The Ultimate Guide to City of Concord Bill Pay: Simplifying Your Utility Payments

Have you ever found yourself rushing to pay your utility bill before the due date? Or maybe you’ve forgotten completely and gotten hit with those annoying late fees? I totally get it – life gets busy, and keeping track of bills can be a real headache. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide on City of Concord bill pay options to make your life easier!

Understanding Concord’s Utility Billing System

Before diving into payment methods, let’s understand what we’re actually paying for. The City of Concord provides several essential utility services including

• Water service
• Wastewater/sewer service
• Streets maintenance
• Trash & recycling collection

Your monthly bill combines these services, and understanding how to efficiently pay and manage your account can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

How to Set Up Your Utility Account

For New Residents

If you’ve just moved to Concord, congratulations on your new home! Setting up your utility services is pretty straightforward:

1. Complete an application form (available on the Concord website)
2. Provide proof of property ownership OR have your landlord sign if you’re renting
3. Submit your completed application to Concord General Services

It’s important to note that even if the tenant’s name is on the bill, the property owner remains ultimately responsible for any unpaid utility charges.

Account Numbers Explained

When looking at your Concord utility bill you’ll notice your account number consists of two parts

• The first six digits – tied to your service address
• A unique customer number – follows you if you move within Concord

This distinction is important because your customer number stays with YOU, while the account number stays with the PROPERTY.

Convenient Bill Pay Options for Concord Residents

The City of Concord offers several ways to pay your utility bills. Let’s break down each option:

1. Online Payment through Citizen Self Service (CSS)

The most convenient way to pay your Concord utility bill is through the Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal. This online system allows you to:

• View your account summary
• Check bill history
• Monitor consumption patterns
• Track account transactions
• Sign up for eBilling (paperless billing)
• Update your address
• Pay bills directly

To access this service, you’ll need to create a CSS account on the Concord website. There’s a small convenience fee for online payments, but the time saved is usually worth it!

2. Automatic Payments (E-Z Pay Plan)

If you’re like me and sometimes forget to pay bills on time, the E-Z Pay Plan might be perfect for you! This service links your bank account to your utility bill for automatic payments. Here’s how it works:

• You still receive your monthly statement
• You can review the amount that will be debited
• The payment is automatically processed on the due date
• No more worrying about late fees!

To enroll, simply fill out the E-Z Pay enrollment form on the Concord website.

3. Pay by Phone

In a hurry and need to pay immediately? The phone payment option might be your best bet:

• Call 1-888-312-1873
• Have your account information ready
• Pay with credit or debit card
• Small convenience fee applies

This service is available 24/7, which is super helpful for last-minute payments!

4. Mail-in Payments

If you prefer the traditional route, you can always mail your payment:

• Make checks payable to “City of Concord”
• Mail to: City of Concord, PO Box 9622, Manchester, NH 03108-9622
• Include your account number on the check

Just remember to allow enough time for mail delivery and processing to avoid late fees.

5. In-Person Payments

Some folks still prefer the face-to-face approach, and Concord offers two locations for in-person payments:

• Concord General Services: 311 North State Street
• City Hall: 41 Green Street

Both locations accept cash, checks, and card payments during regular business hours.

Understanding Your Concord Utility Bill

Ever looked at your utility bill and felt confused by all the numbers? Let’s break it down:

Bill Components

Your Concord utility bill typically includes:

• Account information (name, service address, account number)
• Current charges for water usage
• Sewer charges (usually based on water consumption)
• Any additional services like trash collection
• Previous balance information
• Payment due date

The City provides a bill sample on their website that can help you understand exactly what you’re looking at. This visual guide points out each section of the bill and explains what the numbers mean.

