$15 connect fee
Billed on your first bill.
Pay & Billing
Rates, fees and deposits
What it costs to start service, the fees you might see on a bill, and the current rate schedules.
Starting service
Residential deposits
Utilities are billed one month in arrears, so a deposit covers the final bill. Deposits are required for all new customers and customers with an adverse credit history.
An additional deposit is added if an account is paid late three months in a row, six times in 12 months, or is on the collections or shut-off list.
| Service | Good credit | Adverse credit |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | $100 | $200 |
| Water (3/4 or 5/8 meter) | $50 | $100 |
Account fees
Other fees on a bill
$30 reconnect fee
When service is disconnected for non-payment.
$80 after-hours reconnect
When reconnection happens after office hours.
$30 returned check fee
When a check is returned by your bank.
Meter tampering
If tampering is found, the customer is charged for actual usage, any equipment damage, and three times the highest monthly bill in the last 12 months. Tampering is prosecuted.
Sewer billing
How your sewer charge is calculated
Residential sewer charges use your Average Winter Consumption (AWC): the average of your actual water use from October through March, rounded to the nearest hundred cubic feet (CCF).
| Month | Water used |
|---|---|
| October | 7 CCF |
| November | 6 CCF |
| December | 6 CCF |
| January | 7 CCF |
| February | 8 CCF |
| March | 7 CCF |
| Average (41 / 6 = 6.84) | 7 CCF |
Rate schedules
Current rate schedules and ordinances
Utility rates are set by the Benton City Council. Call 501-776-5930 for help with any rate.