Have you been struggling to pay your Henrico County utility bill? I know the feeling! Between work, family, and everything else on our plates, remembering to pay bills can be a real headache. But don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to Henrico County bill pay options that will save you time and hassle.
As a long-time Henrico resident, I’ve tried pretty much every payment method available, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned to make your life easier.
What Utility Bills Does Henrico County Handle?
Before diving into payment methods, let’s clarify what we’re talking about. The Henrico Department of Public Utilities handles:
- Water services
- Sewer services
These services are billed bi-monthly (every two months), which is important to remember when budgeting!
6 Ways to Pay Your Henrico County Utility Bill
Henrico County offers multiple convenient ways to pay your utility bills. Let’s explore each option:
1. Online Payment (Paymentus)
This is my personal favorite method because it’s available 24/7 and takes just minutes to complete,
How it works
- Visit https://ipn.paymentus.com/cp/hnro
- Enter your account information
- Choose payment method (credit/debit card or e-check)
- Complete your payment
Payment methods accepted:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Discover Card
- Electronic check
The online system is secure and gives you immediate confirmation of payment.
2. Direct Utility Payment Program (Auto-Pay)
If you’re like me and sometimes forget to pay bills on time this option is a lifesaver!
How it works:
- Download and print the Direct Payment Authorization Form from the county website
- Fill it out completely and sign it
- Return the form with a voided check to the address indicated
- Once enrolled, payments will be automatically deducted from your bank account
There’s no additional charge for this service, and you’ll still receive a bill showing your balance and when the deduction will happen. This is different from the auto-pay option through Paymentus, so make sure you choose the right one for your needs.
3. Mail Payment
If you prefer traditional methods, you can always mail your payment.
How to pay by mail:
- Include a check or money order with the bottom portion of your utility bill
- Use the return envelope provided with your bill (don’t forget postage!)
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
If you don’t have your payment stub, make sure to write your complete 15-digit account number on your payment and mail it to:
PO Box 105634Atlanta GA 30348-56344. In-Person Payment
Sometimes it’s nice to pay in person and get that immediate receipt.
Locations where you can pay in person:
- Western Government Center (Treasury Office) – 4301 E Parham Road
- Eastern Government Center – 3820 Nine Mile Road
Both locations accept cash, checks, and debit/credit cards.
5. Phone Payment
Need to pay quickly but can’t get to a computer? Phone payment is a great option.
How to pay by phone:
- Call (804) 501-4275
- Select option 1
- Follow the prompts to complete your payment through Paymentus
6. PayNearMe (Cash Payment Option)
This newer option is super convenient if you prefer to pay with cash at local businesses.
How it works:
- Go to https://henrico.gov/services/pay-near-me/
- Get a PayNearMe barcode (print or send to your mobile phone)
- Take the barcode to a participating local business
- Pay with cash at the location
This is perfect for those who don’t use banking services or prefer cash transactions.
Important Fee Information
Be careful with returned payments! Henrico County charges a $50.00 service fee for any returned checks or electronic debits. That’s a hefty fee you definitely want to avoid.
If your check is returned for insufficient or uncollected funds, the county may re-present your check electronically. Your check won’t show up in your bank statement, but you can request a copy from your financial institution if needed.
Customer Information and Privacy
The Henrico Department of Public Utilities takes customer privacy seriously. They maintain strict standards to safeguard your personal information, including:
- Limiting access to data
- Regularly testing security technology
- Sharing information only when necessary (like for unpaid bills)
If you want to review or correct information on your account, you can:
- Contact customer service at 804-501-4275
- Arrange to visit their office on Parham Road
- Submit a written request for changes (include supporting documentation)
Contact Information for Henrico Public Utilities
Need help with your bill payment or have questions? Here’s how to reach them:
Phone: (804) 501-4275
Emergency After Hours: (804) 501-5025
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 90775
Henrico, VA 23273-0775
My Personal Experience with Henrico County Bill Pay
I’ve lived in Henrico County for over 8 years now, and I’ve tried pretty much every payment method they offer. Initially, I started with mailing my payments, but I sometimes forgot to send them on time.
