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About Your Bill
- Meters are read every 28-34 days. (The cycle varies due to weekends and holidays.)
- Utility bills are mailed on the business day following the meter read date. The net amount is due approximately 15 days later.
- Customers who have recently moved into a new service address during the middle of a billing cycle may receive a partial month’s bill.
- Bills are sometimes estimated. This may be for one of the following reasons:
- The meter reader was unable to access your meter due to locked gate, unrestrained pet, or landscaping obstructions.
- Abnormally high or low readings.
Estimated bills are issued based on a calculation of the customer’s previous average consumption.
E-Billing
Huntsville Utilities offers the convenience of electronic billing. E-Billing eliminates the paper bill and notifies the customer by email each month when their new bill is available for viewing online.
Log in to My Account to enroll.
Watch this video to learn how to read your consumption history data in your My Account Portal.
About Your Bill
Download the interactive PDF to see an explanation of your bill.
How To Read Your Bill (PDF)
Final Notice Example“Final Notice” information will be sent separate from monthly utility consumption bill.
How To Read Your Bill (PDF)
Final Notice Example“Final Notice” information will be sent separate from monthly utility consumption bill.
HU Smart Consumer Tip: The biggest factor affecting your energy use is the outside temperature. It takes more energy to keep your home cool on hot days and warm throughout the cold seasons. The Degree Day number on your bill indicates of how much warmer or colder the outside air was during the billing cycle, and therefore, how much more energy you may have used.
Click here to learn more about degree days and how they are calculated.
Click here to learn more about degree days and how they are calculated.
Huntsville Utilities is a publicly owned, not-for-profit organization. Our billing and collections policies are established to protect the interest of all rate payers. Huntsville Utilities also follows guidelines mandated by a federal court order from the Northern District of Alabama. The court order prohibits Huntsville Utilities from offering special treatment for individuals or groups desiring exceptions from the court-approved procedures.
Electric Rates
Huntsville Utilities is a distributor of electric power purchased from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Electric customers are billed a fixed availability charge that corresponds to the customer class (residential, commercial, industrial etc.) and a variable usage charge based on meter readings collected each month. The electric rates change periodically based on fuel costs associated with TVA’s cost of operating the generation plants on the system. All of the electric rates used in billing Huntsville Utilities’ customers have been reviewed and approved by the Electric Board before going to the Huntsville City Council for final approval.
Water Rates
Huntsville Utilities tests, treats, and distributes water from underground aquifers and from the Tennessee River. Water rates are driven by the costs associated with testing, analysis, purification and distribution. Water customers are billed a fixed availability charge that corresponds to the size of the water meter and variable usage charges based on meter readings collected each month. All of the water rates used in billing Huntsville Utilities’ customers have been reviewed and approved by the Natural Gas/Water Board before going to the Huntsville City Council for final approval.
Natural Gas Rates
Huntsville Utilities purchases natural gas from a number of domestic suppliers. Natural gas is a commodity, and as such, the rates fluctuate according to market variables. Natural gas customers are billed consumption charges based on monthly meter readings in addition to a fixed availability charge. All of the natural gas rates used in billing Huntsville Utilities’ customers have been reviewed and approved by the Natural Gas/Water Board. Huntsville City ordinances do not require natural gas rates to go to City Council for approval.
Electric Rates
Huntsville Utilities is a distributor of electric power purchased from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Electric customers are billed a fixed availability charge that corresponds to the customer class (residential, commercial, industrial etc.) and a variable usage charge based on meter readings collected each month. The electric rates change periodically based on fuel costs associated with TVA’s cost of operating the generation plants on the system. All of the electric rates used in billing Huntsville Utilities’ customers have been reviewed and approved by the Electric Board before going to the Huntsville City Council for final approval.
