Are you tired of rushing to pay your Shawano utility bill at the last minute? Maybe you’ve misplaced that paper bill again or forgot the due date? I’ve been there too, and it’s why I decided to create this comprehensive guide to all things related to Shawano Municipal Utilities bill payment options.
As a long-time Shawano resident, I’ve tried pretty much every payment method SMU offers over the years. Some are definitely more convenient than others! In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about paying your Shawano Municipal Utilities bill – from online options to in-person payments and everything in between
What is SMU MyAccount?
SMU MyAccount (available at https://myaccount.cityofshawano.com/) is Shawano Municipal Utilities’ secure online portal that makes managing your utility account easier than ever. It’s powered by MyMeter and offers a ton of features beyond just paying your bill.
The MyAccount portal lets you:
- Make one-time payments
- Set up automatic payments
- View energy and water usage
- Track usage trends
- Receive notifications and alerts about billing
- Compare your usage over time
- Manage your account information
I personally love the usage tracking feature – it helped me figure out that my old water heater was causing those mysteriously high bills last winter!
How to Create a SMU MyAccount
Before you can pay your bill online you’ll need to create an account. Here’s how to do it
- Visit https://myaccount.cityofshawano.com/
- Click “Create an Account”
- Enter the following information:
- Name on Account
- Account Number
- Choose Password
- Re-enter Password
- Select a Secret Question
- Provide Secret Answer
- Click “Create Account”
That’s it! Once registered, you can log in anytime to manage your account and make payments. Just remember, if you’re using a public computer (like at the library), don’t check the “Remember Me” box for security reasons.
Shawano Municipal Utilities Bill Payment Methods
SMU offers several convenient ways to pay your utility bill I’ve tried most of them, and they each have their pros and cons. Let’s dive in!
1. Online Bill Pay Through MyAccount
This is my personal favorite method because I can pay anytime, day or night, without leaving my couch.
To pay online:
- Log in to MyAccount at https://myaccount.cityofshawano.com/
- Select the payment option
- Enter your payment information
- Submit your payment
The system accepts credit/debit cards and is secure, using industry-standard SSL encryption to protect your data.
2. Mobile App Payment
If you’re always on your phone like me, you’ll love this option.
To pay via mobile:
- Download the “MyMeter Utilities” app from the App Store or Google Play
- Select Shawano Municipal Utilities from the dropdown menu
- Log in with your MyAccount credentials or create a new account
- Follow the prompts to make a payment
I find this super handy when I’m traveling and suddenly remember my bill is due!
3. Pay by Phone
For those times when the internet is down or you just prefer talking to someone, phone payments are available.
To pay by phone:
- Call 855-748-3078
- Have your bill handy to provide your account number
- Follow the automated prompts to make a payment
This saved me once when my internet was out for three days after that big storm last summer.
4. Automatic Payment (ACH)
Set it and forget it! This is perfect if you’re forgetful like me.
To set up automatic payments:
- Sign up through MyAccount online
- OR complete an Authorization for Direct Payment form and return it to SMU
- Your bill amount will be automatically withdrawn from your checking or savings account on the due date
Benefits include:
- No more late or missed payments
- No need to write checks
- Save on postage
- Secure fund transfers
You’ll still receive a monthly statement detailing the amount that will be debited from your account.
5. Pay by Mail
Old school but reliable!
To pay by mail:
- Send your payment to:
Shawano Municipal Utilities
PO Box 436
Shawano, WI 54166 - Remember to include the bottom stub of your bill to ensure proper crediting to your account
Pro tip: I always mail my payment at least 5-7 days before the due date to make sure it arrives in time.
6. Pay in Person
Sometimes it’s nice to get out of the house and talk to real humans.
In-person payment options:
- SMU Office: 122 N Sawyer Street, Shawano
- Hours: Monday-Thursday (7:30 am – 4:30 pm), Friday (7:30 am – 12:00 pm)
- Night deposit box: Located by Huckleberry Harbor on Sawyer Street (available 24/7)
- Other payment stations: Abby Bank and Charlie’s County Market
I usually combine paying my bill with grocery shopping at Charlie’s Market to save time!
Why I Prefer Online Bill Pay for Shawano Municipal Utilities
After trying all these methods over the years, I’ve settled on the online MyAccount portal as my go-to for several reasons:
- 24/7 Access – I can pay at 2am in my pajamas if I want to
- Track Usage – Helps me understand my consumption patterns
- Paperless Option – Saves trees and reduces clutter
- Instant Confirmation – I know immediately when my payment is received
- Payment History – Easy to access for tax purposes or disputes
The mobile app comes in a close second for convenience when I’m not near my computer.
