Have you ever found yourself frantically searching for that water bill that’s due tomorrow? Or maybe you’ve wondered if there’s an easier way to handle those monthly utility payments? Well, I’ve got some great news for you! Today, we’re diving deep into Concord bill pay options that’ll make your life so much easier
As someone who’s lived in Concord for years, I’ve experienced the evolution of bill payment systems firsthand. The days of writing checks and mailing them are slowly becoming a thing of the past. The City of Concord has implemented several convenient ways to pay your utility bills and I’m excited to share all these options with you!
Understanding Concord Utility Billing
Before we jump into payment methods, let’s understand what utility billing in Concord actually covers. In Concord, NH, utility bills typically include:
- Water services
- Wastewater/sewer services
- Other municipal utility charges
Your account number is a critical piece of information when making payments. It includes the first six digits associated with your service address plus a unique customer number. What’s interesting is that while your account number stays with the property your customer number follows you if you move within Concord.
Online Bill Pay Options for Concord Utilities
The most convenient way to pay your Concord utility bills is online. The City of Concord has partnered with various platforms to make this process smooth and user-friendly.
Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal
The CSS portal is your one-stop shop for managing your water and sewer utility account. With a CSS account, you can:
- View your account summary
- Check bill history
- Monitor consumption history
- See account transactions
- Modify enrollment in eBilling
- Request address changes
- Pay your bills online
To get started, you’ll need to create an account at the CSS Portal. There are detailed instructions available in the CSS Account & Payment Instructions PDF tutorial.
One thing to note – there is a small convenience fee for online bill payments, but the time you’ll save is worth it!
SeeClickFix Reporting System
Concord has also partnered with SeeClickFix to launch a new reporting system. While this isn’t directly for bill payments, it’s super useful for reporting water concerns or requesting a final bill/transfer of service. You can access this at www.concordnh.gov/seeclickfix.
Automatic Payment Options (E-Z Pay)
If you’re like me and sometimes forget to pay bills on time, the E-Z Pay Plan is a lifesaver! This automatic payment option lets you link your bank account to have your bill paid automatically each month.
The best part? You’ll still receive your monthly statement showing the amount that will be debited and the transaction date, but you don’t have to take any action. No more late fees or forgotten payments!
To enroll in E-Z Pay:
- Fill out the E-Z Pay enrollment form
- Submit it to the city
- Sit back and relax knowing your bills will be paid on time
Other Ways to Pay Your Concord Bills
Not everyone prefers online or automatic payments. Luckily, Concord offers several other payment methods:
In-Person Payments
You can bring your bill payment to:
- Concord General Services at 311 North State Street
- City Hall at 41 Green Street
Phone Payments
Pay water and sewer utility bills over the phone by calling 1-888-312-1873. Payments can be made with credit or debit cards, though a small convenience fee will apply.
Mail Payments
Old school but reliable! Send checks to:
City of Concord
PO Box 9622
Manchester, NH 03108-9622
Understanding Your Water Meter and Bill
Have you ever looked at your water bill and wondered what all those numbers mean? Understanding your water consumption can help you manage your usage better and potentially save money.
Concord uses AMR (Automated Meter Reading) technology to automatically collect consumption data from water meter devices. The city owns the meters and reading devices, but as a homeowner, you’re responsible for the plumbing and pipes connected to the meter.
Your utility bill shows your water consumption history, which can help identify unusual usage patterns that might indicate leaks or other issues. If you’re curious about how to read your water meter, the City of Concord provides resources to help you understand.
Starting, Transferring, or Ending Service
Applying for Service
When you need to change service information or transfer billing information (like when a property is sold), you’ll need to fill out an application form. For tenants wanting the utility bill in their name, the landlord must also sign the form.
It’s important to note that under all circumstances, the property owner remains responsible for paying any and all municipal utility charges for the property. If no application is received, General Services will use the property owner’s information from the Real Estate Assessment Department for billing.
Final Bill / Transfer Service
Moving out? You’ll need to request a final bill or transfer your service to a new customer. This can be done through the online web portal mentioned earlier.
Pro tip: Final meter readings done on Thursdays are free, while readings on other days come with a $56.50 service fee. Plan accordingly!
Rates, Fees, and How Your Bill is Calculated
Understanding how your bill is calculated can help you budget better. Concord provides a Summary of Rates & Fees Brochure that explains their rate structures and how your monthly bill is determined.
Water rates in Concord typically follow a tiered system based on usage, while sewer rates might be calculated differently. The brochure gives you all the details you need to understand what you’re paying for.