Water Rates
Huntsville Utilities tests, treats, and distributes water from underground aquifers and from the Tennessee River. Water rates are driven by the costs associated with testing, analysis, purification and distribution. Water customers are billed a fixed availability charge that corresponds to the size of the water meter and variable usage charges based on meter readings collected each month. All of the water rates used in billing Huntsville Utilities’ customers have been reviewed and approved by the Natural Gas/Water Board before going to the Huntsville City Council for final approval.
Natural Gas Rates
Huntsville Utilities purchases natural gas from a number of domestic suppliers. Natural gas is a commodity, and as such, the rates fluctuate according to market variables. Natural gas customers are billed consumption charges based on monthly meter readings in addition to a fixed availability charge. All of the natural gas rates used in billing Huntsville Utilities’ customers have been reviewed and approved by the Natural Gas/Water Board. Huntsville City ordinances do not require natural gas rates to go to City Council for approval.
Billing & Collection Policies
Customers are given 15 days from the bill date to submit payment without incurring a late payment charge. A Final Notice will be mailed four days after the due date if payment is not received. Payment or an installment plan must be made before the date printed on the Final Notice to prevent service from being interrupted and eliminating additional fees from being assessed to the account. In addition, items presented as payment and returned from your financial institution will be charged a service fee.
Failure to pay, setup an Installment Plan or honor a prior written agreement to pay bills due to Huntsville Utilities (HU) can result in service being disconnected. In addition, checks, drafts or credit card payments returned on the customer account will be subject to a return item fee and disconnection. HU will provide reasonable notice to customers by mailing a Final Notice. When available, notices will be provided to customers via text message or email. The notice will inform the customer that an Account Review Procedure is available. Following notification, if payment is not received or satisfactory arrangement to pay is not made by the date on the notification, service(s) will be disconnected. Failure to receive a final notice does not relieve the customer of the obligation to pay.
If service is interrupted due to non-payment or a returned item, payment to restore services on the same day must be received by 10:00pm Monday – Friday. Otherwise, service will be restored the next business day.
In the event a service is disconnected on the fourth business day, including the day of disconnection, any remaining services will be turned off. The security deposit and any accrued interest will be applied to the account balance. Before services are re-established, the customer must reapply for services with another security deposit plus pay any unpaid account charges. If this occurs, the amount of the security deposit required is based on the existing deposit policy.
Failure to receive a bill does not exempt the customer from payment. A review procedure is also available to our customers through which problems or disputes may be resolved. Copies of the review procedure are available at the Huntsville Utilities main office (112 Spragins Street NW, Huntsville, AL 35801).
During extreme weather conditions, when the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures below 32° or over 100° Fahrenheit, a Huntsville Utilities Representative will come to the service location in an attempt to collect any delinquent charges (a collection fee for this service will be added to the next bill); however, the customer’s service will not be disconnected for non-payment until weather conditions improve. Disconnections postponed because of extreme weather conditions will be resumed when weather permits with no further notification provided.
Items presented as payment and returned from your financial institution will be charged a service fee.
Customer Service Fees
HUNTSVILLE UTILITIES ▬ CUSTOMER SERVICE FEES Effective Jan 2, 2024.
