Dealing with utility bills isn’t anyone’s favorite task, but we all gotta do it. If you’re living in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and struggling to figure out the easiest way to pay your MPU bill, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve spent countless hours researching the different payment methods offered by Manitowoc Public Utilities to bring you this comprehensive guide.
As a Manitowoc resident myself, I know how confusing it can be to keep track of all the different ways to pay your utility bills. That’s why I’ve created this ultimate guide to MPU bill pay options Whether you prefer paying online, in-person, or setting up automatic payments, MPU has got you covered with multiple convenient options.
What is MPU?
Before diving into payment methods, let’s clarify what MPU actually is. MPU stands for Manitowoc Public Utilities, the local utility provider serving Manitowoc, Wisconsin. They provide essential services like:
- Electricity
- Water
- Wastewater treatment
- Steam
- Fiber services
MPU is located at 1303 South 8th Street in Manitowoc and operates Monday through Friday from 8am to 4 30pm. If you ever have questions about your bill or payment options you can reach them at 920.683.4600 during business hours.
MPU Bill Pay: All Available Payment Methods
MPU offers several ways to pay your utility bills. Let’s look at each one in detail
1. In-Person Payments at the Main Office
Sometimes there’s nothing like handling your payments face-to-face. MPU accepts in-person payments at their Main Office located at:
1303 South 8th StreetManitowoc, WI 54220When paying in-person, you can use:
- Cash
- Check
- Money order
- Debit/credit card (via self-service kiosks)
One important thing to note – if you’re planning to pay with a card, MPU has two self-service kiosks in the lobby specifically for debit and credit card transactions. The receptionist cannot process card payments directly. Also, be aware that debit/credit card transactions will include a service fee.
2. Online Payments Through the Customer Portal
In our digital age, many of us prefer handling bills online, and MPU’s got that covered too. Their customer portal at https://mpu1.utilitynexus.com/login allows you to make one-time payments using:
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Checking accounts
- Venmo
- Walmart Pay
- PayPal
- Amazon Pay
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
Just remember that all online payment options, except for payments via a checking account, will incur a service fee. It’s a small price to pay for convenience, but worth knowing ahead of time!
3. Recurring Payment Options
Tired of remembering to pay your bill each month? I feel ya! MPU offers two great automatic payment options:
Online Recurring Payments
You can set up recurring payments via credit/debit card or checking account through the online portal. Your payment will be drafted on your due date automatically. As with one-time payments, credit/debit card payments will incur a fee, but checking account payments are fee-free.
Easy Pay Plan
If you don’t want to create an online account but still want automatic payments, MPU’s Easy Pay Plan might be perfect for you. With this plan, payments are drafted automatically from your checking or savings account on your due date. You’ll need to visit the MPU office to sign up or fill out an application for this service.
4. Budget Payment Plan
For those of us who like predictability in our monthly expenses, MPU offers a Budget Payment Plan. This helpful option spreads your utility costs equally over 12 months, making it easier to budget throughout the year.
This is particularly helpful for managing high winter bills due to electric heating or summer spikes from air conditioning. While you’ll still be billed for your actual consumption, the payment amounts are averaged so you pay the same amount each month.
MPU reviews these accounts every six months and adjusts the budget amount to reflect any over or under payments. If you’re interested in this plan, you’ll need to contact MPU’s customer service directly.
5. Pay by Phone
Don’t have time to go online or visit the office? No problem! MPU customers can pay by phone using a credit/debit card or e-check. You can also check your account balance through this system.
To access the phone payment system:
- Call toll-free 1-877-653-0380
- Have your 6-digit customer number and 6-digit account number ready (found on your bill)
- Follow the prompts to check your account status or make a payment
Note that a fee applies to debit/credit card payments made by phone, but there’s no fee for e-check payments.
6. Pay by Mail
Sometimes the old-fashioned way is the easiest. MPU includes a return envelope with your bill for mail-in payments. Simply include your payment stub along with your check or money order and mail it back.
If you’ve misplaced your return envelope, you can send your payment to:
Manitowoc Public UtilitiesPO Box41Manitowoc, WI 54221-00417. Dropoff Boxes
Need to drop off a payment after hours? MPU has convenient dropoff boxes at two locations:
- City Hall: 900 Quay Street
- MPU Main Office: 1303 South 8th Street
Important safety tip: Please don’t leave cash in these dropoff boxes! Stick to checks or money orders for security reasons.