Common Questions About Shawano Municipal Utilities Bill Pay
What if I forgot my password for MyAccount?
No worries! Just click on “Forgot your Password?” on the login screen. You’ll need to enter your email address, and instructions for resetting your password will be sent to you.
Is there a fee for paying online?
SMU doesn’t specifically mention a convenience fee on their website, but many municipal utilities do charge a small processing fee for credit card payments. I recommend checking with customer service at (715) 526-3131 if you’re concerned about fees.
What should I do if my payment is going to be late?
If you’re struggling to pay your bill on time, contact SMU customer service at (715) 526-3131 as soon as possible. They’re usually pretty understanding and may be able to work out a payment arrangement.
Can I pay for multiple accounts at once?
Unfortunately, the information provided doesn’t specifically address this. From my experience with similar systems, you typically need to pay each account separately, but it’s best to confirm with SMU directly.
What’s Budget Billing?
While not specifically described in the provided content, budget billing is usually a program that averages your utility costs over the year so you pay the same amount each month. This helps avoid seasonal spikes (like high heating bills in winter). SMU appears to offer this service, as it’s mentioned in their menu options.
Tips for Managing Your Shawano Municipal Utilities Account
Over the years, I’ve developed some habits that make dealing with utility bills much easier:
- Set calendar reminders – I have a recurring reminder set 5 days before my bill is typically due
- Check your usage regularly – I review my consumption patterns monthly to catch any unusual spikes that might indicate problems
- Consider automatic payments – This has saved me from late fees more times than I can count
- Keep your contact info updated – Make sure SMU can reach you if there’s an issue with your account or service
- Explore energy saving programs – SMU offers several programs that can help reduce your bills
Energy Saving Programs to Lower Your SMU Bill
Shawano Municipal Utilities offers several energy saving programs that can help reduce your monthly bills:
- Whole Home Improvements – Get assistance improving your home’s overall energy efficiency
- New Homes Program – Special rates and incentives for energy-efficient new construction
- Renewable Energy Incentives – Support for installing solar or other renewable energy sources
- Heating & Cooling Improvements – Rebates for upgrading to more efficient systems
- Simple Energy Efficiency Program – Easy ways to reduce consumption
- Income Qualified Programs – Special assistance for qualifying households
I participated in the Simple Energy Efficiency Program last year and saw my electric bill drop by about 15%!
Special Considerations for Seasonal Residents
If you’re like my neighbor who’s only in Shawano during the summer months, you might have special billing concerns. While not specifically addressed in the provided information, most utilities offer options for seasonal properties. I’d recommend:
- Setting up automatic payments so you don’t miss bills while away
- Using the online portal to monitor your property’s usage remotely
- Contacting SMU directly at (715) 526-3131 to discuss seasonal billing options
What to Do During Outages
While paying your bill is important, knowing what to do during service interruptions is equally crucial. SMU provides an Outage Map through their MyAccount mobile app that can help you stay informed during power outages. You can also report outages through the app or website.
During last winter’s big ice storm, I found the outage map super helpful for planning – knowing approximately when power would be restored helped me decide whether to book a hotel or tough it out at home.
Final Thoughts on Shawano Municipal Utilities Bill Pay
Managing and paying your utility bills doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the variety of payment options Shawano Municipal Utilities offers, you can choose the method that best fits your lifestyle and preferences.
Personally, I’ve found that creating a MyAccount and handling everything online has simplified my life tremendously. The ability to track usage, receive alerts, and make payments from anywhere has saved me time, money, and stress.
Whatever method you choose, staying on top of your utility payments helps ensure uninterrupted service and avoids those pesky late fees. And remember, if you ever have questions or concerns about your bill or payment options, SMU’s customer service team is available to help at (715) 526-3131.
Have you tried any of these payment methods? Which one works best for you? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Meter Reading & Billing
Similar to reading your electric meter, Shawano Utilities crew members collect usage data from your water meter with an automatic meter reading (AMR) device. Our data collection devices read your meter from a distance and store that information in a format that is then downloaded into our billing software to help produce your monthly billing statement.
In some cases or during certain times of year, our collection devices are not able to communicate with your meter to deliver consumption data. In that event, we provide you with an estimated billing statement, based on your normal usage history for that time of year. Any difference between the amount actually used and the estimated amount billed is corrected automatically when the next regular meter reading is obtained. Ultimately, you pay only for the amount of water actually used.
