Simplifying Bill Payment for Powell Clinch Utility District Customers

Paying your utility bill can be a headache – searching for account numbers, logging into websites, filling out forms, waiting on hold to make a payment over the phone But it doesn’t have to be! Powell Clinch Utility District (PCUD) offers a few convenient options to make paying your natural gas bill fast and easy. In this article, we’ll break down the different ways PCUD customers can pay their bill and highlight the benefits of each method.

Online Bill Pay

The easiest way for most PCUD customers to pay their bill is online through the utility’s website. To start the process, simply go to wwwpcudorg/home/pay-your-bill-2/ and click on the “Pay Your Bill” button. From there, you’ll be prompted to enter your 10-digit account number and last name or business name. Once your account is validated, you can view your current balance and due date.

Paying online allows you to use a credit card, debit card or electronic check. You’ll receive a confirmation email after the transaction is completed, so you have peace of mind that your payment went through. Online payments post to your account immediately, so you don’t have to worry about late fees as long as you pay before the due date.

PCUD does not charge any fees for online bill payment. It’s completely free to pay on their website using your checking account or credit/debit card. Online payments are safe and secure – all transactions are encrypted to protect your financial information.

Pay By Phone

If you prefer to speak to someone directly to make your payment, you can pay your PCUD bill over the phone. Just call 865-426-2822 or 423-562-2795 and select the billing and payments option. You’ll need to provide your account number and billing address.

A customer service representative can take a payment from your credit/debit card or bank account. They’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. Paying over the phone is convenient if you have questions about your bill and want to get them answered right away. However, phone payments do have some downsides.

The biggest disadvantage of paying by phone is the risk of long hold times, especially if you call near the bill due date when call volume is high. PCUD does not charge a fee for phone payments, but you may incur charges from your phone carrier depending on your plan. Overall, paying online is faster and more efficient for most customers.

Pay By Mail

Sending a check or money order through the mail is a bill payment option offered by PCUD. To pay by mail, write your 10-digit account number on your check or money order and mail it to:

Powell Clinch Utility District
PO Box 328
Rocky Top, TN 37769

Be sure to allow 7-10 business days for your mailed payment to reach the utility and post to your account. Payments received after your due date, regardless of postmark, may incur a late fee. Mailing a paper check also means you won’t have a payment confirmation, so it’s not the best choice if you want instant proof that your payment is on the way.

However, some customers may prefer to mail in a physical check out of habit or if they don’t feel comfortable paying electronically. Just be aware of the mail delays and plan ahead to make sure your payment arrives on time.

Automatic Bank Draft

The most convenient bill payment method offered by PCUD is free automatic bank draft through direct debit. With bank draft, the total amount due is automatically deducted from your checking or savings account each month on your bill due date.

To enroll in automatic bank draft, download the authorization form from www.pcud.org/home/customer-forms/ and mail it back with a voided check. You can also sign up by calling customer service. Once enrolled, you don’t have to do anything – the payment happens automatically on the due date.

The biggest benefit of bank draft is that it guarantees your bill is paid on time each month, avoiding late fees. You also save time by not having to manually make payments. It simplifies bill payment into one smooth automated process.

Just make sure the funds are in your account on the due date and you’re good to go! You can cancel bank draft at any time by notifying PCUD if you change your mind.

In-Person Payments

PCUD has two office locations where customers can drop off bill payments in person – 203 E 1st Street in Rocky Top and 1005 Jacksboro Pike in LaFollette. Both locations have a drop box where you can leave a check or money order. Cash payments must be made in person during business hours, Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm.

When paying in person, be sure to have your account number handy for faster service. In-person payments used to be the primary bill payment method before the internet, but now they represent a smaller share as more customers go online. Still, it remains a choice for customers who find it more convenient to pay at a physical office.

Which Bill Pay Method is Best?

• Online bill pay is the fastest and most convenient for most customers. It’s free, secure, and instant.

• Phone payments allow you to speak with an agent, but may involve hold times.

• Mailed payments work but take longer to process and lack payment confirmation.

• Automatic bank draft is the easiest “set it and forget it” option.

• In-person payments at a PCUD office remain available but are used less frequently today.

No matter which method you choose, PCUD aims to make paying your bill as quick and painless as possible. Their website summarizes the different payment options and provides instructions for each. If you ever have questions about the best bill pay method for your needs, their customer service team is available to help recommend the optimal solution.

So don’t dread paying your utility bill! With PCUD’s convenient payment options, keeping your account in good standing can be a breeze. Choose the method that fits your preferences and say goodbye to bill payment hassles for good.