Since I first wrote about utilities charging a paper bill fee last year, I’ve done additional online research and found several more utilities that have begun charging a paper bill fee.
But before I share that with you, please allow me to boast a little. If you Google “utility paper bill fees,” the AI-generated preview cites the blog post I referenced above! Here’s a screenshot of my Google search:
And if you continue scrolling down the page, my blog post from last year is the very first entry (and I didn’t pay for placement!). I don’t consider myself to be a social media influencer, but it is gratifying to be recognized by Google.
More utilities charging a paper bill fee
Now, back to what I promised, with a list of the additional utilities I found that charge a paper bill fee:
City of Mesa, Arizona – $1.50 starting October 1, 2026
Sardis Water Association, Mabelvale, Arkansas – $2.00 fee started July 1, 2026
City of Newark, Delaware – $2.00 fee starting December 1, 2026
City of Zumbrota, Minnesota (page 8) – $3.00
Water Utility Management, Savannah, Georgia (page 2) – $1.00
Greenwood CPW, Greenwood, South Carolina (page 23) – $2.00 fee
City of Clemson, South Carolina (click on Sign Up for E-Billing) – $1.00 fee effective July 1, 2026
Justification for a paper bill fee
If you’ve heard me speak at a conference or read much of what I’ve written, you know I’m a strong proponent of charging a fee to customers who use a service. This applies to customers who insist on receiving paper bills rather than e-bills.
As the cost of postage continues to rise, it only makes sense to encourage customers to take advantage of ebilling. Ebilling not only saves your utility the cost of postage, printing, and mailing, but it also ensures that your customers receive their bills in a timely manner.
Offer an opt-out
If your utility decides to implement a paper bill fee, I hope you will offer an opt-out option for customers without internet access. For most customers, email and electronic bills are a regular part of daily life. However, for those without email or internet access, it’s only fair to continue providing paper bills at no cost.
My prediction
Someone recently asked me whether I think paper bill fees will catch on with most utilities. I replied that I predict paper bill fees will become as commonplace as credit card convenience fees are today within five years.
Are you charging a paper bill fee?
If your utility has imposed a paper bill fee, or considered it and decided against it, I would love to hear from you! Feel free to email me about your experience with paper bill fees.
Is your bill printing process as efficient as possible?
Is your business office, including the bill printing process, operating at peak efficiency? If it’s not, or you’re unsure, please call me at 919-673-4050 or email me at gary@utilityinformationpipeline.com to learn how a business review could help you improve your business office operations.
Election Day
Today is Election Day. Coincidentally, it’s also my birthday, as it was on my ninth birthday in 1964. One of my most vivid childhood memories is trying to convince my piano teacher that November 3 was highlighted on the calendar that year because it was my birthday, not because it was Election Day. Therefore, I reasoned, we should postpone my lesson on my birthday because it was a holiday. Suffice it to say, I was about as successful in that attempt as I was in my piano lessons overall. Which explains why, today, I’m barely able to identify the keys on a piano, much less play any more than the melody line of a song I’m already familiar with.
If you work for or receive service from a municipal or county utility, the officials who ultimately set your utility’s policies and rates may be on the ballot today. These elected officials and their decisions may have a greater impact on your day-to-day life than the more high-profile national races. Local elections also often include referenda on taxes or bond issues that can directly affect your taxes and the services the locality offers.
If you didn’t take advantage of mail-in or early voting where available and haven’t yet voted today, I encourage you to set aside time to go to the polls.
© 2026 Gary Sanders