Then I switched to online payments through Paymentus, which was much more convenient. However, I would still occasionally forget until the last minute.
Now I use the Direct Utility Payment Program, and it’s been a game-changer! I never have to worry about forgetting to pay my bill or incurring late fees. The amount is automatically deducted from my account, and I get a statement beforehand showing how much will be withdrawn and when.
For those who might be concerned about automatic withdrawals, I can say I’ve never had an issue with incorrect amounts being charged. The system has been reliable and error-free in my experience.
Tips for Managing Your Henrico Utility Payments
Based on my experience, here are some helpful tips:
- Set calendar reminders: If you don’t use auto-pay, set reminders 5 days before your bill is due
- Budget appropriately: Remember that bills come bi-monthly, not monthly
- Keep your account number handy: The 15-digit number is needed for most payment methods
- Update contact info: Make sure the county has your current phone and email for important notifications
- Check for leaks: Unusually high bills might indicate a water leak somewhere on your property
- Register online: Create an account on the Paymentus system for easier payment history tracking
Commonly Asked Questions About Henrico County Bill Pay
How often will I receive a utility bill?
The Henrico Department of Public Utilities bills customers bi-monthly (every two months).
What should I do if I think my bill is incorrect?
Contact customer service at (804) 501-4275 to discuss any billing concerns.
Can I pay multiple bills at once?
Yes, if you have multiple properties with Henrico utilities, you can pay them together online or by phone.
What happens if I miss a payment?
Late payments may incur additional fees and potentially affect your service. Contact the department immediately if you’re having trouble paying your bill.
How long does it take for payments to process?
- Online/phone payments: Usually process within 1-2 business days
- Mail payments: Allow 7-10 business days
- In-person payments: Process immediately
Is there a fee for using the online payment system?
Contact Henrico Public Utilities for the most current fee information as processing fees may change.
Final Thoughts
Paying your Henrico County utility bill doesn’t have to be a hassle. With six convenient payment options, you can choose the method that works best for your lifestyle and preferences.
I personally recommend the Direct Utility Payment Program for the ultimate “set it and forget it” convenience, but online payments through Paymentus are a close second for flexibility and ease.
Whatever method you choose, keeping track of your bi-monthly billing schedule and knowing your options will help ensure you never miss a payment or incur unnecessary fees.
Do you have a preferred method for paying your Henrico County bills? Have you tried the newer PayNearMe cash payment option? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
Remember, staying on top of your utility payments not only helps you avoid fees but also ensures your essential water and sewer services continue uninterrupted. With these convenient payment options, Henrico County has made it easier than ever to manage your utility bills.
Now if only they could make my water bill smaller… but that’s a topic for another day!
Online Bill Pay with EZ-PAY
- All that is needed is the account number and zip code of the billing address.
- EZ -PAY accepts: Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Checking, Savings, and Money Market accounts. Click here for EZ-PAY.
- Lower Fee! A $2.25 convenience charge will be assessed when making a payment on the internet using EZ-PAY.
- Payments cannot exceed $500 per transaction.
Convenient ways to pay your gas bill.
Richmond Gas Works, a division of the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities, tries to make it as convenient as possible to review and pay your bill.
Your Richmond Gas Works account number is the same as your Richmond DPU account number. So, you’ll receive just one monthly bill for all your utility services – including Richmond Gas Works.
We offer several ways to make it as convenient as possible for you to pay your bill.
- Enroll to automatically deduct the amount of your monthly bill from your checking or savings account on the date the bill is due
- Download the form or call 646.4646 to request an application
- Information needed when you enroll
- Billing account number
- Voided check
- Return the completed application with a voided check
- There is no charge to you for this service
