enjoy!
For After Hours Emergencies:
After an extensive rate study was conducted by an outside agency, it was determined by the PRCUA Board of Directors that an increase or adjustment in rates and fees was needed. Rates have not been increased since June of 2021. In the years since there has been a significant increase in the costs associated with Fuel, Replacement Parts, Required Treatment Chemicals, Required Testing and the Required Expansions Associated with Community Growth. In order to properly maintain PRCUA systems and ensure consistent support to PRCUA customers the increases were required.
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