Hailey
The City of Emporia has made an important update for residents regarding their August utility bills. Due to a major upgrade in the utility billing system, the city has extended the due date for August payments to September 2.
This change comes as the city transitions to a new billing platform, which is designed to improve efficiency, accuracy, and convenience for customers. While the switch brings several benefits, it has also temporarily impacted billing cycles, causing August bills to be slightly higher than normal.
Why the Change in Billing Dates?
For the past two to three weeks, the City of Emporia has been working on implementing a new utility billing system.
This transition included setting up and testing new software, which required adjustments to meter reading schedules. As a result, this month’s bills will reflect 38 days of service instead of the usual 30.
City Communications Manager Christine Torrens explained that the extended billing period is the main reason residents may see higher-than-normal bills in August. The September bills will return to a shorter billing cycle, showing fewer days of service.
Dates for Utility Payments
| Billing Month | Billing Period | Due Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | 38 days | Sept. 2 | Higher bill due to extended cycle |
| September 2025 | Shortened period | Sept. 29 | Bill will be lower than August |
| October 2025 | Regular 30-day | Standard due date | Regular billing resumes |
No Late Fees or Water Shutoffs in Early August
To support residents during this transition, the city will waive late fees for any bills due between August 4–15. Additionally, there will be no water shutoffs during this period, giving customers extra time to adjust to the new billing cycle.
How Residents Will Receive Their Bills
Under the new system, residents will receive their utility bills either by mail or email, depending on their preference. This first billing cycle under the updated platform is a key step in testing the system’s accuracy and reliability.
Autopay and Online Payment Changes
If You Use Bank Draft or City Autopay
Residents who submitted a bank draft or autopay form directly to the Utility Billing office do not need to make any changes. Their payments will continue as normal under the new system.
If You Used the Previous Online Payment Portal
Those who previously used autopay via the old online system must now visit emporiaks.gov/utilitybillpay, create a new account, and re-enroll in autopay.
If You Use Bank Bill Pay
If you make payments through your bank’s bill pay service, you will need to update your account number and customer number to match the new system’s format. This ensures payments are correctly applied.
In-Person Payment Options
For those who prefer paying in person, the Utility Billing office accepts cash, check, or credit/debit cards. This flexibility ensures all residents can manage their bills in the way that works best for them.
Benefits of the New Billing System
The city’s decision to upgrade its billing platform aims to bring several benefits:
- More Accurate Billing – Reduces human error in calculations.
- Faster Processing – Bills generated and processed more quickly.
- Better Tracking – Customers can monitor usage and payments online.
- Improved Communication – Easier for the city to share updates with residents.
Tips for Managing This Month’s Higher Bill
Since this month’s bill covers eight extra days of service, residents can take a few steps to prepare:
- Review Your Usage – Check if your water or electricity consumption has increased.
- Set Payment Reminders – Avoid missing the extended deadline.
- Contact the City Early – If you anticipate difficulty paying, reach out for possible payment arrangements.
Looking Ahead
By October, residents can expect normal billing cycles to resume. The city believes the short-term adjustment will lead to long-term benefits, making bill payments smoother and more transparent.
The City of Emporia’s temporary changes to the utility bill due date aim to ease the transition to a new, more efficient billing system.
While August bills are slightly higher due to the extended cycle, September will bring shorter billing periods, and October will return to normal. With no late fees, no shutoffs, and improved payment options, residents have the support they need during this adjustment period.