News

Electronic Billing Gives Customers More Control and Convenience

Paperless and other cost-free options keep accounts in good standing

STARKVILLE – With the new year off to a start, Starkville Utilities reminds customers that it’s an ideal time to review their account options and consider upgrading free of charge to an electronic billing and payment program to keep their accounts in good standing.

Electronic billing is the most direct, reliable method for customers to manage their accounts year-round. By switching from mailboxes to inboxes, they receive bills on the same day every month, and payments post immediately. This option also benefits customers who have experienced delayed or missed paper bills in the mail.

“We have noticed that challenges associated with the pandemic have been disruptive for many services in our community, including mail delivery,” said Terry Kemp, general manager of Starkville Utilities. “Our electronic billing and payment options help customers stay on top of their accounts and know exactly when their payments are due.”

Electronic tools also have been helpful during the pandemic by providing a safe, contactless way for customers to interact with Starkville Utilities and manage their accounts.

Starkville Utilities is highlighting customer-oriented programs and services as part of the Renew Principle, an initiative launched last year that seeks to improve customer service through better communications, more personalized services and new technologies. Billing and payment programs include:

• Pay Online: On Starkville Utilities’ customer portal page, customers can sign up and make online payments using eChecks or credit cards, view account information, and download our app to pay bills or access accounts on mobile devices. Payments are immediately posted, which helps customers meet payment due dates and avoid late fees.
• Go Paperless - Access bills online, anytime, anywhere there’s internet access and receive timely notifications when we create your bill. Make fast online payments with no postage required — and receive a $2 credit on your monthly bill.
• Bank Draft: This option is great for customers who are comfortable having utility payments automatically debited from their bank accounts on their bill due date. Starkville Utilities accepts ACH bank drafts and credit card drafts.
• Pick-A-Due Date: Customers who sign up for Bank Draft can take advantage of our Pick-A-Due Date program and choose when payments are due — options include 1st, 3rd or 15th of the month.
• Levelized Billing: Levelized Billing takes an average of your past 12 months’ consumption and allows you to pay that amount. For home owners on a tight budget, it’s a helpful solution that makes bill amounts more consistent throughout the year.

As always, customers may pay their bills or receive account assistance at Starkville Utilities’ office at 200 N. Lafayette Street. Lobby hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and drive- through hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A payment kiosk is located in the lobby for cash, debit and credit card payments. A drop box next to the drive-through is available for after-hours check and money order payments.

Kemp encourages customers to contact Starkville Utilities at 662-323-3133 to speak with a customer service representative and learn more about customer-oriented programs and services.

Starkville Utilities is a municipally owned and operated electric and water utility, serving more than 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville as well as the state’s largest institution of higher learning, Mississippi State University.