Pensacola will have to raise natural gas rates to pay a nearly $16 million lawsuit settlement over the citys gas customers franchise fees that were charged without legal authorization.
Pensacola City Attorney Adam Cobb confirmed during the May 22 City Council meeting that the city would have to raise Pensacola Energy’s rates in some form to compensate for the depletion of the gas utilitys reserves.
The City Council held a closed-door session to discuss the settlement and voted unanimously to approve it during the public portion of the council meeting on May 22.
While the council had discussed the issue behind closed doors, Councilman Charles Bare asked Cobb questions in public because he said there were things the public needed to know.
“As we discussed earlier, I think that the reality is that by spending these funds in reserve, it would necessitate a rate increase in some way, shape or form to help rebuild that reserve amount,” Cobb said, responding to Bare’s questions.
Are you tired of scrambling to pay your Pensacola Energy bill at the last minute? Maybe you’ve forgotten a payment and had to deal with those pesky late fees? I’ve been there too! As someone who’s lived in Pensacola for years, I’ve learned all the ins and outs of handling my monthly natural gas payments with Pensacola Energy. Today, I’m gonna share everything you need to know about ESP Pensacola bill pay options to make your life a whole lot easier!
How to Pay Your Pensacola Energy Bill: Multiple Convenient Options
Pensacola Energy has made it super convenient to pay your natural gas bill each month. No matter if your prefer online payments, traditional mail, or in-person transactions, they’ve got you covered. Let’s break down all your payment options
1. Online Payments – Quick and Hassle-Free
This is honestly my favorite method because I can do it from my couch in my pajamas! Pensacola Energy offers online bill payment through their website. Here’s how:
- Visit the official payment portal at https://epay.cityofpensacola.com/PayNow.aspx
- You can pay using a debit card, credit card, or electronic check
- The system is secure and available 24/7
- Perfect for those last-minute payments when you suddenly remember your bill is due tomorrow!
2. Mail Your Payment
If your more old-school (like my grandpa!) you can still send your payment through regular mail
- Send your payment to:
City Hall
P.O. Box 12910
Pensacola, FL 32521-0044 - Remember to include your account number on your check
- Allow enough time for mail delivery to avoid late payments
- Consider adding a couple days of buffer time during holiday seasons
3. Pay by Phone (IVR)
In a rush and don’t have internet access? No worries! Pensacola Energy offers a convenient phone payment system
- Call 833-336-0991
- Have your account number and payment method ready
- Follow the automated instructions
- You’ll receive confirmation of your payment
4. Pay in Person
Sometimes it’s nice to talk to a real human! You can pay your bill in person at:
- City of Pensacola Customer Service Center
- 308 S. Reus Street, Pensacola, FL 32502
- Open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm
- Closed on weekends
They also have a night drop payment repository outside the Customer Service Center for after-hours payments. But heads up – don’t place cash payments in the night drop repository! I made that mistake once and was nervous about it all weekend.
Special Payment Programs for Residential Customers
Beyond the basic payment methods, Pensacola Energy offers some really helpful payment programs designed to make budgeting easier for us residential customers.
Equalized Payment Plan (EPP)
This has been a lifesaver for me during those winter months when the heating bills can get crazy! The EPP doesn’t actually reduce your total yearly gas costs, but it makes them more predictable by spreading them evenly throughout the year.
Here’s how it works:
- Your monthly payment is based on your gas usage for the past 12 months
- The EPP year begins when you enroll
- Your account must be current and have 12 months of history to qualify
- In the 12th month, you’ll receive a “true up” statement
- If you used less gas than predicted, you’ll get a credit
- If you used more, there will be an additional amount due
- Your monthly payment amount might be revised during the year if your actual usage differs significantly from predictions (if the deferred balance exceeds +/- $400)
To enroll in the EPP, you’ll need to download and complete the application form from the Pensacola Energy website. It’s totally worth it for the peace of mind of knowing exactly what your bill will be each month!
Bank Draft Plan
If you’re forgetful like me, this option is a gamechanger! With the Bank Draft Plan:
- Your monthly gas bill is paid automatically by your bank
- Payment is drafted on the due date shown on your bill
- There’s no charge to participate
- It pairs perfectly with the Equalized Payment Plan for maximum convenience
To join, you’ll need to download and complete the form from Pensacola Energy’s website. I set this up last year and haven’t had to worry about forgetting a payment since!
Preferred Due Date
This is an awesome option that not everyone knows about. Pensacola Energy understands that your income might not align perfectly with their standard billing cycles. If your payday doesn’t line up with when your bill is due, this program might help you avoid late payments.
To take advantage:
- Contact Customer Service to inquire about eligibility
- If approved, they can customize your due date
- They can even set up automatic payments shortly after your preferred date
- This can help you maintain a good payment history and avoid late fees
Understanding Your Pensacola Energy Bill
Before I figured out how to read my bill properly, I was always confused about why my charges fluctuated so much! Here’s what you need to know about your Pensacola Energy bill:
- Your bill will show your current charges for natural gas usage
- It includes the meter reading dates and consumption details
- There might be additional fees or credits
- The due date is clearly marked – don’t miss it!
