How to Pay Your City of Concord Utility Bill

Having reliable utility services is vital for any home or business As a City of Concord utility customer, it’s crucial to understand the various options to pay your bill on time each month. This comprehensive guide covers Concord’s payment methods, programs, fees, and tips to avoid late payments or service disruption

Overview of Payment Options

The City of Concord offers multiple ways to pay your utility bills, including:

• Online through eCare
• Email billing and auto-pay
• Pay by phone
• Pay by mail
• Pay in person
• Bank draft deduction

Below we’ll outline key details for each payment method

Pay Online with eCare

The most convenient way to pay your Concord utility bill is through the eCare online payment portal To use eCare

1. Go to concordnc.gov and click on “eCare & Utility Services”.

2. Enter your account number and PIN to log in. First-time users should select “Sign Up Now”.

3. Choose a one-time payment or recurring auto-pay. Enter payment details.

4. Review payment info and submit.

Online payments process within 24 hours. eCare also allows you to:

• View payment history
• Enroll in paperless billing
• Set up automatic monthly payments
• Receive email reminders

Email Billing and Auto-Pay

Within your eCare account, you can enroll to receive paperless billing and set up recurring auto-payments that debit from your bank account each month.

To enroll:

1. Log into eCare and click “Log into Invoice Cloud”.

2. Go to “My Profile” and select “AutoPay”.

3. Follow prompts to add bank account and activate auto-pay.

Pay by Phone

Call Concord’s automated payment line at (704) 920-5123 to pay your bill by phone. Have your account number and payment details ready. One-time fees apply to phone payments.

Pay by Mail

To pay by mail, send checks or money orders to:

City of Concord
PO Box 604220
Charlotte, NC 28260-4220

Include your payment stub or write your Concord account number on the check. Allow 5-7 days for mailed payments.

Pay in Person

Bring payments to Concord’s drive-thru drop box on Market St. or pay at the lobby kiosk in City Hall at 35 Cabarrus Ave W.

Cash payments have no fee. Credit/debit payments incur a $2.95 convenience fee.

Bank Draft Deduction

Enroll in monthly auto-drafts from your bank account through eCare. Log in, go to “AutoPay” under “My Profile” and enter your details. Drafts occur on your bill’s due date.

Payment Methods Accepted

Concord accepts:

• Cash
• Checks
• Money orders
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Debit cards
• Automatic bank account withdrawals

Payment Fees

Most payment options are free, but some have third-party convenience fees:

• Online payments – $2.95 per transaction
• Phone payments – $2.95 per transaction
• In-person credit/debit – $2.95

Avoid fees by paying cash, check, or using bank draft auto-pay.

When to Pay Your Utility Bill

Concord utility bills are sent monthly and typically due around the 10th of each month. Check your bill for the exact due date each month.

For on-time payment, pay your bill as soon as you receive it or at least 5 days before the due date. This ensures adequate processing time for mailed payments.

If using auto-drafts, allow 7-10 days initially to set up deductions on your due date.

Late Fees and Disconnection Policy

If your utility bill isn’t paid by the due date, Concord charges a 10% late fee on the unpaid balance.

Accounts 30 days past due receive a final disconnect notice. If the past due amount isn’t paid within 10 additional days, your water/power service will be disconnected.

To restore service after disconnection, you must immediately pay the past due amount plus a $25 reconnect fee. Avoid late fees and disruption by paying on time. Notify Concord immediately if you’ll have difficulty paying bills.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you’re struggling to pay utility bills, Concord offers two assistance programs:

• Budget Billing – Average payments are calculated to even out seasonal highs/lows. Call Concord to enroll.

• Donations – Concord partners with local groups to provide donated utility payment assistance for hardship cases. Call for help applying.

You may also qualify for federal bill assistance programs like LIHEAP. Contact Concord for eligibility information.

Tips for Paying Utility Bills on Time

Follow these tips to pay your Concord utility bills smoothly each month:

• Enroll in paperless/auto-pay to avoid forgetting due dates.

• Mark due dates on your calendar and set up payment reminders.

• Keep your contact information current to avoid missed bills.

• Opt for auto-draft from your bank account on your due date.

• Pay 5-7 days early to allow for processing of mailed payments.

• Review bills promptly and address any spikes in usage.

• Notify Concord immediately if you expect payment delays.

• Respond quickly to late notices to avoid disconnection.

• Contact Concord if you need bill assistance or payment plan options.

With multiple payment channels like eCare and auto-draft, Concord offers convenient ways to pay your utility bill on time every month. Contact customer service if you need bill assistance or help managing payments. Staying current on your utility account ensures uninterrupted service while building positive payment history with the City of Concord.