Are you a North Baldwin Utilities customer looking for the best way to pay your monthly bill? Whether you’re a long-time resident of Bay Minette or just moved to the area, understanding your payment options can save you time prevent late fees and make managing your utilities a breeze. We’ve gathered all the essential information about NBU bill payment methods to help you choose what works best for your lifestyle.
Who is North Baldwin Utilities?
Before diving into payment methods, let’s get to know the utility provider a bit better. North Baldwin Utilities (NBU) is a public community water system operating under the City Department of Public Works in Bay Minette, Alabama. Established back in 1945, NBU currently provides water services to approximately 28,713 residents in the Bay Minette area.
The utility draws its water supply from nine public water supply wells connected to five different aquifers:
- Bay Minette Middle Aquifer (supplies Wells 2, 3, 4 & 5)
- Bay Minette Lower Aquifer (supplies Wells 5 & 6)
- Miocene Undifferentiated Aquifer (supplies Wells 9A & 9B)
- Stapleton 275-foot Aquifer (supplies Well 12)
- Miocene Pliocene Aquifer (supplies Well 10)
NBU doesn’t just provide water services – they also offer wastewater and natural gas services to the community
Four Convenient Ways to Pay Your North Baldwin Utilities Bill
North Baldwin Utilities understands that customers have different preferences when it comes to paying their bills. That’s why they offer four main payment methods: online payments, automatic bank drafts, phone payments, and in-person payments. Let’s explore each option in detail.
1. Online Bill Pay: 24/7 Convenience at Your Fingertips
For those who prefer handling bills from the comfort of their home, NBU’s online payment system is the perfect solution. Here’s what you need to know:
- Payment processor: NBU uses PayNSeconds, a third-party payment processor specializing in secure bill payments
- Access: Simply visit the NBU website and click “Pay Online”
- Payment methods: Credit/debit cards or ACH (eCheck)
- Availability: 24/7 service
- Processing fees:
- $2.95 for payments up to $99.99
- 2.95% on total transaction for payments $100 & up
- $2.75 fee for eChecks
To pay online you’ll need your customer number and PIN. These details are provided on your monthly bill. If you’ve recently become an NBU customer after the migration from Whitehouse Fork Water System (WHFS) you should have received new bills with your NBU customer numbers and PINs.
Pro tip: Save your login information securely to make future payments quicker!
2. Bank Draft: Set It and Forget It
If you’re looking for the most hands-off approach to paying your NBU bill, the automatic bank draft option is worth considering:
- How it works: Your monthly bill amount is automatically withdrawn from your checking account
- Statements: You’ll still receive monthly statements for your records
- Convenience factor: No need to remember payment dates or worry about late fees
- Setup process: Complete a Debit Authorization form available on the NBU website
The bank draft option is especially popular with customers who have consistent monthly budgets and prefer not to manually process payments each month. It’s also great for those who travel frequently or might forget payment deadlines.
3. Phone Payments: Pay From Anywhere
Need to pay your bill but can’t get to a computer or the NBU office? Phone payments offer a flexible solution:
- How to pay: Call NBU at 251-580-1626 during business hours
- Payment processor: NBU uses PayNSeconds for secure phone transactions
- Processing fees: Same as online payments ($2.95 for payments up to $99.99, 2.95% for payments over $100, $2.75 for eChecks)
When calling, be sure to have your account information and payment method details ready to expedite the process.
4. In-Person Payments: The Traditional Approach
Some folks still prefer the personal touch of paying bills face-to-face, and NBU accommodates this preference with in-person payment options:
- Location: 25 Hand Avenue, Bay Minette, AL 36507
- Business hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Friday through Sunday)
- Accepted payment methods: Cash, checks, money orders, credit/debit cards
- Additional benefits: Opportunity to ask questions about your bill or service
Important Notices About NBU Bill Pay
Notice to Former WHWS Customers
If you were previously a Whitehouse Fork Water System customer, please note that NBU has successfully migrated all WHWS accounts to their system. The previously used Pay-N-Seconds link for WHWS customers has been removed, and new bills with NBU customer numbers and PINs have been issued. These new credentials are required for accessing the NBU online payment portal.
Avoiding Change Fees
NBU advises customers to be cautious when making changes to bank draft or online payment arrangements. To avoid incurring additional fees, it’s recommended that you contact NBU directly by phone (251-580-1626) or email ([email protected]) to discuss the best options for making changes to your payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Baldwin Utilities Bill Pay
Q: What are the processing fees for online and phone payments?