| New Accounts | |
| Standard Residential Security Deposit | $300 |
| Retention of Standard Residential Security Deposit | 3 Years |
| Partial Deposit Refunded After Three Years Good History ($100 Remains To Secure Account) | $100 |
| Account Set-Up Or Transfer | $55 |
| Accelerated Account Set-Up Or Transfer | $130 |
| Second Trip Account Set-Up Or Transfer | $55 |
| After Hours, Holiday, And Weekend Account Set-Up Or Transfer | $225 |
| DER Program Participation Set-Up | $250 |
| Meter Reading Fees | |
| Re-Read Meter (Customer Request), If Accurate (No Charge If Inaccurate) | $45 |
| Re-Read Meter (Inaccessible) | $45 |
| Collection Fees | |
| Reconnection Fee (AMI Meter) | $70 |
| Reconnection Fee (Non-AMI Meter) | $105 |
| Reconnection Fee After Hours, Weekends, Holidays | $240 |
| Returned Check Fee | $30 |
| Inspect And Reseal Meter Base | $150 |
| Meter Tampering/Unauthorized Usage* | $250 |
| *Subject To Change In City Ordinance Increasing To $500 Each Occurrence |
| Electric Department Service Fees | |
| Service Lines | |
| Accelerated Overhead Electric Service | $530 |
| Accelerated Underground Electric Service | $530 |
| UTPL and CTPL Deposit | $600 |
| UTPL-Utility Temporary Pole Installation (HU Pole) | $345 |
| CTPL-Customer Temporary Pole Installation (Customer's Pole) | $345 |
| Monthly Rental UTPL | $30/month |
| Temp To Perm | $115 |
| Electric Department Service Fees | |
| Collection Fees | |
| Reconnect A Paid Delinquent Account At Pole/Weatherhead | $320 |
| Electric Department Service Fees | |
| Miscellaneous Fees | |
| Operate Cutoff/On/Tap Up Customer Request | $145 |
| Meter Maintenance/Test At Customer's Request (If Accurate) | $205 |
| Install Secondary Lightning Protector | $95 |
| Kill Service | No Charge |
| Electric Department Service Fees | |
| Blanket ATC Fees | |
| New O.H. Transformer & O.H. Service (Residential) | $1,200 |
| New O.H. Transformer & U.G. Service (Residential) | $1,650 |
| New O.H. Transformer & O.H. Service (Commercial) | $1,970 |
| New O.H. Transformer & U.G. Service (Commercial) | $2,660 |
| Upgrade Transformer/Install U.G. Service (Residential) | $1,100 |
| O.H. Transformer Up/Down (Temp) | $230 |
| U.G. 1PH Padmounted Transformer (Temp) | $775 |
| Convert O.H. Service To U.G. Service | $215 |
| Large Secondary Pedestal & (35') Secondary Cable | $865 |
| U.G. 3PH Padmounted Transformer (Temp) | $2,365 |
| Gas Department Service Fees | |
| New Tap Fees | |
| Install 1" Residential Gas Service PE Line Tap And Meter All Loads | $865 |
| Install 1" Commercial Gas Service Line Tap And Meter | $1,225 |
| Install 2" Commercial Gas Service PE Line Tap And Meter | $1,490 |
| Install 4" Commercial Gas Service PE Line Tap And Meter | $2,040 |
| Gas Department Service Fees | |
| Extra Pipeline Footage | |
| Per Foot Charge To Relocate Or Install 1" Gas Service Line Above The Stated Maximum 100 Feet | $20 |
| Per Foot Charge To Relocate Or Install 2" Gas Service Line Above The Stated Maximum 100 Feet | $25 |
| Per Foot Charge To Relocate Or Install 4" Gas Service Line Above The Stated Maximum 100 Feet | $40 |
| Gas Department Service Fees | |
| Miscellaneous Fees | |
| Meter Test (Gas) Only At Customer's Request (If Accurate) | $50 |
| Change Meter Per Customer Request | $195 |
| Pilot Lighting On Active Account At Customer's Request | $35 |
| Pilot Lighting On Active Account At Customer's Request After Hours | $65 |
| Install Extra Gas Meter Bar And Meter On Existing Service At Customer's Request | $225 |
| Kill Service Per Customer's Request | No Charge |
| Water Department Service Fees | |
| New Tap Fees | |
| Install 1" Tap (5/8" Meter)*** | $1,475 |
| Install 1" Meter After Initial Installation (Extra Stub Domestic Or Irrigation) | $805 |
| Install 1" Meter At The Same Time As Initial Installation (Extra Stub, Domestic Or Irrigation) | $615 |
| Each Additional 5/8" Meter After First Stub | $615 |
| Upgrade To 1" Meter From 5/8" Meter | $755 |
| Install 2" Tap And Meter | $4,115 |
