My Utility Account – New Year & New Name

Users of our online self-service portal may have noticed a slight change in the New Year. Previously called My Utility Connect, our customer portal is now called “My Utility Account”.

The change of name and graphics is the result of administrative requirements, and does not affect any functionality, so all your account and billing tools remain the same.

Please note, if you have saved a browser bookmark, it will need to be updated to a new URL. You can do that by resetting using the links on this site, or manually editing your bookmark by replacing the text connect with account as in: https://account.myutility.us/…

If you haven’t registered on My Utility Account, we encourage you to do so. With My Utility Account, you can easily manage your utility account and billing yourself from any online device.

Learn more or register today. You only need your 10-digit Account Number (from your bill), service zip code, and email.

Register Now

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Fats, Oil, and Grease -Thanksgiving Disposal Tips

It is that time of year when we gather our family and friends for the Holiday Season. Thanksgiving is a time to cook and enjoy the large meal. However, the fats, oils and grease need to be disposed of properly. This means none of these go down the drain.

Why is this important?

Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO) occur when untreated wastewater flows from the

collection system and into the environment due to abnormal causes. A wide variety of factors can cause a SSO but the leading cause for decades has been Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG). These substances, when poured down the drain, solidify in the sewer pipes and cause

blockages that do not allow normal wastewater to flow. If the blockage becomes large enough, normal wastewater

flow will begin to back up and release elsewhere, such as a manhole or cleanout. The untreated wastewater then flows freely into storm drains,

creeks and lakes that can have a sever impact.

Here are some examples of FOG that you should never put down the drain.

FATS

• Cheeses
• Ice Cream
• Butter
• Meat Trimmings

OILS

• Salad Dressings
• Cooking Oil
• Vegetable Oil
• Canola Oil
• Olive Oil
• Corn Oil

GREASE

• Gravy
• Bacon/Sausage
• Mayonnaise

How to dispose of FOG properly

• Scrape all pans into garbage. Then Dry Wipe pan with paper towel and dispose of in garbage.
• Pour liquid oil or grease into solid container (ex: glass jar, metal coffee can etc.) and allow to cool and solidify. Then toss in garbage.
• Contact your local government to see if they have a cooking oil recycling program.Advertisements

Carolina Water Service, Inc. of North Carolina Encourages Customers to Consider Payment Plans or Payment Arrangements Before November 1, 2020 Restart of Disconnections

Sep 15, 2020

Carolina Water Service understands the impact COVID-19 has had on many households and asks those who are experiencing payment difficulties to contact our Customer Service Department for assistance at (800) 525-7990. On November 1, 2020, CWSNC will restart disconnects for non-payment.

We greatly appreciate those customers who have been able to keep their accounts current during this crisis, but we understand that many have not been as fortunate. Some households will feel the impact of lost income for months to come. That is why we are offering deferred payment arrangements and payment plans to customers who may not be able to stay current on their water and sewer bills.

• A payment plan is an agreement with a customer to make a specified payment by a specified date. For example, a customer may agree to pay a balance ten days beyond the bill’s due date.  
  
• A payment arrangement is an agreement with a customer to pay off their balance in combination with future bills, which installments are reflected on monthly customer bills. 

CWSNC is encouraging customers to establish a payment plan or payment arrangement that best meets their needs. The Commission has required payment arrangements be designed to spread past due balances over a 12-month period, though shorter terms may be used if it best suits the customer’s situation.[1] 

Customers with active payment arrangements will avoid disconnection action and potential future late fees, as long as they remain up to date with the arrangement and their current period billed charges.

CWSNC asks customers with past-due account balances contact our Customer Service Department as soon as possible.  Customers may set up either a payment plan or payment arrangement by calling our Customer Service Department at (800) 525-7990.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many North Carolinians and created financial and emotional hardships.  In addition to extended payment arrangements and a continued moratorium on utility late payment fees, 211.org may also be able to help.  This free service can help you find local community agencies providing a wide range of assistance.  Please visit https://www.211.org/ or dial 211 from your phone to start.

[1] On July 29, 2020, in Docket No. M-100 Sub 158, The North Carolina Utilities Commission (Commission) provided additional clarification for regulated utilities on the timing of the restart of disconnects and payment of fees. The Commission stated disconnects due to non-payment could begin on September 1, 2020.  However, late fees will continue to be waived until further direction is provided by the Commission.

Carolina Water Service, Inc. of North Carolina Hurricane Isaias Preparedness Update

Carolina Water Service, Inc. of North Carolina (CWSNC) is preparing for the potential landfall and aftermath of Hurricane Isaias .  CWSNC has activated its emergency management procedures in anticipation of the potential impact from the wind, rain, and flooding associated with a hurricane of this potential magnitude. Our operators will respond as  quickly as possible to any issues related to the hurricane, putting the safety of our customers and employees first.

CWSNC operators are working diligently to ensure all on-site and portable redundant generator power sources are tested, able to operate efficiently, and supplied with sufficient backup fuel supplies in the event of power loss to the water infrastructure.  Additionally, CWSNC operators are evaluating and securing  all supplies necessary for the water and wastewater plants to maintain operations for prolonged periods in the event roadways are impassable immediately after the hurricane.  Operational personnel may be reallocated to assist with maintaining operations at our Eastern North Carolina systems.

Due to the Covid – 19 virus, our employees  will observe physical distancing; and they’ll use the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) in field and plant work. Please refrain from engaging our employees unless an emergency situation arises.

Operators are relocating generators from our Western North Carolina service areas to ensure continuity of service in our Eastern North Carolina communities.

Fuel carts are ready to provide needed fuel to our generators on the coast to supply generators.

CWSNC works diligently during any storm or emergency to keep our water and wastewater services running.  However, in some instances, there may be a disruption in the service to allow CWSNC to take a system off-line to make needed repairs.

The My Utility Connect application is how CWSNC primarily communicates with our customers. They can choose to receive notifications via text, email, mobile device, or landline calls.

Updates regarding our preparation and response post hurricane will also be posted on our website https://www.myutility.us/carolinawaterservicenc and social media accounts—Facebook and Twitter (@CarolinaWaterNC) to keep customers informed.

Hurricane Safety Tips and Resources – Be Prepared

Hurricanes are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena. On average, 12 tropical storms, 6 of which become hurricanes form over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico during the hurricane season which runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. In

Over a typical 2-year period, the U.S. coastline is struck by an average of 3 hurricanes, 1 of which is classified as a major hurricane (winds of 111 mph or greater). By knowing what actions to take before the hurricane season begins, when a hurricane approaches, and when the storm is in your area, as well as what to do after a hurricane leaves your area, you can increase your chance of survival. If you, or someone you know, have been a victim of a hurricane, please share your story, including the town and state you were in and the year the event took place.. Please note that NS will then have permission to use your story for educational campaigns. Sharing this information may help save someone’s life in the future. Read stories from survivors and learn how to stay safe.

Hurricane Hazards

While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depression also can be devastating. The primary hazards from tropical cyclones (which include tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes) are storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents.

• Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm’s winds. This hazard is historically the leading cause of hurricane related deaths in the United States. Storm surge and large battering waves can result in large loss of life and cause massive destruction along the coast.
• Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers, and estuaries.
• Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause flooding hundreds of miles inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated.
• Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material, and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes.
• Tornadoes can accompany landfalling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands well away from the center of the storm.
• Dangerous waves produced by a tropical cyclone’s strong winds can pose a significant hazard to coastal residents and mariners. These waves can cause deadly rip currents, significant beach erosion, and damage to structures along the coastline, even when the storm is more than a 1,000 miles offshore.