Are you tired of writing checks or making trips to City Hall just to pay your utility bills? I’ve been there too! Thankfully, both the City of Picayune and Pearl River County Utility Authority (PRCUA) now offer convenient online bill payment options that can save you time and hassle. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about paying your Picayune utility bills online
Understanding Picayune’s Utility Services
Before diving into payment methods, let’s clarify which utility provider serves you. This is important because Picayune area residents might receive services from either:
- City of Picayune – Provides water, sewer, gas, and garbage collection services to city residents
- Pearl River County Utility Authority (PRCUA) – Serves approximately 15,000 residents throughout Pearl River County with water and/or sewer services
The two providers have separate billing systems and online payment portals, so knowing which one sends your bill is crucial for making proper payments.
City of Picayune Online Bill Pay
Getting Started with City of Picayune’s Online Portal
If you receive utility services directly from the City of Picayune. here’s how to set up your online account
- Visit the official website at www.picayune.ms.us/online-bill-pay
- Click on “Pay Utility Bills”
- Select the option to create a new account
- Have your utility account number and service address ready (found on your bill)
- Create a username and password
- Provide your contact information
- Complete verification steps to activate your account
Once activated you’ll gain access to your billing history, current charges, and payment options all in one convenient location.
Making a Payment Through the City Portal
When you’re ready to pay your City of Picayune utility bill online:
- Log into your account at www.picayune.ms.us/online-bill-pay
- Locate your current bill and click “Pay Now”
- Review the account information and payment amount
- Select your preferred payment method:
- Credit/debit card
- Bank account (e-check)
- Enter your payment details
- Review the summary and submit your payment
Payments made before 3:00 PM on business days typically post to your account the same day. You’ll receive an email confirmation with your transaction details for your records.
Setting Up Auto-Pay for City Bills
To make life even easier, the City of Picayune offers an Auto-Pay option that handles your utility payments automatically each month. Here’s how to set it up:
- Login to your online account
- Find the Auto-Pay section
- Select your payment frequency
- Enter your preferred payment method
- Submit your request
- Watch for email confirmation
With Auto-Pay, your utility bill will be paid automatically on the due date each month, eliminating the worry of forgotten payments or late fees.
Pearl River County Utility Authority (PRCUA) Bill Pay
If you receive services from PRCUA instead of the City of Picayune, you’ll need to use their separate online payment system.
Important PRCUA Payment Notes
The PRCUA website (prc-ua.org) provides direct online bill payment options for customers who receive bills directly from PRCUA. However, they make an important distinction:
“This option should be used for PRCUA direct bill customers only. Please note: City of Picayune water customers should not pay here and follow this link to the City’s bill payment site.”
This means you should only use the PRCUA payment portal if you receive a bill directly from PRCUA, not if your water service is billed through the City of Picayune.
Recent Rate Changes
It’s worth noting that PRCUA implemented rate changes on June 1, 2024. According to their website:
“After an extensive rate study was conducted by an outside agency, it was determined by the PRCUA Board of Directors that an increase or adjustment in rates and fees was needed. Rates have not been increased since June of 2021.”
These changes were necessitated by rising costs for fuel, replacement parts, required treatment chemicals, testing, and system expansions to accommodate community growth.
Accessing PRCUA’s Payment Portal
To pay your PRCUA bill online:
- Visit the official PRCUA website at prc-ua.org
- Click on the “Pay Your Bill” option in the navigation menu
- Select the “PRCUA Direct Bill Customers Only Pay Here” option
- Follow the prompts to complete your payment
Benefits of Paying Utility Bills Online
Whether you’re a customer of the City of Picayune or PRCUA, online bill payment offers numerous advantages:
- 24/7 Convenience – Pay anytime, anywhere, even outside business hours
- Instant Confirmation – Receive immediate payment verification
- Paperless Option – Reduce paper waste and help the environment
- Payment History – Easily access records of past payments
- Avoid Late Fees – Schedule payments in advance so you never miss a due date
- Save Time – No driving to City Hall or standing in line
- Payment Reminders – Get notified when bills are ready or coming due
Payment Tips and Best Practices
To ensure your online utility payments go smoothly:
- Pay Early – Don’t wait until the last minute before due dates
- Update Contact Info – Keep your email and phone number current to receive important notices
- Secure Your Login – Use a strong password and keep your credentials private
- Check Confirmation – Always verify you’ve received payment confirmation
- Monitor Your Account – Review charges regularly to catch any unusual activity
- Contact Customer Service – Reach out with billing questions before the due date
Alternative Payment Methods
While online payment is convenient, both utility providers still offer traditional payment methods:
City of Picayune Alternative Payment Options:
- In Person – Visit City Hall at 203 Goodyear Boulevard, Picayune, MS 39466
- Phone – Call the utility department at 601-798-9776
- Drop Box – Use the secure drop box at City Hall
- Mail – Send check payments to the City address
PRCUA Alternative Payment Options:
- In Person – Visit their office at 921 Goodyear Blvd, Picayune, MS
- Mail – Send payments to P.O. Box 699, Picayune, MS
- Phone – Call their office at (601) 799-5259
Important Contact Information
Keep these important contacts handy for questions or assistance:
City of Picayune Utility Department
- Phone: 601-798-9776
- Address: 203 Goodyear Boulevard, Picayune, MS 39466
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
Pearl River County Utility Authority
- Phone: 601-799-5259
- Address: 921 Goodyear Blvd, Picayune, MS
- Email: [email protected]
- Emergency After-Hours: 228-205-4101
Special Considerations and Requirements
When paying your Picayune utility bills online, keep these requirements in mind:
- You can only pay up to the balance shown on your last statement
- Payments made after the due date may still incur late fees
- The City’s online system currently cannot process penalty or reconnection fees
- Late payment penalties apply after 5:00 pm on the 21st of each month (or next business day)
- To restore disconnected service, you must pay the entire account balance including late charges and reconnect fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a fee to pay my utility bill online?
A: No, there are no additional fees for paying your Picayune utility bill online through either the City’s or PRCUA’s official payment portals.
Q: How quickly do online payments process?
A: Payments made during business hours before 3:00 PM typically post to your account the same day. Later payments process on the next business day.
Q: What if the online system is down when my payment is due?
A: If online bill pay is unavailable, payment must still be made by the due date or late fees will apply. Use alternative payment methods like in-person, drop box, or mail.
Q: Can I pay multiple months in advance?
A: Yes, you can make advance payments on your account through the online portals.
Q: What information do I need to set up online bill pay?
A: You’ll need your account number and service address exactly as they appear on your bill.
Q: What if I forgot my password for online bill pay?
A: Use the password reset option on the login page. You can also contact the utility office for help accessing your account.
Conclusion
Paying your Picayune utility bills online is a smart move that saves time, reduces paper waste, and helps you avoid late payments. Whether you’re served by the City of Picayune or Pearl River County Utility Authority, their online payment systems make managing your monthly utility expenses easier than ever.
Remember to check your bill carefully to determine which provider serves your address, then follow the appropriate steps to set up your online account. With just a few clicks, you can take control of your utility payments and eliminate one more errand from your busy schedule.
Have you tried using online bill pay for your Picayune utilities yet? If not, why not give it a try this month? Your future self will thank you for the convenience!
Contact Persons on Meters
Jared Beech Office Phone: 601-273-6822
- Water meter tampering fine is $250
- Gas meter tampering fine is $500