What to Do If You Have Questions About Your Bill
If you’ve got questions or concerns about your Concord utility bill, there are several ways to get help:
Contact Utility Billing Directly
- Email: Contact through their online form
- Phone: 603-225-8693
- Fax: 603-228-2749
- Visit in person: 311 North State Street, Concord, NH 03301
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Check the FAQs
The City of Concord has a comprehensive FAQ section that answers common questions like:
- “How do I start service?”
- “I have a question about my bill”
- “Am I billed for sewer when filling my pool?”
Special Considerations for Filling Pools
Speaking of pools, here’s something many homeowners don’t know – you might be able to avoid sewer charges when filling your swimming pool! Since that water doesn’t go back into the sewage system, some cities offer credits or adjustments. Check the FAQs or contact Utility Billing to see if you qualify.
Mobile App and Online Tools
The City of Concord has embraced technology to make managing your utility services easier. They offer:
- MyConcordNH mobile app for reporting concerns
- Online web portal for quick access to important information
- Alert notifications for billing due dates and other important updates
These tools can help you stay on top of your bills and any service issues that might arise.
Concord Bill Pay for Insurance Services
It’s worth noting that Concord Group Insurance also offers online bill payment options through their portal at https://customer.concordgroupinsurance.com/ccp/login. While this is separate from city utilities, it’s another Concord-related bill you might need to manage.
For insurance payments, you can:
- Sign in to your account
- Pay as a guest
- Access the Flood Portal if needed
Tips for Managing Your Concord Bills Effectively
After years of managing my own Concord utility payments, I’ve picked up some useful strategies:
- Set calendar reminders if you’re not using automatic payments
- Review your consumption history regularly to catch unusual patterns
- Consider budget billing options if available to even out seasonal fluctuations
- Keep your contact information updated to receive important notifications
- Check for leaks if your bill suddenly increases
Going Paperless: eBilling Options
If you’re environmentally conscious (or just tired of paper clutter), Concord’s eBilling option lets you go paperless. Through the CSS portal, you can:
- Receive bills electronically
- Reduce paper waste
- Access your bills anywhere, anytime
- Never lose a bill again
Water Conservation: Reducing Your Bills
One of the best ways to lower your utility bills is to reduce your water consumption. The City of Concord offers resources and tips on water conservation through their WaterSense program. Simple changes like fixing leaks, installing low-flow fixtures, and being mindful of outdoor watering can make a significant difference in your monthly bill.
My Personal Experience with Concord Bill Pay
When I first moved to Concord, I was still writing checks for everything. The transition to online payments was a game-changer for me. The CSS portal is intuitive, and setting up E-Z Pay for my water bill has saved me from late fees more times than I can count!
I particularly appreciate being able to view my consumption history, which helped me identify a leaky toilet that was driving up my bill. The convenience of having everything accessible in one place makes managing household expenses so much easier.
Final Thoughts on Concord Bill Pay Options
The days of complicated bill payments are behind us, thanks to Concord’s diverse payment options. Whether you prefer the convenience of automatic payments, the control of online portals, or the traditional methods of in-person or mail payments, there’s something for everyone.
Remember that staying on top of your utility bills isn’t just about avoiding late fees—it’s also about being a responsible community member. The revenues from these payments help maintain the infrastructure that provides clean water and proper wastewater treatment for everyone in Concord.
So next time your Concord utility bill arrives, you’ll know exactly what to do with it—and maybe even save some time and money in the process!
Final Bill / Transfer Service
Request a final bill or transfer your service to a new customer using our new online web portal (see above for more information). Final meter readings can be done on Thursday free of charge. Other days will be subject to a $54.50 service fee.
View our Summary of Rates & Fees Brochure for information about rate structures and to determine how your monthly bill is calculated.
Citizen Self Service (CSS)
Set up a Citizen Self Service (CSS) account to manage your water and sewer utility account and pay your bill online. In CSS, you can view an account summary, bill history, consumption history, account transactions, modify your enrollment in eBilling (electronic billing with the option to go paperless), request a change of address, and pay your bill online. A nominal convenience fee will apply to online bill payments.
View a bill sample to learn how to read your bill.
Account numbers include the first six digits of your account number, plus a unique customer number. Your account number is associated with the service address for your water/sewer account, while the customer number is assigned to the customer. The customer number will stay with you if you change properties within Concord, while the account number will remain with the property.
This application form is used to change service information or to transfer billing information from one owner to the next when the property is sold. A tenant customer requesting that the utility bill for the leased property be put in the tenant’s name must have the landlord sign as well, or the form will be returned. Under all circumstances the property owner remains responsible for the payment of any and all municipal utility charges for the property. If the Application for Service has not been received, General Services will use the property owner’s name and address obtained from the Real Estate Assessment Department of the City of Concord to bill for municipal utility charges.