| Install 2" Meter On Existing Service Line After Initial Installation (Extra Stub) | $3,225 |
| Install 2" Meter On New Service At Time Of Initial Installation (Extra Stub) | $3,135 |
| Water Department Service Fees | |
| Backflow Preventors | |
| Replace 1" Or Smaller Backflow Preventor (Dual Check Valve) | $175 |
| Replace 1.5" Backflow Preventor (Dual Check Valve) | $275 |
| Replace 2" Backflow Preventor (Dual Check Valve) | $665 |
| Water Department Service Fees | |
| SDC Fees For Domestic Meters (Portion Paid At Time Of Meter Installation) | |
| Residential (1" Or Less) | $220 |
| 2 Inch | $385 |
| 3 Inch | $440 |
| 4 Inch | $550 |
| 6 Inch | $660 |
| 8 Inch | $770 |
| 10 Inch | $825 |
| Larger Than 10 Inch | $935 |
| *Does Not Apply To Customers That Have Already Paid Full Amount Per Lot In Hampton Cove And Knox Creek |
| Water Department Service Fees | |
| Fire Hydrant Damage Deposit Fees | |
| 1" Fire Hydrant Deposit, Includes Cost Of Meter And Testing Fee | $630 |
| 3" Fire Hydrant, Includes Cost Of Meter And Testing Fee | $2,490 |
| Water Department Service Fees | |
| Miscellaneous Fees | |
| Raise Or Lower Meter Box | $265 |
| Replace Meter Lid (1" Or Smaller) | $90 |
| Replace Meter Box And Lid (1" Or Smaller) | $220 |
| Replace Meter Lid 1.5" Or 2" | $205 |
| Replace Meter Box And Lid 1.5" Or 2" | $1,060 |
| Replace Cut-Off Valve Per Customer's Request | $170 |
| Meter Test At Customer's Request (If Accurate, No Charge If Inaccurate) | $165 |
| Unauthorized Water Use** | $250 |
| Unauthorized Valving Or Tampering** | $250 |
| Damaged Services Or Mains - Damage Work Order (DWO)* | TBD |
| Replace Damaged Or Missing Water Meters (5/8") | $230 |
| Replace Damaged Or Missing Water Meters (1") | $300 |
| Replace Damaged Or Missing Water Meters (1.5") | $575 |
| Replace Damaged Or Missing Water Meters (2") | $755 |
| *Damages That Occur On A Service Line Or Main Line Will Result In A DWO Being Generated, Water Engineering Services Prepares An Actual Cost Estimate To Bill Responsible Party | |
| **Subject To Change In City Ordinance Increasing To $500 Each Occurrence | |
| ***We no longer offer a 5/8" sprinkler/irrigation meter option. |
Huntsville Utilities is an equal opportunity residential utility service provider. We do not discriminate in the terms, conditions, or provision of services based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.
Customer Optional Programs
Huntsville Utilities’ Average Monthly Billing Program is designed to allow for more even distribution of utility payment amounts by making averaged payments based on a 12-month history. This results in a fluctuating Average Monthly Billing amount due each month (or rolling average) and eliminates considerable deferred balances being carried forward. The Average Monthly Billing Program is not designed to save money nor is it designed for customers that need to make payment arrangements on monthly bills. If you discontinue the program or close your account, any deferred balance will be due in full.
Qualifications:
- Residential customers only
- Good payment history – no collection activity
- Zero account balance
- 12 months of continuous billing at current address
- No payment arrangements are provided while on this program
To learn more about this program, or to see if you qualify, complete the Average Monthly Billing Form.
Due Date Assistance Program
This program provides a fixed due date monthly of the 5th for the person receiving benefits from Social Security or Retirement. You can pay on or before this date without incurring a penalty.
To qualify you must receive one of the following benefits:
Additional qualifications:
To enroll online please complete the Application For Due Date Assistance Program form and upload the following documents:
This program provides a fixed due date monthly of the 5th for the person receiving benefits from Social Security or Retirement. You can pay on or before this date without incurring a penalty.
