Utility Billing Procedures

A 24-hour notice is required to establish service. All accounts will be charged a $34.25 account activation fee, which is non-refundable. Deposits will be charged according to meter size and type of service. All account deposits are based on credit history. 

Completion of an application is required to determine the deposit amount. Deposits will be waived if the new customer can secure a sponsor meeting necessary criteria. See sponsor section on the Utility Billing application (PDF) for details.

Rating & Deposit Fees

RatingRiskPayment HistoryDeposit Required
GreenLowExcellentNone
YellowMediumFair or No History$150 ($75 each service)
RedHighPoor$300 ($150 each service)


Discrimination Policies

In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

To file a complaint of discrimination, call 800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TDD) or write to:

USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Meter Reading & Billing

Meters are read on or about the 15th of the month and bills based on this reading shall be rendered on the 1st of the month, all accounts shall become due and payable on the 15th day of the following month. Customers who fail to pay the amount charged for services by the 15th day shall be delinquent. Accounts not paid by the 15th of the month will have a $8.25 late penalty fee accessed.

Please note: Customers who fail to pay the amount due by the 24th day of the month, will have the water and sewer service disconnected on the 25th or the next working day.

Delinquent Charges

Delinquent accounts where services are disconnected shall not have such services restored until the full account balance along with the delinquent fee of $34.25 has been paid. Failure to receive a bill does not alter the above rule.

Missing Bill

If you do not receive a bill by the 5th day of the month, please email Customer Service.

Please note: It is the customer's responsibility to contact the office to disconnect their service when moving to insure that deposits are applied and forwarding information is correct.

Disconnect Form (LINK)

Tampering with Meters

City ordinance prohibits tampering with meters. Violators will be charged.

Financial Assistance

External Agencies that may be able to assist:

Craven County Department of
 Social Services (DSS)

 2818 Neuse Blvd
 New Bern, NC 28562
 (252)639-4900
 
  

Religious Community Services
 919 George Street
 New Bern, NC 28560
 (252)633-2767 
 

Retired/Disabled Veterans:
Disabled American Veterans - Chapter 26 
 468 Highway 70 E
 Havelock, NC 28532
 Call first (252)652-9166 

Catholic Charities
 502 Middle Street
 New Bern, NC 28560
 (252)638-2188

Coastal Community Action
 303 McQueen Ave/PO Box 729
 Newport, NC 28570
 (252)269-4491

Active Duty Military:
 Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
 Quick Assist Loans
www.nmcrs.org/QAL

Salvation Army
 1402 Rhem Ave
 New Bern, NC 28560
 Appointment Required
 (252)637-2277