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Utility Bill Information
  Frequently asked questions and concerns:
  When is my payment due?
  What are my payment options?
  Help! I can't pay my bill.
  New Payment Protection Program
  I think I have a leak.
  I need an adjustment.
  Security Lights
  Sprinkling Meters
  Contact Us
 
When is my payment due?
  Utility bills are due on the 10th of each month. Late payments will include an 8% late fee. Your bill will have a reminder of the past due amount and a disconnect date on your next bill. You will receive two (2) reminders, (shut off Notice), prior to the disconnect date. If the bill is not paid by the disconnect date, you will be charged a $10.00 service fee and your service will be shut off. You must pay the amount due, the service fee and additional deposits prior to reconnection of the service.

What are my payment options?
 
  1. Pay in person at City Hall Monday - Friday 8:30 to 5:00.
  2. Drop Box (located off alley behind Huntington Bank) and at front entrance of City Hall.
  3. Credit card payments in person or over the phone.
  4. Direct payment - auto drafting your checking/savings account—must complete the Direct Payment Form (PDF).
  5. Budget- The budget plan will estimate a monthly payment amount for you based on the current actual usage; that amount will be the same each month and may change on an annual basis, after review. Budget Plan Forms (PDF) are available and can be used in conjunction with the direct payment plan.

Help! I can't pay my bill.
  If you are unable to pay your utility bill prior to the disconnection date, you may come to City Hall and sign a 10-day extension agreement. You are allotted 2 extensions per calendar year. Failure to pay the full amount due within the 10-day extension will result in disconnection.

New Payment Protection Assistance
 

Payment Plan — You have the right to enter into a payment plan with the City of Dowagiac for an amount that is not in dispute and you are unable to pay in full.

Winter Shut Off Protection — During the heating season November 1-March 31st, the City of Dowagiac will postpone shutoff if you are an eligible low-income customer that enters into a winter protection plan and provides documentation that you are actively seeking emergency assistance from an energy assistance program. The plan consists of 2 options:

  1. Two (2) additional 10-day extensions or,
  2. Enter into a 7% winter protection payment plan with the City of Dowagiac
Medical Emergency — You can postpone the shutoff of service if you inform and provide documentation to the City of Dowagiac of a medical emergency that exists at your residence.

Senior Citizen — If you are a senior citizen (65 years or older), you are provided with shut off protection in both the heating season and the cooling season.

Senior Citizens — Help us Help you:
If you are 65 years or older, please contact the City of Dowagiac Utilities  Department, so that we can update your account.

Military Personnel — If you are in the military, you are provided with shut off protection pursuant to MCL 460.9c.

Payment Assistance — The Southwest Michigan United Way 211 may be contacted by City of Dowagiac utility customers by dialing 1-800-563-5432. This agency may be able to direct you to programs for financial assistance and other social programs such as utilities, food and other basic services.

For additional information, forms and payment agreements, please contact the City Utility Department at 269/782-2195 Monday – Friday 8:30am -5:00pm


I think I have a leak and I need an adjustment.
 

A utility adjustment form may be completed if you feel that you are entitled to an adjustment for reasons such as a sewer credit for swimming pool fills, broken water lines or any other major type of leak.

Typically, minor leaks such as faucets, stools, tubs are not eligible for adjustments. As occupant, it is your responsibility to repair said minor leaks in a timely manner.


Security Lights
  Available to all customers desiring security light (yard light) service providing application is made and a Protective or Yard Light Agreement (PDF) is signed by the customer.
 
  • 175 Watt Sodium Vapor $ 12.35
  • 250 Watt Sodium Vapor $ 15.22
  • 400 Watt Sodium Vapor $ 22.99
  • 1000 Watt Sodium Vapor $ 47.37
  • 150 Watt Lucalox $ 12.35
  • 400 Watt Sodium Vapor $ 35.10

  • Sprinkling Meters
      Meters for water sprinkling are available whereby property owners will not be charged sewer rates for lawn/garden sprinkling if they separate their plumbing for installation of a separate water meter.

    The Acceptable Plumbing Layout Diagram (available at City Hall) shows how your plumbing must be laid out to accommodate the sprinkling meter, which will be supplied by The City. You must obtain a Plumbing Permit Application (PDF) and complete the Sprinkling Meter Application Form (PDF).

    You will need your plumbing permit to pick up the meter setting supplies from our Stockroom at 501 South Front Street. After completion, and you have passed the plumbing inspection (Building Department 782-8427), you can schedule installation of your sprinkling meter. This will be a separate charge on your monthly utility bill.

    Contact Us
      By phone Monday-Friday 8:30 to 5:00 (269) 782-2195
    Emergencies after hours (269) 782-8200

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