To qualify you must receive one of the following benefits:
- Social Security
- Disability income
- 55 years old and retired
- 62 years of age or older
Additional qualifications:
- The utility account must be in the same name as the person receiving the benefits.
- The meters must have a read date monthly between the 1st and 19th.
To enroll online please complete the Application For Due Date Assistance Program form and upload the following documents:
- Legal Identification (Driver’s License, Non-Drivers ID)
- Proof of Social Security, Disability, Retirement or other qualified benefit
At the request of the account holder, a third party can be designated and notified of possible interruption of electric service if an account becomes delinquent. This additional notification allows a relative or concerned friend to be notified of any problems prior to interruption of utility service.
Request Third Party Notification
Green Switch-
TVA and Huntsville Utilities, working with input from the environmental community, have created a program called Green Switch. This is a simple way to support regional renewable energy. Each $2 block purchased ensures that 200 kilowatt-hours of your electricity consumption is renewable.
Green Flex for Business + Industry
This is an easy and affordable way for your business to meet your carbon reduction goals. When you purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs), your business can reduce the impact of electricity consumption, support renewable energy and become a leader in sustainability.
Dispersed Power Production Program (DPP)
The Dispersed Power Production Program allows you to produce or co-generate renewable energy and sell all or excess generation to TVA.
TVA and Huntsville Utilities, working with input from the environmental community, have created a program called Green Switch. This is a simple way to support regional renewable energy. Each $2 block purchased ensures that 200 kilowatt-hours of your electricity consumption is renewable.
Green Flex for Business + Industry
This is an easy and affordable way for your business to meet your carbon reduction goals. When you purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs), your business can reduce the impact of electricity consumption, support renewable energy and become a leader in sustainability.
Dispersed Power Production Program (DPP)
The Dispersed Power Production Program allows you to produce or co-generate renewable energy and sell all or excess generation to TVA.
Understanding My Meters
Understanding My Meters
I want to turn my meters ON or OFF
Report a Problem
Gas
Each natural gas meter assembly includes a valve so the gas supply can be shut off from the outside before it enters the meter. This shut off valve is located just above the ground and before the meter. The shut off valve has a raised indicator to show the position of the valve. If the raised portion of the valve is in-line with the pipe as shown, the valve is in the open position and gas will flow through the meter. To shut off the supply of gas, turn the valve so the indicator is perpendicular to the piping as shown. This will prevent any gas from passing through the meter.
In case of a leak inside the house, this shut off can be used to prevent any gas from entering the house. If a leak is suspected, call the Natural Gas Operations Department at 256-650-6342 Monday thru Friday between the hours of 7:00 am and 3:00 pm. Otherwise call Huntsville Utilities at 256-53-LIGHT (256-535-4448) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Report a Problem
Water
Cutoff Valve
This is a quarter turn valve. Turn the valve so that the top is in line with the meter and service line for ‘ON’ (Open). For ‘OFF’ (Closed), turn the valve across the service line (with the locking ears aligned).
Leak Indicator
If you suspect you have a leak, make sure everything is turned off then watch this small triangle to determine if water is going through the meter. Even the smallest leak or flow of water through the meter will cause this indicator to turn, often when no movement is visible on the large dial.
I want to turn my meters ON or OFF
Report a Problem
Gas
Each natural gas meter assembly includes a valve so the gas supply can be shut off from the outside before it enters the meter. This shut off valve is located just above the ground and before the meter. The shut off valve has a raised indicator to show the position of the valve. If the raised portion of the valve is in-line with the pipe as shown, the valve is in the open position and gas will flow through the meter. To shut off the supply of gas, turn the valve so the indicator is perpendicular to the piping as shown. This will prevent any gas from passing through the meter.
