Jamestown BPU: Billing and Deposit Policy


	Customer Handbook (298 kb)

	Billing and Deposit Policy The BPU has a responsibility to supply electricity to its customers in a reliable manner, and the customer has a responsibility to pay utility bills promptly. Here are some important points about billing: When to Pay BPU bills are due and payable when received. Payments are considered OVERDUE 23 days after the bill is mailed to you. The due date is printed on the bill. If you pay after that, you will have to pay a late charge. If you have a question regarding your bill, call 661-1660 immediately. How to Pay You may enroll in the electronic payment plan (E-Z Pay) on the website www.jamestownbpu.com or in person. You may mail your check and stub in the enclosed return envelope. You may pay in person at 92 Steele Street or City Hall. You may deposit your check and stub in any of the night deposit boxes located at the front corner of the BPU Business Offices at 92 Steele Street, at the Police Station, and at the Main Entrance and Inner Lobby of City Hall. PLEASE BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR BILL STUB WITH YOUR PAYMENT. Billing Accuracy and Estimated Bills Everything possible is done to bill your account accurately. Under certain circumstances, the BPU may issue you an estimated bill if it cannot read your meter, or if it appears that the reading may be wrong. The procedure used to estimate your bill is one approved by the Public Service Commission. Each estimated bill clearly states that it is based on an estimate. If, by using estimated bills, the amount you owe the BPU is understated by 50% of the actual usage or $100 (whichever is greater), you must be notified of that fact, in writing and you may make monthly payments on the difference. Deposit Policy Electric Deposit Policy The electric deposit amount is based on two times the average monthly bill for the previous twelve months. The Public Service Commission rules govern electric deposit policies as follows: New Customers The BPU may charge a deposit for all residential electric customers who are seasonal or short-term customers (requesting less than one year of service). Existing Customers Existing residential electric customers who have had their services disconnected for non-payment in the preceding six months, or who have accumulated two consecutive months of arrears without making reasonable payment, or have filed bankruptcy, may be charged a deposit by the BPU. Public Assistance If you receive public assistance such as Department of Social Services (DSS) benefits or Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or additional state payments, the BPU cannot require you to pay an electric deposit. Deposit Request If you are required to post an electric deposit due to bankruptcy, the BPU will give you 20 days notice before the deposit becomes due. Refund The BPU can hold a security deposit for the length of the bankruptcy. If you maintain a good payment record during that time, the utility will refund the deposit plus interest at a rate set by the PSC. The BPU will credit interest to your account on a yearly basis. Water, Waste Water, Solid Waste, District Heating and Cooling Deposit Policy New Customers All new non-residential customers (commercial and industrial) will be required to pay a utility deposit for all applicable BPU utility services (water, wastewater, solid waste, district heating and cooling). The deposit will be required before service will be established. All other procedures will mirror those in place for electric, non-residential security deposits. All new residential customer without any history with the utility, you will be required to pay a deposit of $100 unless you can provide a letter from your previous utility that all utility bills owed it were paid on time for the past 12 months. In the situation where the customer does not receive all three water, wastewater and solid waste services, the deposit is calculated as $35 for Water, $40 for Wastewater, and $25 for Solid Waste, with a maximum total deposit of $100. The deposit will be returned if the customer has no disconnect notices for a period of 12 months. Simple interest of 1.5% per year will be paid on deposits. Existing Customers Existing non-residential customers (commercial, industrial, and public authorities) will be required to pay the utility deposit if such customer meets the Public Service Commission definition of delinquent. A delinquent customer has made a late payment on two or more occasions within the previous 12-month period. The utility deposit will be based on twice the customer’s estimated average monthly usage for the applicable services. Existing residential customers who have been disconnected will be treated as a new customer. Garbage accounts will be paired with water accounts, Thus, a customer not having water service in their name may not have garbage service on their account. Public Assistance Customers receiving public assistance CAN be required to pay a utility deposit. Customer Information Customer Handbook (298 kb) Your Bill Explained Sign Up for the Easy Payment Plan Questions, Problems, Appeals Final Termination Notice Reconnection of Service Deferred Payment Agreement Fixed Income Waiver Hardship Procedures Customer Assistance Program (CAP) Cold Weather Protections Third Party Notification Diversion of Service or Shared Meter Access to Your Meter
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