The Board of Public Utilities customer service lobby has closed, in keeping with federal guidelines to reduce the number of persons gathered in one place and reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
BPU had earlier announced it will not disconnect utility service for nonpayment, as customers and communities are facing potential hardship from the coronavirus, a spokesman stated. The temporary moratorium includes residential and business customers.
A BPU spokesman stated that the Centers for Disease Control is recommending limiting person-to-person contact amid the coronavirus in the communities. BPU’s primary objective is to protect and keep customers and the community safe, according to the spokesman.
Those who pay their bills in person will still have quick, easy and convenient ways to pay their monthly utility bill remotely, according to the spokesman.
Methods of payment include:
• Online at www.BPU.com, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week using a credit card or savings or checking account. Available in English and Spanish, payments are posted the next day.
• By phone – dial 1-855-278-2455 (1-855-BPU-BILL), using a credit card or savings or checking account.
• Auto-withdrawal – automatic check withdrawal allows your payment to be made from your savings or checking account on a monthly basis. Call 913-573-9190 to enroll.
• U.S. mail – mail your payment to BPU at P.O. Box 219661, Kansas City, MO 64121-9661 in the return envelope provided with your monthly bill.
• Self-service payment kiosks and payment drop box – available 24/7, just inside the BPU lobby doors located at 540 Minnesota Ave., KCK.
• Grocery store pay site kiosks in the Greater Kansas City area. Visit https://www.bpu.com/portals/0/pdf/billing-kiosk-locations-charts-vers-2.pdf for a list of participation locations or call 1-877-876-7076.
BPU has temporarily waived fees to use PaySite kiosks to make payments. PaySite kiosks accept cash and checks.
Customers are encouraged to stay current with their bills to avoid getting too far behind, and if anyone has any BPU billing or customer service questions, they may call 913-573-9190 and a utility representative will assist them, the spokesman said.
Residential customers who are financially affected by the COVID-19 outbreak can set up payment arrangements by calling 913-573-9145. Residents who feel they will be facing a financial hardship may call and make payment arrangements as quickly as they can, the spokesman said.
Even though BPU has discontinued utility disconnects, customers will continue to receive reminders, including collection notices and calls, as these remind customers of past-due balances and status of their accounts, the spokesman stated.
BPU is closely following the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) guidelines and recommendations on the steps it can take to help prevent the spread of the virus, the spokesman stated. BPU’s goal is to avoid any disruptions to normal electric and water service and minimize disruptions to support resources. BPU will continue to closely monitor this situation and do all it can to protect its customers, employees, and the general public, the spokesman said.