How to Pay Your City of Minot Utility Bill Online

Paying your utility bill to the City of Minot is easy and convenient with online payment options. In this article, we’ll explain how to create an online account, make one-time payments or set up recurring automatic payments. We’ll also cover payment by phone, understanding your bill and getting assistance if needed.

Creating an Online Account

The first step to paying your City of Minot utility bill online is creating an account on the website:

1. Go to minotnd,gov and click on “Create a Website Account”

2. Enter your email address and create a password Be sure to record this login information,

3. Provide your name, contact information and verification details.

4. Agree to the terms and submit your registration

Once your account is created, you can start managing payments online. Your account allows you to view billing history, update payment methods and enroll in autopay.

Making One-Time Payments

After logging into your City of Minot online account, you can easily pay your bill:

1. Select “Pay Bills” from the menu.

2. Choose your utility account and click “Add to Cart”

3. Review billing details like balance due and due date.

4. Enter payment amount and select a payment method. Options include credit/debit card or e-check.

5. Complete checkout to finish your one-time payment.

The payment will be immediately processed and you will receive a confirmation email. One advantage of one-time payments is flexibility if your bill amount changes each month.

Setting Up Recurring Payments

For hands-free convenience, you can enroll in automatic payments through your online account:

1. Log into your account and access the auto-pay settings.

2. Choose your payment date and frequency. Recommended is 3-5 days before your bill due date.

3. Enter your preferred payment method information.

4. Review the auto-pay details and terms before enabling.

Once active, your bill will be paid automatically each month on the designated date without any effort. It’s an easy way to avoid late fees and ensure on-time payment.

Paying by Phone

If you prefer to pay your City of Minot utility bill over the phone, dial 701-857-4704. You will need to provide your account number and billing details.

Then simply follow the prompts to enter your payment information. Options include paying by credit card, debit card or electronic check. Phone payments are processed immediately once the call is completed.

Understanding Your Utility Bill

When you receive your monthly City of Minot utility bill, here are the key sections:

• Account summary: Shows your previous and current balance, due date and amount due.

• Utility usage: Lists your water consumption and any sewer, garbage and recycling fees.

• Billing history: Displays your usage and payments over the past 13 months.

• Messages: Contains important notices like rate changes from the city.

Review the bill details closely and contact the utility billing department with any questions. Being familiar with your bill helps avoid any incorrect charges.

Getting Payment Assistance

If you are struggling financially and unable to pay your utility bill, the City of Minot offers programs that may be able to help, including:

• Payment arrangements: Set up a customized payment plan for past-due balances.

• LIHEAP: Provides federal heating and cooling assistance.

• Salvation Army: Offers emergency utility bill aid for eligible households.

• St. Joseph’s Social Care: Distributes assistance for bills through donations.

Contact the utility billing office right away if you anticipate difficulty paying your bill on time. They will explain qualification requirements for any payment assistance programs.

Avoid Late Fees

To avoid getting hit with late fees on your City of Minot utility bill, make sure to pay the total due by the due date. Late fees are 2% of the unpaid balance.

Paying on time is easy with automatic payments. You can also set bill reminders through your online account to receive usage alerts and payment confirmations via email or text.

Go Paperless

Enrolling in paperless billing is an eco-friendly option available through your online account. With paperless billing:

• Receive a monthly email when your bill is ready to view and pay online.

• Access up to 24 months of billing history electronically.

• Reduce paper waste and clutter from mailed bills.

Review your bill thoroughly online just as you would with a paper statement. Going paperless means one less thing in the mail each month.

Track Payment History

Your online account allows you to monitor your City of Minot utility payment history at any time. You are able to see:

• Past bill amounts and due dates

• Payment amounts and processing dates

• Outstanding balances

• Credit amounts applied

Carefully reviewing your history helps identify any billing errors and verify payments were received as expected. Download or print statements for your records if needed.

Update Billing Address

If you move to a new home within Minot, make sure to update your billing address with the utility department right away. This ensures your City of Minot utility bills are sent to the correct location.

You can change your address through your online account under “My Profile” or by calling the billing office. Provide the service address where your utilities are active along with the move-in date.

Having current address information avoids delays in receiving your utility bills on time each month.

Set Up Usage Alerts

Excessive usage on your utility bill often signals a leak or other issue. The City of Minot website allows you to set usage threshold email alerts through your account, such as:

• Daily usage exceeding a specified amount

• Spikes in usage compared to historical usage

Receiving automated alerts for unusual activity allows you to promptly identify and troubleshoot problems, saving water and money.

Understand Billing Cycles

City of Minot utility bills are issued on a monthly billing cycle depending on your location:

• Southwest Minot: Bills generated mid-month, due 1st of month
• Northwest Minot: Bills generated end of month, due 15th of month
• Northeast Minot: Bills generated beginning of month, due 20th of month

Understanding your specific cycle helps you know when your bill is coming each month. Mark your due date on your calendar as a reminder to pay on time.

Compare Electricity Providers

While the City of Minot handles your water/sewer bill, you have options when it comes to choosing an electricity provider. Comparing supply rates from different companies operating in Minot can potentially save money.

When weighing electricity providers, consider:

• Rates per kWh

• Introductory discounts

• Contract terms and cancellation fees

• Renewable energy options

Doing some comparison shopping ensures you find the best deal on electricity for your home.

Home Water Audits

If your water bill seems higher than normal, the City of Minot offers home water audits for a fee to diagnose leaks and find savings:

• Detect toilet, sink and appliance leaks

• Check for underground pipe leaks

• Review irrigation system efficiency

• Provide appliance upgrade recommendations

• Water conservation tips

Fixing leaks combined with upgrades like low-flow fixtures can lead to significant reductions in your monthly water usage and bill.

Avoid Service Disruption

It’s critical to pay your City of Minot utility bill on time to avoid service disruption. If your account becomes significantly past due, the city may shut-off water service.

Disconnection can happen as soon as 10 days after your due date. A reconnect fee will also be charged to resume service. Avoid service interruptions and added fees by paying on time.

Keeping up with your City of Minot utility payments ensures continuous access to essential water, sewer and garbage services. With convenient online billing and payment options, paying your bill is quick and easy.