8. Gift Certificates
Here’s an interesting option you might not have considered – MPU offers gift certificates! This makes for a practical and thoughtful gift that anyone would appreciate. You can purchase gift certificates at the MPU office, and they’ll apply the gift directly to the recipient’s account. They’ll also give you a paper certificate for the recipient to open.
Tips for Choosing the Best MPU Bill Pay Method for You
With so many options available, how do you choose the best one? Here are some things to consider:
Convenience Factor
- For digital natives: Online payments through the customer portal are probably your best bet
- For those who prefer speaking with a person: In-person payments at the main office
- For busy schedules: Recurring payments or phone payments
- For those without internet access: Mail-in payments or dropbox options
Cost Considerations
- To avoid service fees: Use checking account payments online or set up the Easy Pay Plan
- For predictable monthly budgeting: Consider the Budget Payment Plan
Time Management
- To save time monthly: Set up recurring payments
- For those who like to review bills carefully before paying: One-time online payments or mail-in options
Common Questions About MPU Bill Pay
What information do I need to pay my MPU bill online?
To pay online, you’ll need your:
- 6-digit customer number
- 6-digit account number (both found on your bill)
- Payment method information (card details or bank account information)
Is there a fee for paying my MPU bill?
It depends on your payment method:
- Debit/credit card payments (in-person, online, or by phone): Yes, a service fee applies
- E-check or checking account payments: No fee
- Cash, check, or money order payments: No fee
What if I miss my bill’s due date?
It’s best to contact MPU’s customer service directly at 920.683.4600 if you’re concerned about missing a payment. They can provide information about any late fees and help you resolve the situation.
Can I set up automatic payments for my MPU bill?
Absolutely! You have two options:
- Set up recurring payments online through the customer portal
- Enroll in the Easy Pay Plan by visiting the MPU office or filling out an application
What should I do if I’m having trouble paying my utility bill?
If you’re experiencing financial difficulty, contact MPU’s customer service at 920.683.4600. They may be able to provide information about energy assistance programs or work out payment arrangements.
Emergency Contact Information
While we’re mainly focused on bill payment in this article, it’s always good to have emergency contact information on hand. For after-hours emergencies, MPU provides these dedicated numbers:
- Electric Emergencies: 920.683.4622
- Drinking Water Issues: 920.683.4633
- Sewer Backups: 920.683.4470
Conclusion: Making MPU Bill Pay Easy and Stress-Free
Paying your MPU bill doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With so many payment options available, you can choose the method that works best for your lifestyle and preferences.
Whether you prefer the convenience of online payments, the predictability of automatic drafts, or the traditional approach of mailing in your payment, MPU has you covered. And remember, if you ever have questions about your bill or payment options, MPU’s customer service team is just a phone call away at 920.683.4600.
What’s your preferred way to pay your MPU bill? Have you tried any of these methods? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
Milan Public Utilities Authority (MPUA) Mobile APP
You can download our to view and manage your bills all right on your phone. Click on the app store button to download now.
We always welcome our customers who come to our office to pay their bill. You can pay with cash, check, credit/debit card, money order, or cashier’s check. If use of credit/debit card in our office there is a 2.4% convenience fee added.
You can always mail in a check, cashier’s check or money order to pay your bill. Be sure to include your bill statement with your payment and for your convenience we enclose a return envelope.
This is the easiest and most economical way to pay your bill. The amount of your bill is automatically deducted from your checking account on your bill’s due date. You still receive a bill so you can maintain your records.
Our night depository is located next to the drive-up window for payment after hours.
Online Payment or Interactive Voice Response
Customers now have the convenience of paying their bill online via Internet or by Interactive Voice Response.
A convenience fee of 2.4% for card-type transactions or a $1.95 fee for E-Check transactions will apply. The maximum amount is $2,000.00 per transaction.
PLEASE NOTE: Please understand that any online or IVR payment does not represent a payment agreement, and normal disconnect for non-payment dates will still apply. In addition, this payment may post to your utility account on the following business day.
Please contact the Milan Public Utilities Authority with your payment confirmation number if you suspect your electronic payment may have been unsuccessful.
