January 27, 2024
STARKVILLE – As weather patterns return to normal, upcoming utility bills will reflect the recent deep freeze that shut down schools, businesses, roadways and airports while causing many Starkville residents to shelter at home.
In anticipation of higher-than-normal utility bills, Starkville Utilities is reminding customers that payment options are available to address the impacts of increased water and electricity usage during the winter storm.
“We had nearly a week of sub-freezing temperatures that dropped to single digits at night,” said Edward Kemp, general manager of Starkville Utilities. “That meant customers used more electricity to stay warm and kept faucets dripping to protect pipes. Just as we’ve done in the past, we’re prepared to help customers work out payment plans and learn about other options to manage utility costs.”
Starkville Utilities offers payment due date extensions that give customers up to two weeks after the original due date to post payments to their accounts. Customers must contact Starkville Utilities before the payment due date to coordinate extensions.
For customers on tight budgets or fixed incomes, Levelized Billing makes bill amounts more consistent throughout the year by taking an average of the past 12 months’ consumption and allowing customers to pay a similar amount each month.
Pick-A-Due Date allows customers to choose when payments are due—on the 1st, 3rd or 15th of the month—and is available for customers enrolled in automatic bank draft. Being able to time bills with the arrival of paychecks and other income sources provides peace of mind that funds will be on hand when payments are due.
Starkville Utilities prioritizes variety and flexibility in payment programs. Kemp encourages customers to call 662-323-3133 to speak with a customer service representative and learn more about Starkville Utilities’ account programs and services.
Starkville Utilities also shares tips to help customers improve energy efficiency and better manage energy costs and hosts free energy workshops to empower customers with information on how to save money on their utility bills.
The utility works year-round to maintain water and electrical systems in top condition and keep capital improvement projects on track. Kemp noted that water and power outages were minimal during the cold snap.
“The improvements we’re making have resulted in stronger and more resilient infrastructure,” Kemp said. “By being proactive with capital investments and maintenance, we’re ensuring that customers have access to reliable, affordable utility services whenever they’re needed, including during extreme weather.”
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.