After months on ice, Raleigh has turned the tap back on for late fees and water shutoffs, ending a pause tied to the city’s billing portal upgrade and returning to normal collections this month. City officials say customers who are behind still have options to keep the water flowing, including payment plans, aid programs, and re‑enrolling in AutoPay before the next bill comes due.
City Reminder And Payment Options
In a March 12 Facebook post, the city’s official account reminded customers that late fees and water-service disconnections would be reinstated this month and noted that anyone behind on their bill can set up a payment plan by calling 919-996-3245, according to the City of Raleigh. The post also directs customers to online tools and assistance programs for those who need extra time to pay.
When Fees Returned And What That Means
AutoPay And Simple Steps To Avoid Fees
City bulletins note that customers who relied on AutoPay in the old portal must re‑enroll in the new system or risk missing payments entirely, while those who pay through their bank’s bill-pay service typically do not need to change anything, according to Raleigh Water. If you are not sure how your bill is set up, officials recommend calling customer care at 919-996-3245 to confirm your status and avoid surprise late fees or shutoffs.
Where To Get Assistance
Customers who cannot keep up with their bills can apply for help through the city’s Utility Customer Assistance Program (UCAP). Application instructions, eligibility rules, and contact details are posted on the city’s City of Raleigh utility payment assistance page. The program is run in partnership with Wake County Human Services, and the site outlines how to submit applications by email or mail.
Why This Matters
The shift back to penalties comes after vendor and mailing problems last year that left some residents staring at unexpectedly large bills and prompted the city to suspend late fees and shutoffs while it worked through the mess, an issue covered in local reporting. WRAL reported that the city paused disconnections while staff cleared the backlog, which helps explain why many customers remain nervous about late fees and automatic drafts returning…