Arsenic is a potent carcinogen and common contaminant in drinking water. Arsenic causes thousands of cases of cancer each year in the U.S. Click here to read more about arsenic.
Have you ever found yourself scratching your head when it’s time to pay your Opp utilities bill? Trust me you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, and that’s why I created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the sometimes confusing world of utility payments in Opp, Alabama.
As a resident of Opp for several years now, I’ve learned the ins and outs of the local utility system. Today, I’m sharing everything I know about Opp utilities bill pay options, from convenient payment methods to helpful customer assistance programs that many folks don’t even realize exist.
Who Manages Utilities in Opp?
Before diving into payment options, it’s good to understand who’s behind your utilities. The Utilities Board of Opp manages the city’s utility services under the leadership of General Manager Stacey Parker. The current board members include:
- Mayor Becky Bracke (Chairperson)
- Skip Spurlin (Vice Chairman)
- Joe Richburg
- LaVaughn Hines
- Charles Willis
- Stacey Parker (Secretary)
These folks oversee the various utility services provided to Opp residents, including electricity, water/sewage, and even solar options.
Opp Utilities Contact Information and Office Hours
If you need to reach someone about your utility bill here’s the important contact info
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Phone: 334-493-4571 (Option 3)
- After Hours and Weekends: 334-493-4511
The utility office handles everything related to your service, from setting up new accounts to addressing billing concerns
How to Pay Your Opp Utilities Bill
Now let’s get to the main topic—paying your bill! The Utilities Board of Opp offers several convenient payment options:
1. Online Bill Pay
For those of us who prefer to handle things digitally, online bill pay is available through the City of Opp website. You can access this service by clicking “Pay Utility Bill Here” on their utilities page. This service accepts Mastercard, Visa, and Discover.
2. In-Person Payment Options
If you’re old school (like my grandpa) and prefer paying in person, you have several options:
- Walk-in: Visit the utility office during regular business hours
- Drive-thru: Use the convenient drive-thru window
- Night deposit: Drop off your payment after hours
For in-person payments, they accept cash, checks, and the major credit cards mentioned above.
3. Mail
You can also mail your payment to the utility office. Just be sure to allow enough time for delivery before the due date!
4. Bank Draft
If you’re like me and sometimes forget due dates, bank auto draft might be your best friend. To set this up, you’ll need to:
- Get the Bank Auto Draft Form from the city website
- Bring the completed form and a voided check to the office
- They’ll handle the rest, and your bill will be automatically paid each month
What They DON’T Accept
One important thing to note—the Opp Utilities office DOES NOT accept payments over the phone. I learned this the hard way when I tried calling in a payment during a rainstorm last year!
Understanding Your Bill and Due Dates
Your Opp utilities bill is due when received and becomes delinquent if not paid by the 10th day after billing. Here’s what happens if you’re late:
- 11th day of the month: A $1.00 penalty per service is assessed
- 16th of the month: A penalty of $10.00 or 10% of the balance (whichever is greater) is added
- 21st of the month: Service termination for any unpaid balance over $10.00
If you need more time to pay, you can request an extension, but be aware there’s a $35.00 extension fee.
Deposits and Service Fees
Residential Service Deposits
When setting up new service, you’ll need to provide a deposit. The amount depends on your credit score (which they check through Online Utility Exchange). Here’s the breakdown:
Minimum Deposits:
- Electric: $125.00
- Water: $25.00
Mid Deposits:
- Electric: $225.00
- Water: $50.00
Maximum Deposits:
- Electric: $325.00
- Water: $75.00
If you prefer not to have a credit check, you’ll be charged the maximum deposit for each service.
Commercial and Industrial Deposits
For businesses, deposits work differently:
Commercial Deposits:
- Electric: $150.00 up to three times the highest monthly usage from account history
- Water: $25.00 up to three times the highest monthly usage from account history
Industrial Deposits:
- Both electric and water deposits are based on monthly usage history, up to three times that amount
Service Fees
There are also various service fees to be aware of:
- Reconnect Fee: $35.00 (regular hours) or $70.00 (after 3:30 PM)
- Transfer Fee: $20.00 plus your bill amount
- Returned Check Fee: $30.00
Applying for Utility Service in Opp
If you’re new to Opp (welcome, neighbor!), here’s what you’ll need to set up service:
- A completed application form (residential or business)
- A photo ID
- Rental agreement or proof of ownership
- Deposit payment
You can download the application forms from the city website:
- Opp Utilities Residential Service Application
- Opp Utilities Business/Commercial Application
- Verification of Property form
Customer Assistance Programs
One of the things I love about Opp is how they provide help to folks who are struggling with utility bills. The city offers several assistance programs:
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
This program is administered by the Organized Community Action Program (OCAP) with funding from the State of Alabama. If you qualify and receive assistance, be sure to bring your voucher to the utility office for proper credit.
