Cycle Billing for Metered Accounts
Figure 1 Sacramento Suburban Water District (SSWD) continues to find new ways to streamline business operations in
striving to keep costs low. As more residential customers become metered, it is more efficient and cost effective
to read meters and mail bills in smaller groups (cycle billing) instead of all at once. Most water purveyors that are
fully metered use cycle billing.
SSWD’s service area is nearly 45% metered and is scheduled to be fully metered by the year 2025. Until recently,
SSWD staff read approximately 19,000 meters in 3-4 days each month. That number will continue to grow by
about 1,300 meters each year until all 44,000 SSWD services are metered. In March 2009, SSWD divided its
metered accounts into 3 smaller billing cycles.
Figure 2
This change will affect your water bill due date. Prior to March 2009, the due date was typically in the middle
of the month (19 days from the bill date shown on the statement). With the change to cycle billing, the due date
corresponds to the Route number.
To find your Route number, look at the top right
corner of your billing statement (Figure 1). This
Route number corresponds to the monthly billing
schedule (Figure 2) indicating the week in each
month your water bill will be mailed. Typically
bills are mailed on the Wednesday of the billing
schedule week.
Note the due date is 19 days from the bill date
(see Figure 1 for “Bill Date” and “Date Due” noted
below “Route”). Customers with Direct Payment
Service should note that your payment will be
deducted from your checking account on the due
date reflected on the bill.
Because meter reading routes are determined
geographically for efficiency to keep operating costs
down, the District is unable to individualize billing
cycles for customers.
If you have questions on cycle billing, please call
916.972.7171 during business hours to speak with
a Customer Service Team member.
SSWD staff understands that change can be difficult and we are committed to make this transition as easy as possible. For more information please do not hesitate to call 916.972.7171 during business hours to speak with a Customer Service Team member.
Which Option is Best for You?
The Decision is Yours
Direct Payment Service (DPS) is an easy way to pay your monthly water bill without the hassle of writing a check.
With DPS you will continue to receive your monthly statement but your payment will be deducted monthly on the
due date shown on your water bill statement. Go to sswd.org to download a DPS application or call the number
below to request an application to be mailed to you.
DPS not for you? SSWD offers other convenient options to pay your water bill:
- Go on-line at sswd.org and use a credit/debit card with the Visa or MasterCard logo.
- Call the District’s office to pay with a credit/debit card with the Visa or MasterCard logo.
- Mail a check or money order with your payment coupon.
- Pay in person at the administrative office on Marconi during business hours.
- A convenient drop box at our Marconi facility is available 24/7 to place a check or money order along with your payment coupon. (No cash please.)
Want more information on paying your bill or about SSWD’s payment options? Please call 916.972.7171 during
business hours for a knowledgeable Customer Service Team member to assist you.
|
