Utility Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay my bill?
To pay by mail, return the right portion of the bill stub with your check or money order to:
Madisonville Municipal Utilities
P. O. Box 710
Madisonville, Kentucky 42431-0710
Write your account number on your check or money order to ensure your payment is properly credited. Please do not send cash.
Bills may be paid in person in the Municipal Building located at 37 E. Center Street, Madisonville, Kentucky. Credit card payments, are accepted either in person, over the telephone or through our Online Bill Payment System.
Can I pay by automatic bank draft? (ACH)
It is easy to establish an automatic bank draft (ACH) with Madisonville Municipal Utilities. Either come in person or request the information through the mail to sign up. We will need a voided blank check with your sign-up cards. When your bank information is received we will forward your bank routing and account number information to your financial institution to be taken out for your next bill. You will continue to receive a monthly bill from us, however it will show that this is the amount paid by bank for the due date shown on your bill. ACH is a convenient bill pay system that may be used with any financial institution of your choice.
How do I start budget billing?
Madisonville Municipal Utilities offers budget billing twice a year. However, you may get on the budget billing any time after you have met the qualifications. The qualifications for budget billing are that you have had service with us for a minimum of 6 months and have had no more than one late notice attached to your account. The budget billing is an average billing system. The budget payment amount will be set for 6 months at a time. Each spring and fall we review the budget customers to make sure they are not overpaying or underpaying for their current bill consumptions. When the budget is reviewed, there is an adjustment to reduce or increase the monthly budget payment accordingly. Under our current system we do not have a settle-up month. If you wish to start budget billing call our office and we will be happy to explain your options.
Can I pay my bills online?
Yes!! Now with our Online Bill Payment System.
Do I need a letter of credit to establish an account with Madisonville Municipal Utilities?
No, you do not need a letter of credit or a credit check to establish service with our company. However, customers with a letter of credit from their most recent utility provider will not be required to pay a residential service deposit.
What are some ways I can lower my water bill?
- Using an automatic dishwasher with a full load, in most cases, is the most cost effective way to wash dishes. The next best way is to wash and rinse the dishes in sinks with stoppers in them.
- Turn off water while brushing teeth.
- Check the toilet every few months to make sure water is not trickling into the bowl. The utility office offers free toilet test kits.
- Repair leaky faucets as soon as possible.
- Keep an eye on your bill. Look at individual charges. If the water starts increasing, call the billing department.
How can I have my water meter checked for a leak?
There is no charge for re-reading the water meter. If your consumption is higher than normal, call our office. Many times the billing department will have already had your meter re-checked before you receive the bill. This information is generally communicated to the customer when there is a re-read of the meter. If the billing department has your home phone number they will try to get in touch with you. You may request a re-read on your water meter anytime you suspect a leak or a misread. Though we try to be accurate, mistakes do happen. Do not hesitate to request a re-read if you feel it is necessary.
If you wish you may check your own water meter. Be very careful when lifting the iron lid that covers your meter. It is normal for a meter to have dirt or mud over the meter. If necessary, wipe the meter off and read the numbers from left to right. When you are watching your meter, observe whether or not the numbers are moving. If you know there is nothing on inside your house to draw water through the meter and yet it is moving, you have a leak. The leak may be in a pipe, or under the house, or it may be in your toilet. If the meter does not move while you watch it then you do not have a pipe leak. However, you could still have a leaky toilet. Your toilet can be tested for a leak with one of our free toilet test kits. These kits are available at 37 E. Center Street.
What are some ways to lower my electric bill?
You can conduct a simple home energy audit yourself, or you can call an independent energy auditor for a more comprehensive examination. Another option is to get the advice of a professional contractor. For a fee, a professional contractor will analyze how your home's energy systems work together as a system and compare the analysis against your utility bills. A consumer brief on home energy audits is available from the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse. You may click on to www.energy.gov to find information on home energy audits. There are many helpful suggestions for home energy efficiency on-line. www.energy.gov is just one of the suggested sights to find help.
Can I have my electric meter reading checked?
You may call our office and have your electric meter reading checked if you question the consumption. There is no charge to have the meter re-read. Though we strive to have correct readings, there can be mistakes. If you want to have the accuracy of your electric meter's mechanical functions checked there is a $25.00 service charge for single-phase non-demand meters which must be paid at the downtown office before the electric department will test the meter. To test all self contained three-phase and single-phase demand meters the service charge is $75.00. Meter checks for transformer rated meter installations have a service charge of $150.00. If there is something wrong with the electric meter this service charge will be refunded to the customer's account. If there is nothing wrong with the accuracy of the electric meter the service charge is not refunded.
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