- Your account number is needed for all payment methods
- Any past due amounts will be displayed separately
If you ever have questions about your bill, Pensacola Energy’s customer service is pretty helpful. You can reach them at 850-435-1800 during regular business hours.
Emergency Contact Information
While we’re talking about Pensacola Energy, let’s make sure you have their emergency contact info handy. If you ever smell gas or suspect a leak (which is SUPER serious), don’t hesitate to call their 24-hour Gas Leak/Emergency line:
- 24-hour Gas Leak/Emergency: 850-474-5300
Safety first, always! Natural gas leaks are nothing to mess around with.
Energy Saving Tips to Reduce Your Bill
Wanna know my secret for keeping my Pensacola Energy bill as low as possible? It’s all about energy efficiency! Here are some tips that have helped me save money on my natural gas bill:
Cooking Tips
- Use lids on pots and pans to cook more efficiently
- Match the flame size to the pot size
- Use a microwave for small reheating tasks instead of the stove
Heating Tips
- Set your thermostat to 68°F during winter days and lower at night
- Regularly change your HVAC filters
- Use ceiling fans to circulate warm air
- Seal leaks around doors and windows
- Add extra insulation in your attic
Water Usage Tips
- Take shorter showers to use less hot water
- Fix leaky faucets promptly
- Insulate your water heater and pipes
- Wash clothes in cold water when possible
Laundry Tips
- Do full loads of laundry rather than several small loads
- Clean the dryer lint trap after each use
- Consider using a clothesline in good weather
Rebates and Incentives from Pensacola Energy
Did you know Pensacola Energy offers rebates for energy-efficient natural gas appliances? I didn’t until last year, and I wish I’d known sooner! They have programs for:
- Existing homes
- New residential construction
- Various natural gas appliances and equipment
Visit their website for the latest rebate information and to download rebate forms. I got $200 back when I replaced my old water heater with an energy-efficient model last spring!
Frequently Asked Questions About ESP Pensacola Bill Pay
Still have questions? Here are answers to some common ones I hear:
Q: Can I pay my Pensacola Energy bill with a credit card?
A: Yes! You can use a credit card for online payments and phone payments through their IVR system.
Q: Is there a fee for using the online payment system?
A: Pensacola Energy doesn’t charge a fee, but your bank or credit card might have their own fees for certain transactions.
Q: What if I’m having trouble paying my bill?
A: Pensacola Energy offers payment assistance programs. Contact their customer service at 850-435-1800 to discuss your options before your bill becomes past due.
Q: How do I start, stop, or transfer my natural gas service?
A: You can manage service changes through the Pensacola Energy website or by calling customer service.
Q: What should I do if I smell gas?
A: Leave the area immediately and call Pensacola Energy’s emergency line at 850-474-5300. Don’t use electronic devices, light matches, or flip switches before leaving.
Beware of Billing Scams!
Pensacola Energy has been warning customers about billing scams lately. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Scammers may call claiming to be from Pensacola Energy demanding immediate payment
- They might threaten to disconnect your service if you don’t pay right away
- They often request payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
- Remember that Pensacola Energy will never demand payment in these forms
- When in doubt, hang up and call Pensacola Energy directly at 850-435-1800
Final Thoughts on Managing Your ESP Pensacola Energy Bill
Managing your Pensacola Energy bill doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful! With all these payment options and special programs, you can find a method that fits your lifestyle and budget.
I’ve personally found that combining the Equalized Payment Plan with the Bank Draft option gives me the most peace of mind. My bill is predictable each month, and I never have to worry about missing a payment.
Remember that Pensacola Energy is also available to help with questions or concerns about your natural gas service. Their customer service center at 308 S. Reus Street is open weekdays from 8:00am to 5:00pm, and you can always call them at 850-435-1800 or email at [email protected].
Have you tried any of these payment methods or programs? Which one works best for you? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
Stay warm and budget-friendly, Pensacola friends!
What is the Pensacola Energy settlement about?
The $15.9 million payment will go to settle a 2015 class-action lawsuit against the city.
In 2015, Pensacola chiropractor Eric Frank alleged that the city had been unlawfully collecting franchise fees on Pensacola Energy customers inside the city limits since 1970. An Escambia County Circuit Court judge ruled that Frank was right and the city had indeed unlawfully collected the fees. The lawsuit was filed in 2015, and because of the statute of limitations, the city would only be liable for fees collected after 2011.
The $15.9 settlement awards Frank $50,000 directly and $3.25 million for his attorneys fees and costs associated with the 10-year long lawsuit, which included depositions of current and former city officials.
Approximately $12.6 million of the settlement will go to refund franchise fees of Pensacola Energy customers who have lived inside the city limits since 2019.
