The Ultimate Guide to Paying Your Town of Benson Utility Bills: 6 Easy Methods You Should Know

Are you tired of forgetting to pay your Benson utility bill until the last minute? Or maybe you’re new to town and wondering how the payment system works? I’ve been there! After living in Benson for several years, I’ve tried every possible way to pay my utilities, and I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned about the Town of Benson bill pay options.

Understanding Town of Benson Utility Billing Basics

Before diving into payment methods, let’s get clear on some important dates:

• Billing Date: Bills are sent out on the 5th of each month
• Due Date: Payment must be received by the 22nd of each month
• Late Penalty: 5% late fee added after the 22nd
• Disconnection Date: Service may be cut off on the 30th of the month

An important thing to remember – Benson does NOT send second notices or reminders! Once that bill arrives on the 5th, it’s your responsibility to pay it on time. I learned this the hard way my first year in town!

6 Convenient Ways to Pay Your Benson Utility Bill

1. Online Bill Pay (My Personal Favorite)

The Town of Benson has implemented a secure and user-friendly online payment system that’s accessible 24/7. This is honestly the method I use most often.

How to pay online

• Visit the Town of Benson website
• Click on “Pay Utility Bill” or go directly to their payment portal
• Follow the prompts to complete your payment

The online system is super convenient and gives you immediate confirmation that your payment went through. No more wondering if your check arrived in time!

2. Phone Payments

If you’re not comfortable with online payments or just prefer speaking with someone, phone payments are a great alternative.

To pay by phone

• Call 1-844-200-2972
• Have your account information ready
• Follow the automated prompts

I’ve used this method a few times when my internet was down and it works great! The system uses the same secure platform as the online payment system.

3. Mail-in Payments

For those who prefer the traditional approach, you can still mail your payments.

To pay by mail:

• Enclose the top portion of your bill with your check/money order
• Mail to: Town of Benson, PO Box 69, Benson, NC 27504

Just remember to allow enough time for delivery – I’ve had a payment arrive late once due to mail delays, and that 5% penalty is no fun!

4. In-Person Payments

If you enjoy getting out and about in Benson or have questions about your bill, paying in person might be your best option.

Where to pay in person:

• Town Hall Collections Office
• 303 E Church Street, Benson, NC 27504
• Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Don’t forget to bring your bill with you! The customer service reps are always friendly and can answer questions about your usage too.

5. Night Depository Drop Box

Running late and can’t make it during business hours? The night drop box has saved me more than once!

How to use the drop box:

• Place payment and top portion of bill in an envelope
• Insert into drop box on Johnston Street side of Town Hall
• Note: Payments dropped during business hours count as next-day payments

This option is great for last-minute payments, but I recommend using an envelope with your account number clearly written on it just to be safe.

6. Bank Draft (Set It and Forget It)

This is my #1 recommendation for busy people or frequent travelers. Bank drafts ensure you never miss a payment.

How to set up bank draft:

• Download the draft form from the Town of Benson website
• Attach a voided check
• Submit via mail, drop box, fax (919-894-1283), or in person

With bank draft, the payment amount is automatically withdrawn on your due date. You’ll still receive a monthly bill showing your usage, but payment is handled automatically.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay on Time?

Life happens, and sometimes bills slip through the cracks. Here’s what happens if you miss the due date:

1. Past Due Status: Your account becomes past due on the 23rd of the month
2. Late Penalty: A 5% fee is added to your bill
3. Service Disconnection: Service may be cut off on the 30th
4. Reconnection Fees:
   • $30 during regular business hours
   • $50 after regular business hours

If you need service reconnected after hours, call the Non-Emergency After Hours line at 919-934-9411.

Disputing Your Bill

Think there’s an error on your bill? Here’s what to do:

1. Contact Customer Service at 919-894-3553 between 8:30am-5pm, Monday-Friday
2. If you can’t resolve it with Customer Service, request a review from the Town Clerk
3. Bring your bill and supporting documents to Town Hall

Returned Check Policy

Be careful about having sufficient funds when paying by check! The Town of Benson charges $25 for each returned check, in accordance with North Carolina Law (G.S. 25-3-512).

Why I Appreciate Benson’s Public Power Approach

Something unique about Benson is that we’re one of 64 public power communities in North Carolina. This means our electric system is owned and controlled by the citizens of Benson, not outside investors.

The benefit? The system operates cost-effectively with a service-oriented approach. As a resident, I appreciate that profits stay in our community rather than going to distant shareholders. It’s like we’re all stakeholders in our town’s utilities!

Helpful Resources for Benson Residents

If you need more information, here are some useful contacts:

• Public Works/Utilities Office:

  • Address: 303 E Church Street, Benson, NC 27504
  • Phone: 919-894-3553
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm

• Customer Service Policy Manual:
  Available for review during normal business hours

• Emergencies:
  On-call workers are available 24 hours a day

My Personal Tips for Managing Benson Utility Payments

After years of paying Benson utilities, here are my personal tips:

1. Set a calendar reminder for the 20th of each month to ensure you don’t miss the due date

2. Consider bank draft if you travel frequently or tend to forget bills

3. Keep your account number handy – I store mine in my phone contacts under “Benson Utilities”

4. Check your usage trends – I noticed my summer bills were much higher than expected until I realized my AC was running inefficiently

5. Use the online payment system to track your payment history and stay organized

Final Thoughts

The Town of Benson offers plenty of ways to pay your utility bills, and their customer service team is always ready to help with questions. Whether you prefer digital payments or old-school methods, there’s an option that will work for your lifestyle.

I’ve found that setting up automatic payments has been the most stress-free approach for me, but I’ve used almost every method at some point! The key is finding what works best for your schedule and preferences.

Remember those important dates – bills out on the 5th, due by the 22nd, and possible disconnection on the 30th. Mark them in your calendar now!

Happy bill paying, Benson neighbors!