 Billing Department
Frequently Asked Questions
(1) How do I read my bill?
(2)
I am moving to Benton, what do I have to do in order to get service
connected?
Requirements for New Residential Service
1. Lease or Rental Agreement from landlord showing:
a. Service address
b. Start date
c. Name of occupant(s) over 18 yrs.
d. Landlord’s mailing address
e. Landlord’s phone number
f. Landlord’s signature
g. Tenant’s signature
2. Valid English photo I.D. for all adults, such as:
a. Driver’s license
b. I.D. card, military or medical
c. Passport
3. Deposit is based on several factors :
a. Good credit history for customer: $100 elec. & $50 water 3/4 or 5/8
meter.
b. Adverse credit history for customer: $200.00 electric & $100.00 water.
(3)
Can I apply for new services on-line?
No, however, you may print out this
application immediately below and fill it out prior to your arrival at our office for your
convenience.
(4)
I am opening a business in Benton, what do I have to do to get services
connected?
Customer Service Requirements for Establishing New Commercial Service
1. Present approved privilege license.
2. If leasing building, provide copy of lease from owner.
3. Photo ID
4. Federal Tax ID# (not required for non-profit)
5. Pay deposit. (Call or come by Customer Service for a quote while
waiting for approval of privilege license.)
(5)
Why must I have a deposit?
Deposits are required for all new customers and
customers with an adverse credit history. Since utilities are billed 1
month in arrears, the deposit is meant to offset the final bill. A double
deposit may be required for customers with an adverse credit history and
may be imposed at any time payments are past due.
(6)
When do I get my deposit back?
Deposits are credited back to your account
after 12 consecutive months of on-time payments for residential customers
and 24 months for commercial customers.
(7)
When can I expect my first bill?
Depending on when your service was
connected, you should generally receive your first bill in 6-8 weeks and
it will be due approximately 3 weeks after you receive it. It is advisable
to make a payment toward your first bill even before you receive it since
it could include your usage for up to 60 days. Call our office and we can
help you estimate what you might want to pay.
(8)
What other charges will I have to pay?
You will be billed a $15 connect
fee on your first bill and a $15 disconnect on your last bill. Other
possible charges include: $30 reconnect fee or $80 after hours reconnect
fee if you are disconnected for non-pay; $30 return check fee if your
check is returned by your bank; if meter-tampering is found at your
residence, you will be charged for actual usage, any damages to equipment
plus a charge equal to 3 X’s the highest monthly bill in the last 12
months (meter-tampering will be prosecuted and court costs would be
charged to the offender along with any fines imposed by the courts).
(9)
Who do I call if I have an electrical or water outage?
Electrical outages
should be reported to 776-5931 and water outages should be reported to
776-5933.
(10)
Why do I have to come into the utility office to connect or disconnect
service?
Benton City Ordinances require that utilities service be in the
name of the adult persons living in the residence, therefore we must see
photo I.D.’s. We also require personal information such as Social Security
numbers. This information needs to be closely guarded for your protection,
so sending by fax or other means is unacceptable. Having the customers
come into the office also prevents practical jokes and malicious acts by
other people toward our customers.
(11)
How is my Electric Rate Figured?
Electrical Rates
Residential
Class 1 Rate: (100 & 106) $0.103184/kwh
+ $8.40 Cust. Charge
Commercial
Class 2 Rate: (200) $0.103184/kwh
+ $17.85 Cust. Charge
Class 3 Rate: (300 & 301) $0.094006/kwh
+ $3.15/kw (demand)
+ $17.85 Cust. Charge
Class 4 Rate: (400) $0.073513/kwh June 1st - Sep. 30th
+ $9.98/kw (demand) $11.34/kw (summer demand)
+ $78.75 Cust. Charge
Class 5 Rate: (500) $0.071987/kwh
+ $9.66/kw (demand) $11.03/kw (summer demand)
+ $399.00 Cust. Charge
(12)
How is my Water Rate Figured?
Water Rates
Commercial/Residential
3/4 - 5/8 Rate: (100, 333, 344 & 388) $2.65/K-gal. 3-99999999 gal.
+ $9.75 Cust. Charge (includes 2k-gal.)
Sr. Citizens/Disabled
3/4 - 5/8 Rate: (106, 339, 366, & 377) $2.65/K-gal. 3-99999999 gal.
+ $5.75 Cust. Charge (includes 2k-gal.)
Shared Meters
3/4 - 5/8 Rate: (101, 311, 338 & 382) $1.325/K-gal. 3-99999999 gal.
+ $4.875 Cust. Charge (includes 2k-gal.)
1" Rate: (200, 302, 322 & 332) $2.65/K-gal. 3-99999999 gal.
+ $11.35 Cust. Charge (includes 2k-gal.)
Sr. Citizens/Disabled
1" Rate: (206 & 372) $2.65/K-gal. 3-99999999 gal.
+ $7.35 Cust. Charge (includes 2k-gal.)
1-1/4" Rate: (300, 303, 323 & 334) $2.65/K-gal. 3-99999999 gal.
+ $14.00 Cust. Charge (includes 2k-gal.)
1-1/2" Rate: (400, 304, 324 & 335) $2.65/K-gal. 3-99999999 gal.
+ $17.80 Cust. Charge (includes 2k-gal.)
2" Rate: (500, 305, 336 & 355) $2.65/K-gal. 3-99999999 gal.
+ $23.30 Cust. Charge (includes 2k-gal.)
3" Rate: (600, 306, 337 & 356) $2.65/K-gal. 3-99999999 gal.
+ $35.75 Cust. Charge (includes 2k-gal.)
(13)
How is my Sewer Rate Figured?
Sewer Rates
Residential
Rate: 900 in-city-limits $4.30/K-gal. 2-99999999 gal.
+ $7.00 Cust. Charge (includes 1k-gal.)
Rate: 700 out-of-city-limits $7.525/K-gal. 2-99999999 gal.
+ $12.25 Cust. Charge (includes 1k-gal.)
Commercial
Rate: 905 $4.30/K-gal. 2-99999999 gal.
+ $7.00 Cust. Charge (includes 1k-gal.)
(14)What is a New Connection Fee?
A new connection fee is the amount paid to get an electric or water meter
set or a sewer connection at a residential or commercial property without
existing service.
(15) How much does a New Connection cost?
Builders, Contractors & Plumbers
New Connection (Tie-On) Fees:
Electric:
Residential Connection: $200 ea.
Commercial Connection: Per Unit Based
(Connection Fees must be paid before any meter can be set)
Water:
Residential 3/4 - 5/8 Connection: $200 ea.
Residential 1" Connection: $300 ea.
Commercial 1"+ Connection: By Quote
Sewer:
Residential Connection: $1,000 ea.
Commercial Connection: Per Unit/Occupancy/Type
(16)
Does Benton Utilities offer trash pick-up?
No, Benton Utilities does not
offer trash pick-up. You should be able to find a local trash hauler in
your phone directory listed under garbage pick-up.
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