Paying your electric bill is an essential part of being a resident or business owner in the city of Salem, Virginia. The city provides electricity through Salem Electric, and they make paying your bill quick and easy through several convenient options. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about paying your electric bill in Salem, from understanding your charges to the various payment methods available.
Getting Your Electric Bill
Salem Electric utility bills are sent out monthly, and you should receive yours by the 1st of each month. The due date for payment is typically around the 17th of the month, giving you a couple of weeks to pay Your bill will show the service address as well as the billing address if they are different
Key details on your electric bill include:
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Service period This shows the date range for the usage on that particular bill
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Previous balance: Any amount left unpaid from your prior billing cycles.
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Payments: Payments received during that billing cycle.
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Electric usage and charges: This shows your kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage for the month and the associated charges. It is broken down by various rate categories.
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Taxes: This includes a utility tax and school tax based on your usage.
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Total current charges: The total of all charges for that billing cycle.
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Total due: This is the total amount you need to pay by the due date, including any unpaid balances.
If you need help understanding the various charges and calculations on your bill, don’t hesitate to contact Salem Electric’s customer service team.
Payment Options
Salem Electric offers several convenient ways to pay your electric bill each month. Consider setting up automatic payments to ensure it gets paid on time every month.
Online
The easiest way to pay is online through Salem Electric’s customer portal. You can pay by e-check from your bank account for free or pay by debit/credit card for a small convenience fee.
To pay online:
- Go to www.salemva.gov/222/Utility-Billing
- Click on “Online Access”
- Log into your account or register for an account if first time user
- Select “Make Payment” and enter payment details
You can also set up autopay through the portal to have your bill paid automatically each month.
By Phone
Call Salem Electric at 540-375-3026 to pay over the phone using your debit/credit card. There is a convenience fee for phone payments.
By Mail
Detach the payment stub from your utility bill and enclose it along with your check or money order. Make sure your Salem Electric account number is written on the check and mail to:
Salem Electric
P.O. Box 869
Salem, VA 24153
Do not mail cash payments. Allow 5-7 days for mailed payments to process.
In Person
You can pay your electric bill in person at Salem Electric downtown:
Salem Electric
114 N. Broad St.
Salem, VA
Payments can be made Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm in cash, check, money order or debit/credit card.
Drop Box
Salem Electric has a drop box located out front of their Broad St. location. Simply enclose your payment stub and a check or money order. Payments left in the drop box by 5pm will be processed same day.
Budget Billing
If you want more predictable electric bills, consider enrolling in Salem Electric’s Budget Billing program. This averages your usage over the past 12 months to create a fixed monthly payment amount. At the end of each summer, any overages or shortages are settled up.
To enroll, you need 12 months of billing history at your current address with no past due amounts. Download the Budget Billing application at www.salemva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3844/Budget-Billing-Application and submit to Salem Electric.
Assistance Programs
If you are having trouble paying your electric bill, Salem Electric partners with several programs to provide payment assistance:
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Fuel Assistance: Helps qualified low-income households pay for heating and cooling needs. Apply through your local Department of Social Services.
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Project Care: Provides emergency utility bill payment assistance. Call 540-345-6277 to apply.
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Cooling Assistance: Help for seniors, disabled individuals and families with young children pay summer cooling bills.
Contact Salem Electric for details on eligibility and applying for these assistance programs.
Avoid Late Fees and Disconnection
To avoid late fees on your electric account, your payment must be received by the due date shown on your bill, not just postmarked. Late fees are 10% of the total past due amount.
If your account becomes 60 days past due, Salem Electric may proceed with disconnection of your electric service. Reconnection fees apply if your power is disconnected for nonpayment.
Review Salem Electric’s disconnection policy at www.salemva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4910/Disconnection-Policy-for-Nonpayment.
If you anticipate having difficulty paying your bill, contact them immediately to discuss payment plan options and avoid disconnection.
Contact Salem Electric with Questions
If you have any questions about your electric charges, payment options, or payment assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Salem Electric directly:
Salem Electric
114 N. Broad St.
Salem, VA 24153
540-375-3026
[email protected]
Their team is available to provide excellent customer service and ensure your electric account stays current each month. Paying your electric bill on time takes just a few minutes each month and keeps your home or business powered.
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FAQ
What is the phone number for Salem utilities?
What is the average electric bill in Salem VA?
How do I pay my utility bill in Salem?
Utility Bills Visit the payment portal to view bills, consumption information, account history, or to make a payment. Retiree Health Insurance To enroll in electronic billing, view account information, or make a payment. Miscellaneous Billing by the City of Salem To enroll in electronic billing, view account information, or make a payment.
How do I pay my utility bill?
How Do I How can I pay my utility bill? You may pay your bill online, by postal service mail, in person with Utility Collections at City Hall, via our overnight drop box located behind City Hall on College Alley. 1.
How do I pay a Salem Circuit Court fine online?
Salem Circuit Court Online payments for Circuit Court fines, fees, restitution, and court costs through the Virginia Judiciary Online Payment System. Business Tax Payment Online payments Business Tax with the Commissioner of the Revenue. Traffic Tickets
How do I pay for a permit in Salem?
Miscellaneous Billing by the City of Salem To enroll in electronic billing, view account information, or make a payment. Permits Visit the Online Permitting Services portal to pay for permits and schedule inspections.
Does Salem have electricity?
The City of Salem owns and operates its own electricity distribution system. The Electric Department was established in 1892. It purchases energy wholesale from American Electric Power (AEP).
How do I pay child support in Salem Virginia?
Visit the Virginia Department of Social Services website for details on child support payments. Real Estate and Personal Property Bills This service offered through the City of Salem Treasurer’s Office allows citizens to pay Real Estate and Personal Property Bills online. Salem Circuit Court