In case of a leak inside the house, this shut off can be used to prevent any gas from entering the house. If a leak is suspected, call the Natural Gas Operations Department at 256-650-6342 Monday thru Friday between the hours of 7:00 am and 3:00 pm. Otherwise call Huntsville Utilities at 256-53-LIGHT (256-535-4448) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Report a Problem
Water
Cutoff Valve
This is a quarter turn valve. Turn the valve so that the top is in line with the meter and service line for ‘ON’ (Open). For ‘OFF’ (Closed), turn the valve across the service line (with the locking ears aligned).
Leak Indicator
If you suspect you have a leak, make sure everything is turned off then watch this small triangle to determine if water is going through the meter. Even the smallest leak or flow of water through the meter will cause this indicator to turn, often when no movement is visible on the large dial.
Residential Electric Meter
This is the initial screen that appears when the meter is first powered up and it cycles through a complete revolution.
This screen shows the kilowatt hours.
This screen shows the demand reading on the meter.
If “CLS” appears on the screen, it means the meter is operating and the customer is receiving power.
If “OPN” appears on the screen, the meter is in a disconnect state and the customer should not be receiving power.
The GSS screen shows how many meters, routers, and collectors the meter is connecting with.
There is one other display that may show but it is for an industrial or commercial customer that has KVA or KVAR. The display will be the same as above except it will display kva or kvar in description.
Meters will not have all the same displays all the time. Different customers require different programs and different meters, which will reflect on the displays (mainly commercial and industrial customers).
Residential Gas Meter
On your residential gas meter there are five or six dials, depending upon the type of meter you have. Your gas consumption is determined by the top four dials. You will notice that the numbers will go clockwise on some dials, but counterclockwise on every other dial.
Subtract the previous reading from the new reading, and you will know how many hundreds of cubic feet of natural gas you have used.
The meter is reading 8149.
Residential Water Meter
Your residential water meter has only one dial. The dial has a sweep hand which measures water usage in gallons. One complete revolution equals ten gallons of water used. The odometer-type register in the middle of the dial registers the hundreds of gallons used.
To read the meter, record the numbers from the odometer-type register. Since the odometer registers in hundreds of gallons you do not record the last two numbers. (The last number is a permanent number and the next dial registers tenths.) The remaining dials register the actual (in hundreds) water used.
Subtract the previous reading from the new reading and you will know how many hundreds of gallons of water you have used.
This meter is reading 3692.
This is the initial screen that appears when the meter is first powered up and it cycles through a complete revolution.
This screen shows the kilowatt hours.
This screen shows the demand reading on the meter.
If “CLS” appears on the screen, it means the meter is operating and the customer is receiving power.
If “OPN” appears on the screen, the meter is in a disconnect state and the customer should not be receiving power.
The GSS screen shows how many meters, routers, and collectors the meter is connecting with.
There is one other display that may show but it is for an industrial or commercial customer that has KVA or KVAR. The display will be the same as above except it will display kva or kvar in description.
Meters will not have all the same displays all the time. Different customers require different programs and different meters, which will reflect on the displays (mainly commercial and industrial customers).
Residential Gas Meter
On your residential gas meter there are five or six dials, depending upon the type of meter you have. Your gas consumption is determined by the top four dials. You will notice that the numbers will go clockwise on some dials, but counterclockwise on every other dial.
- The dial readings should be read from left to right.
- If the pointer is in between two numbers, record the smaller number.
Subtract the previous reading from the new reading, and you will know how many hundreds of cubic feet of natural gas you have used.
The meter is reading 8149.
Residential Water Meter
Your residential water meter has only one dial. The dial has a sweep hand which measures water usage in gallons. One complete revolution equals ten gallons of water used. The odometer-type register in the middle of the dial registers the hundreds of gallons used.
To read the meter, record the numbers from the odometer-type register. Since the odometer registers in hundreds of gallons you do not record the last two numbers. (The last number is a permanent number and the next dial registers tenths.) The remaining dials register the actual (in hundreds) water used.
Subtract the previous reading from the new reading and you will know how many hundreds of gallons of water you have used.
This meter is reading 3692.