Project Share
This is another assistance option administered by the American Red Cross for qualifying residents.
Energy Efficiency Programs
The Utilities Board also offers several programs to help reduce your energy costs:
- Touchstone Energy Home Program: Recognizes energy-efficient homes
- Energy Audits: Free assessments of your home’s energy usage
- Water Heater Program: Free high-efficiency water heaters for qualified homes
- Surge Protection: Whole-home surge suppression program to protect your electronics
Additional Services
Security Lights
Need extra lighting around your property? The city offers security light rentals at various wattages:
- 100-watt: $5.77/month plus tax
- 250-watt: $12.85/month plus tax
- 400-watt: $19.76/month plus tax
- 1000-watt: $29.64/month plus tax
To request installation, print and complete the Security Light Form from the website and return it to the Utility Office.
Electric Vehicle Resources
Opp is keeping up with the times by offering resources for electric vehicle owners. You can find information and an EV calculator at http://opp.chooseev.com.
Solar Options
If you’re interested in renewable energy, Opp Utilities offers several solar resources:
- “Solar right for you?” Online Calculator
- Powersouth Wing Solar Plant Dashboard
- Information on connecting solar to the grid
Tips for Managing Your Opp Utility Bills
After living in Opp for a while, I’ve picked up some helpful strategies for managing utility costs:
- Consider bank draft: This ensures you never miss a payment and avoid late fees
- Request an energy audit: The free assessment can identify ways to reduce consumption
- Check into assistance programs: Don’t hesitate to apply if you’re struggling
- Monitor usage patterns: Being aware of when you use the most energy/water helps identify savings opportunities
- Ask about budget billing: Some utilities offer options to even out seasonal bill fluctuations
Common Questions About Opp Utilities
What happens if I’m late paying my bill?
As mentioned above, there’s a progressive penalty system, ultimately leading to service disconnection after the 21st of the month.
Can I transfer service to a new address in Opp?
Yes! There’s a $20 transfer fee plus your current bill amount.
What if I need my utilities connected after hours?
After-hours reconnection is available for a $70 fee (compared to $35 during regular hours).
Does Opp have any green energy options?
Yes, the city offers solar resources and information about connecting renewable energy to the grid.
Final Thoughts
Managing your Opp utilities doesn’t have to be complicated. With multiple payment options and helpful customer service, the process can be relatively painless—even when the bills themselves might cause a little sticker shock during those hot Alabama summers!
As a resident, I’ve found the staff at the Utility Board to be helpful and understanding. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them with questions or concerns about your service or billing.
And remember, if you’re ever in a bind, look into the various assistance programs. They’re there for a reason, and many residents qualify without even knowing it.
Note: Information in this article is accurate as of October 2025. Contact the Opp Utilities office for the most current rates and policies.
Resources and Links
- City of Opp Website: www.cityofopp.com
- Utility Administration Page: www.cityofopp.com/index.php/utilities-admin/
- Electric Vehicle Calculator: opp.chooseev.com
- Touchstone Energy: www.touchstoneenergy.coop
Have you had experiences with Opp utilities that might help others? Share them below!
Nitrate was found at 7 times above EWG’s Health Guideline.
The EWG health guideline of 0.14 parts per million, or ppm, for nitrate and nitrite is based on the equivalent health guideline for nitrate, as defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG. This guideline represents a one-in-one-million annual cancer risk level.
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.
Nitrate and nitrite enter water from fertilizer runoff, septic tanks and urban runoff. These contaminants can cause oxygen deprivation for infants and increase the risk of cancer. Nitrite is significantly more toxic than nitrate. Click here to read more about nitrate.
Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) was found at 145 times above EWG’s Health Guideline.
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.001 ppt for perfluorohexane sulfonate was defined by EPAs toxicity value published in the Integrated Risk Information Systems toxicological review. This health guideline harm to the developing immune system.
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2024.
Trihalomethanes are cancer-causing contaminants that form during water treatment with chlorine and other disinfectants. The total trihalomethanes group includes four chemicals: chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform.
