Complete Guide to Brunswick County Utility Bill Pay: Simple and Convenient Options

Are you tired of scrambling to pay your Brunswick County utility bill at the last minute? Maybe you’ve forgotten a payment deadline or wished there was an easier way to manage your water sewer and electric bills? Well, you’re in luck! I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate all the payment options available for Brunswick County residents.

As someone who’s lived in Brunswick County for years, I’ve tried practically every payment method they offer. Trust me when I say there’s definitely an option that’ll fit your lifestyle!

Brunswick County Water & Sewer Bill Payment Options

Brunswick County Utility Billing department offers several convenient ways to pay your water and sewer bills. Here’s a breakdown of all your options:

Online Payments through Customer Portal

The Brunswick County Customer Portal is probably the easiest way to view and pay your utility bills online. It offers two payment methods:

• Pay by Check – No convenience fees apply! This is a great option if you want to save some money.
• Pay by Debit/Credit Card – This option directs you to the Official Payments website where convenience fees apply:
  • Debit card payments: $2.95 per transaction
  • Credit card payments: 2.6% convenience fee (minimum $1)

To access the Customer Portal, just visit the Brunswick County website and look for the “Pay My Bill” link.

Automatic Bank Drafting

If your like me and always forgetting due dates, automatic bank drafting is a lifesaver! Your bill amount is automatically withdrawn from your checking or savings account on the due date.

To set up automatic bank drafting you’ll need

1. A completed Bank Draft Authorization Form with your original signature
2. A voided check
3. A copy of your driver’s license

You can submit these documents:

• In person at Utility Billing (3769 Old Ocean Highway, Bolivia)
• By mail to Utility Billing, P.O. Box 469, Bolivia, NC 28422
• By email to the Utility Billing department

Phone Payments

Need to pay quickly? Use the phone payment option through Official Payments:

1. Call 800-272-9829
2. Select Option 3
3. Enter Jurisdiction Code 3951
4. Enter your account number and payment info

Just be aware that convenience fees apply:

• Debit card: $2.95 per transaction
• Credit card: 2.6% fee (minimum $1)

Dropbox Payments

If your passing by the Utility Billing building you can drop off your payment in the Dropbox located at 3769 Old Ocean Highway Bolivia. Important things to remember

• Include your payment stub from the bottom of your bill
• Write your account number on your check
• Only check payments allowed (no cash!)

In-Person Payments

Sometimes it’s just nice to talk to a real person, right? You can pay in person with cash or check at the Brunswick County Utility Billing location:

Location: 3769 Old Ocean Highway, Bolivia, NC 28422

Hours:

• Lobby: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Drive-Thru: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mail Payments

For those who prefer traditional methods, you can mail a check using the return envelope provided with your bill. Remember to:

• Include the payment stub
• Write your account number on your check
• Mail 7-10 days before the due date to avoid postal delays
• Never mail cash

Mail to the bank lockbox processing address on your return envelope.

Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) Payment Options

If your paying for electricity in Brunswick County, chances are you’re dealing with Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC). They also offer multiple payment options:

Automatic Draft

Just like with water and sewer bills, you can set up automatic drafts from your bank account or credit card. You’ll still receive a statement showing the amount drafted. Call 800-842-5871 or visit any BEMC office to set this up.

Online SmartHub Portal

The SmartHub portal lets you view and pay your electric bill securely using:

• Credit card
• Debit card
• Electronic check

First-time users need to create a user ID and password, but after that, it’s super simple to log in and pay.

SmartHub Mobile App

This is my personal favorite! The SmartHub app lets you:

• View bills
• Make secure payments
• Manage alerts and reminders
• Receive push notifications

It’s free to download from the Apple Store or Google Play.

24/7 Automated Phone System

Need to pay after hours? Call 866-934-6830 anytime to make a payment through the automated system.

Bill Payment Terminals (BPTs)

BEMC has several bill payment terminals throughout Brunswick County:

• BEMC Supply Headquarters – 795 Ocean Hwy W (US 17) – Available 24/7
• BEMC Oak Island Office – 4335 Southport/Supply Rd (Hwy 211) – Available 24/7
• BEMC Whiteville Office – 2228 New Britton Hwy E (Hwy 130) – Available 24/7
• Chadbourn – 11165 Peacock Rd – Available 24/7
• Holden Beach – Boone’s Neck Pantry, 2355 Kirby Rd SW – Available daily 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Nakina – Fowler’s Supermarket, Hwy 904 – Mon-Sat: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Shallotte – Scotchman, Hwy 130 (beside Wendy’s) – Available 24/7
• Southport – 720 N. Fodale Ave – Available 24/7
• Sunset Beach – Market Express, 1690 Seaside Rd – Available daily 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Winnabow – Handee Hugo, 6170 Ocean Hwy (US17) – Available 24/7
• Whiteville – Sam’s Pit Stop, 531 Jefferson St – Hours vary by day

In-Person Payments

You can pay in person at any of the three BEMC locations:

• Supply
• Whiteville
• Southport/Oak Island

All offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. You can pay at the counter, through the drive-through window, or after hours via night depository.

Mail Payments

To pay by mail, send your payment to:
Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation
PO Box 826
Shallotte, NC 28459

Remember to allow at least 5 business days for your payment to reach them.

Special BEMC Billing Options

BEMC offers some unique billing options that might make managing your electric bills easier:

PrePay Power

Formerly called PowerStat, this option lets you pay for electricity in advance. Benefits include:

• No monthly bill or deposit
• Complete control over your energy usage
• Flexibility to choose when and how much to purchase
• Easy to add money anytime through SmartHub app, automated phone system, or at a Bill Payment Terminal
• Email alerts when account balance reaches your preset level

To sign up, call the BEMC Member Service team at 800-842-5871.

Budget Billing

If you prefer consistent monthly payments, Budget Billing allows you to pay the same amount each month based on your average energy usage over the past year. At the end of 12 months, you’ll either receive a charge or credit for the difference between your actual usage and the budgeted amount.

This option is available for residential accounts with at least 12 months of billing history at your current location. It’s not available for renters. Call 800-842-5871 to sign up.

Electronic Billing

Go paperless! Receive your bill electronically via email instead of a paper bill. Set this up through your SmartHub account or call Member Services at 800-842-5871.

Contact Information for Billing Questions

Brunswick County Utility Billing

• Phone: 910-253-2655 (Option 2 or 3) or 888-428-4426
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 am to 5 pm
• Location: 3769 Old Ocean Highway, Bolivia, NC 28422
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 469, Bolivia, NC 28422

Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC)

• Customer Service: 800-842-5871 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
• 24/7 Bill Pay: 866-934-6830
• Headquarters: 795 Ocean Hwy W (Hwy17), Supply, NC 28462
• Phone: 910-754-4391

Final Tips for Managing Your Brunswick County Utility Bills

1. Set reminders for due dates on your phone or calendar to avoid late fees.
2. Consider automatic payments if you often forget to pay on time.
3. Keep your account number handy – you’ll need it for most payment options.
4. Allow enough time for mailed payments to be processed (7-10 days).
5. Never send cash through the mail or place it in dropboxes.
6. Check for convenience fees before choosing a payment method – some options charge extra.
7. Go paperless to reduce clutter and help the environment.

Remember that both Brunswick County Utility Billing and BEMC have customer service representatives available during business hours if you have any questions or need assistance with your account.

What’s your preferred way to pay utility bills? Do you use automatic drafting, online payments, or still prefer the traditional in-person approach? Whatever method you choose, staying on top of your utility bills helps ensure uninterrupted service and avoids those pesky late fees!