Water Meter Information

Your bill also includes information about your water meter readings. The City uses AMR (Automated Meter Reading) technology to collect accurate consumption data. You can actually read your own meter to:

• Monitor your usage between bills
• Check for potential leaks
• Verify the accuracy of your bill

Special Services and Requests

Final Bills and Service Transfers

Moving out? You’ll need to request a final bill or transfer service to the new customer. This can now be done through Concord’s online reporting system, SeeClickFix. Some things to keep in mind:

• Final meter readings on Thursdays are free
• Readings on other days incur a $56.50 service fee
• The property owner must be involved in transfers to tenants

Reporting Water Issues

If you notice water problems like leaks, low pressure, or quality issues, the City has made it super easy to report these concerns through their SeeClickFix portal or mobile app. This system allows you to:

• Report specific water concerns
• Track the status of your report
• Receive updates when the issue is addressed

Money-Saving Tips for Concord Residents

Who doesn’t want to save money on their utility bills? Here are some pro tips:

Understanding Rate Structures

The City of Concord uses a tiered rate structure for water billing. This means:

• Basic consumption is billed at a lower rate
• Higher consumption levels are billed at progressively higher rates
• Being aware of these tiers can help you manage your usage effectively

You can find detailed rate information in the Summary of Rates & Fees Brochure on the Concord website.

Water Conservation Strategies

Implementing some simple water conservation measures can significantly reduce your bill:

• Fix leaky faucets promptly (a dripping faucet can waste thousands of gallons annually!)
• Install low-flow showerheads and toilets
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full
• Water lawns during early morning or evening hours to reduce evaporation

Monitoring for Leaks

Undetected leaks can silently drain your wallet. Signs to watch for include:

• Unexplained increases in your water bill
• The sound of running water when no fixtures are in use
• Damp spots in your yard
• Water meter showing usage when all water is turned off

The City of Concord actually offers leak detection services to help identify hidden problems before they become major issues.

Special Considerations for Pool Owners

If you own a swimming pool, you might be wondering if you’re being charged sewer fees for the water used to fill it. The answer is: it depends.

• Standard billing assumes all water entering your home also leaves through the sewer system
• For large water uses like pool filling, you may be eligible for a sewer adjustment
• Contact Utility Billing to inquire about this potential adjustment

Frequently Asked Questions

“How do I start service?”

To initiate utility service in Concord, complete and submit an application form available on the city website. If you’re a tenant, your landlord will need to sign the form as well.

“What if I have questions about my bill?”

For billing questions, contact Utility Billing directly at 603-225-8693 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or email them through the contact form on the website.

“Am I billed for sewer when filling my pool?”

Yes, initially you are, since the billing system assumes all water used also enters the sewer system. However, you can request a sewer adjustment for large, one-time uses like filling a pool.

“What happens if I pay late?”

Late payments may incur additional fees and, in extreme cases, could lead to service interruption. It’s best to contact the Utility Billing department if you’re having trouble making payments.

“Can I pay both my water and property tax with one payment?”

No, these are separate systems. If you use your bank’s online bill pay, you’ll need to set up separate vendors for water/sewer payments and property taxes.

Resources for More Information

The City of Concord provides several helpful resources for residents:

• Utility Rules document – outlines all policies and procedures
• E-Z Pay brochure – details on automatic payment enrollment
• CSS Account & Payment Instructions – step-by-step guide to online account management
• MyConcordNH mobile app – convenient access to account services and reporting tools

Staying Connected

Want to stay informed about utility services, rate changes, or maintenance that might affect your service? The City offers several communication channels:

• General Gazette Newsletter – subscribe for regular updates
• MyConcordNH mobile app – receive alert notifications
• Social media accounts – follow for immediate announcements
• Notify Me service – sign up for email or text alerts

Wrapping It Up

Managing your utility bills doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. The City of Concord has invested in making the process as convenient as possible with multiple payment options and helpful online tools.

By taking advantage of services like the CSS portal, E-Z Pay automatic payments, or even the mobile app, you can simplify your bill management and avoid those pesky late fees. And remember, the Utility Billing staff is always available to help if you have questions or concerns.

Stay dry, stay comfortable, and keep those bills paid on time!