Utility Shutoffs Are Returning in Billings: What You Need To Know Now

If you live in Billings and have a past-due utility bill, there’s an important update you’ll want to know about. The City of Billings has officially resumed late fees, and utility shutoffs are set to begin soon for customers who haven’t made arrangements to catch up.

This comes after a long pause that many people grew used to, so if your balance has been sitting there for a while, now is the time to pay attention.

Why Late Fees and Shutoffs Were Paused in the First Place

Back in June 2024, the city switched to a new utility billing system. That change caused billing delays for some customers during the summer and fall, which understandably created confusion. In response, the city temporarily stopped charging late fees and halted service shutoffs while the system was reviewed.

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For many households, that pause was a relief. But it also meant some accounts went unpaid for an extended period of time.

What the City Found After Reviewing the Billing System

Over the past year and a half, city staff and an independent third-party auditor took a deep dive into the billing system. That included reviewing meter equipment, software, and billing processes.

According to the city, a small number of human errors were found and corrected, but the review did not uncover any widespread problems with the system itself. In other words, there wasn’t a major software issue driving the billing delays.

Why the City Says It Has to Restart Enforcement

City officials say the pause was appropriate while everything was being reviewed, but it came with a downside. With late fees and shutoffs on hold, many accounts continued to grow unpaid balances. Over time, those balances added up.

The city’s position is that utility services have to be paid for by everyone who uses them. Otherwise, the cost ends up shifting to other ratepayers.

Shutoffs Start Soon, But There’s a Way to Avoid Them

Here’s the part that really matters if you’re behind: utility shutoffs are expected to begin next week for customers who haven’t set up a payment plan. However, the city says shutoffs are not the goal.

If you contact Utility Billing and work out a payment plan, your service will not be shut off as long as that plan is approved and followed. The city is encouraging customers who are struggling to reach out sooner rather than later.

Who to Call If You Need Help Catching Up

If your account is past due and you’re worried about keeping your service on, the city wants you to call Utility Billing directly at 406-657-8315, extension 3. That’s where you can talk through payment options and figure out a plan that works for your situation.

The city acknowledges that catching up may be difficult for some households, especially after a long period without enforcement.

Why Now Is the Time to Act if You’re Behind

The bottom line is this: late fees are back, and shutoffs are no longer on hold. If your account is current, this likely won’t affect you at all. But if you’ve been putting off payments during the pause, now is the time to act.

The city says it remains committed to handling this transition with consistency and compassion, but standard billing practices are officially back in place.