How to Pay Your New Haven Utilities Bill: The Complete Guide

Hey there, fellow New Haven residents! Today I’m gonna walk you through everything you need to know about paying your New Haven utilities bill. I’ve been living in New Haven for years now, and let me tell you, understanding your options for utility payments can save you time, hassle, and maybe even late fees!

What Utilities Does New Haven Handle?

Before we dive into payment methods let’s clarify what we’re actually paying for. The City of New Haven Utilities Office manages

• Water service
• Sanitary sewer
• Storm water

These services cover properties both within city limits and surrounding territories. The folks at the Utilities Office are committed to providing accurate info and good service to all customers

Payment Options for New Haven Utility Bills

We’ve got several convenient ways to pay our New Haven utility bills. Let me break them down for you:

1. Pay Online (My Favorite Method!)

The City of New Haven offers a free e-utility billing service through BS&A. This is honestly the easiest way to handle your bill, and I’ve been using it for the past couple years without any issues.

Benefits of online payment:

• Pay 24/7, whenever it’s convenient for you
• Get electronic bills instead of paper copies (eco-friendly!)
• Set up automatic payments so you never forget
• View your billing and payment history
• Track your water usage over time

To pay online, just visit the BS&A Payment Portal. The system is secure and convenient.

2. Pay by Phone

Not tech-savvy or prefer talking to a real person? No problem! You can pay your bill by phone by calling 1-866-670-3036.

Just make sure you have your customer and account numbers ready before calling. And don’t forget to include all those leading zeros in your numbers – they’re important!

3. Pay by Mail

Some of us still prefer the old-school approach. If that’s you, the City accepts checks and money orders for utility bills. Simply mail your payment to:

City of New HavenP.O. Box 570New Haven, IN 46774

Just remember to allow enough time for mail delivery so your payment arrives before the due date!

4. Pay In-Person

If you’re out running errands anyway or prefer face-to-face interactions, you can pay in person at several locations:

Drop boxes:

• Inside the vestibule of City Hall (815 Lincoln Highway East)
• Drive-up drop box on the right side of the City Hall parking lot

In person at the Clerk’s Office:

• Located in City Hall (815 Lincoln Highway East)
• Open Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Note: Office closed daily from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. for lunch

When paying in person, you have the most payment options available: checks, money orders, debit cards, credit cards, and cash.

Setting Up Your Online Account

Since the online payment system is so convenient, I thought I’d walk you through how to set it up. It took me about 10 minutes when I first did it, and it’s been saving me time ever since.

Step 1: Visit the Payment Portal

Go to the BS&A Payment Portal.

Step 2: Register for an Account

If you’re a first-time user, you’ll need to register. Look for the “Register” button and follow the prompts.

Step 3: Enter Your Information

You’ll need:

• Your customer account number (found on your paper bill)
• Your name as it appears on the bill
• A valid email address
• A password you’ll remember

Step 4: Verify Your Account

Check your email for a verification link and click it to activate your account.

Step 5: Log In and Set Up Payment Preferences

Once logged in, you can:

• View your current bill
• Set up automatic payments
• Save payment methods for future use
• View your billing history

Understanding Your New Haven Utility Bill

I remember being confused by all the different charges when I first moved to New Haven. Let me break down what you’re actually paying for:

Water Charges

This part of your bill reflects how much water you’ve used during the billing period, measured in gallons. The rate is tiered, which means the more water you use, the higher the rate per gallon.

Sewer Charges

Your sewer charges are typically calculated based on your water usage. The logic here is that most of the water you use ends up going down the drain and into the sewer system.

Storm Water Fees

This is a flat fee based on your property type and size. It covers the cost of managing runoff from rain and snow, which prevents flooding and pollution.

Tips for Managing Your New Haven Utility Bills

Over the years, I’ve picked up some tricks for keeping my utility costs down and managing payments more efficiently.

1. Sign Up for Automatic Payments

This has been a game-changer for me! No more forgetting to pay on time or rushing to submit a payment before the due date. The amount is automatically withdrawn from your account when the bill is due.

2. Monitor Your Usage

The online portal lets you track your water usage over time. This is super helpful for spotting unusual spikes that might indicate a leak or other problem. One time, my water bill doubled, and I discovered a running toilet that was wasting gallons!

3. Consider Budget Billing

Some utility companies offer budget billing, which evens out your payments throughout the year. This can help you avoid seasonal spikes in your bill, making budgeting easier.

4. Report Issues Promptly

If you notice a problem with your service or billing, contact the Utilities Office right away. The sooner they know about an issue, the sooner it can be fixed.

What to Do If You Can’t Pay Your Bill

We all go through tough times. If you’re struggling to pay your utility bill, don’t just ignore it! Here are some steps you can take:

Contact the Utilities Office

Call the New Haven Utilities Office at 260-748-7050 to discuss your situation. Sometimes they can offer payment arrangements or extensions.

Look Into Assistance Programs

Indiana has several programs designed to help residents with utility payments, especially during winter months. Check if you qualify for:

• Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
• Township Trustee assistance
• Local charitable organizations

Ask About Budget Payment Plans

Some utilities offer plans that spread your payments evenly throughout the year, making budgeting easier.

Contacting the New Haven Utilities Office

If you have questions or concerns about your utility bill, here’s how to reach the Utilities Office:

Physical Address:
815 Lincoln Highway E
New Haven, IN 46774

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 570
New Haven, IN 46774

Phone: 260-748-7050

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(closed daily from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.)

I’ve found the staff to be quite helpful whenever I’ve called with questions. Just remember that during busy times, like right after bills are sent out, you might have to wait a bit longer to speak with someone.

Starting or Stopping Utility Service

If you’re moving to or from New Haven, you’ll need to contact the Utilities Office to start or stop your service.

Starting Service

To start service, you’ll need:

• Proof of ownership or a signed lease
• Valid ID
• Deposit (if required)

You can start the process online through the New Haven city website by filling out a Utility Start Service form.

Stopping Service

When moving out, contact the Utilities Office at least 3 business days before your desired end date. You’ll need:

• Your account number
• Forwarding address for your final bill
• Date you want service discontinued

Again, there’s a Utility Stop Service form available online to make this process easier.

FAQ About New Haven Utilities

Here are answers to some common questions I’ve heard about New Haven utility services:

Q: How often are utility bills issued?

A: Bills are typically sent out monthly.

Q: What if my bill seems unusually high?

A: First, check for leaks or running fixtures. If everything looks normal, contact the Utilities Office to request a review of your bill.

Q: Can I pay for multiple months in advance?

A: Yes, you can pay ahead on your account if you wish.

Q: What happens if I’m late paying my bill?

A: Late payments typically incur a penalty fee. If bills remain unpaid for an extended period, service disconnection could occur.

Q: Are there any discounts for seniors or low-income residents?

A: Contact the Utilities Office directly to ask about any available assistance programs.

Final Thoughts

Managing your New Haven utilities bill doesn’t have to be complicated. With multiple convenient payment options and the ability to track your usage online, staying on top of your utility bills is easier than ever.

I personally recommend setting up online payments through the BS&A portal. It’s saved me tons of time and I never worry about missing a payment deadline anymore!

Whatever method you choose, just remember that the New Haven Utilities Office is there to help if you have questions or concerns. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them directly at 260-748-7050.

Happy bill paying, neighbors!