A: There’s a $2.95 fee for payments up to $99.99, a 2.95% fee on total transaction for payments $100 and up, and a $2.75 fee for eCheck payments. These fees are charged by the payment processor and passed directly to the customer.
Q: How do I set up automatic payments?
A: You can set up automatic payments by completing the Debit Authorization form available on the NBU website or at their office. The form requires your banking information and authorization signature.
Q: What should I do if I’ve lost my bill and don’t know my account number?
A: Contact NBU’s customer service at 251-580-1626 during business hours. They can verify your identity and provide your account information.
Q: When is my NBU bill due?
A: Due dates are indicated on your monthly statement. If you’re enrolled in automatic bank drafts, your payment will be withdrawn on the due date listed on your bill.
Q: Who do I contact if I have an emergency outside of regular business hours?
A: For after-hours emergencies such as water main breaks, call NBU’s emergency line at 251-580-2559.
Q: Is there a way to view my billing history online?
A: Yes, once you’ve created an online account through the NBU payment portal, you can access your billing history and previous statements.
Tips for Managing Your North Baldwin Utilities Payments
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Sign up for e-billing: Reduce paper waste and get your bills faster by enrolling in NBU’s electronic billing service.
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Mark payment due dates on your calendar: Set reminders a few days before your bill is due to avoid late payments if you’re not using automatic drafts.
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Keep your contact information updated: Ensure NBU has your current phone number and email address for important service announcements or billing issues.
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Check your water usage: Unexpectedly high bills can sometimes indicate leaks or inefficiencies in your home’s water system.
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Consider budget billing: While not explicitly mentioned on their website, many utility companies offer budget billing options that average your yearly usage for more consistent monthly payments. Contact NBU to inquire if this service is available.
Contact Information for North Baldwin Utilities
For any questions about your bill or payment options, NBU’s customer service team is ready to assist:
- Phone: 251-580-1626 (day) or 251-580-2559 (night for emergencies)
- Fax: 251-937-0345
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 25 Hand Avenue, Bay Minette, AL 36507
- Business Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM until 5:00 PM (Closed Friday-Sunday)
You can also find NBU on Facebook for updates and announcements.
Final Thoughts
Managing your North Baldwin Utilities bills doesn’t have to be a hassle. With four flexible payment options – online, bank draft, phone, and in-person – you can choose the method that best fits your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you prefer the convenience of automatic payments or the reassurance of handling transactions face-to-face, NBU has you covered.
I’ve been a customer of NBU for several years now, and I’ve found their online payment system to be particularly convenient for my busy schedule. The ability to pay bills at any time, day or night, has saved me from late fees more than once! However, I know many of my neighbors prefer the automatic draft option for its “set it and forget it” simplicity.
Whatever method you choose, staying on top of your utility payments ensures uninterrupted service and helps maintain the infrastructure that brings clean water to our community. And remember, if you ever have questions about your bill or need assistance with payments, NBU’s customer service team is just a phone call away.
Have you tried all of NBU’s payment options? Which one works best for your household? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Welcome to NORTH BALDWIN UTILITIES
Welcome to North Baldwin Utilities. Established in 1945, NBU is a public utility providing water, wastewater and natural gas to the residents of North Baldwin County. Currently operating at only 44% capacity based on 2016 calculations, NBU proudly serves water to over 40,000 residents. NBU also provides sanitary sewer service to most residents and businesses in Bay Minette. Always expanding to new areas, NBU’s natural gas system currently serves 1,800 residential customers, 24 industrial customers and 335 commercial or other customers.
Wastewater treatment is the process of cleaning used water and sewage so it can be returned to the environment. The goal is to protect water supplies like oceans, lakes, streams and rivers.
We work hard to protect your water supply by maintaining existing water systems, treating used water, drilling new wells, improving technology, and testing water for purity and quality
Clean, plentiful, efficient and safe, Natural Gas is a reliable and efficient energy source. Even during inclement weather and power outages, natural gas service through NBU continues.
NBU is governed by a five-member board appointed by the mayor and city council. To better represent the service area, director positions are held by customers who reside in Bay Minette, Stockton and Stapleton. Please visit our Board page for term lengths, a board application, a board schedule and meeting times, and updates regarding rescheduling when necessary.
Pictured left to right: Hugh “Trey” M. Dickson III, Henry C. “Clint” Conner Jr., Robert J. “Jamie” Jaye, Mayor Robert “Bob” A. Wills and Hamilton C. Smith.
