Utility Billing Frequently Asked Questions

How do I establish water and refuse service?

What is the service charge portion of my bill?

Is there an electronic payment option?

Do you offer discounts for low-income customers or senior citizens?

How do I establish water and refuse service?
Applications and deposits are required for each location requesting utility service. Applications can be received from the Finance Department located in City Hall at 250 N. Ventura Road, or by mail or fax by calling 805-986-6524. Completed applications and deposits received before 2 P.M. may have water service turned on as early as between 2 P.M. and 5 P.M. that same business day. Applications received after 2 P.M. may have water service started as early as the afternoon of the following business day.
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How do I discontinue service?
Service may be discontinued either in person at the City’s Finance Department located in City Hall at 250 N. Ventura Road, or by calling 805-986-6524.
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What is the service charge portion of my bill?
The ‘Service Charge’, also known as the ‘Fixed Charge’, is the component of the water bill for all costs to provide, maintain, and operate the City’s water system regardless of the actual water used. The Service/Fixed Charge includes such items as operation and maintenance costs, piping, capital improvement costs, debt service costs, insurance costs and administration costs.
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How are utility rates established?
The Water, Wastewater, and Solid Waste Utilities are Enterprise Funds, which means they are non-General Fund supported services provided to the City’s residents and businesses. Enterprise Funds are intended to be self-sustaining through rates that pay for the cost of providing the service.

As the cost of providing utilities increases, a correlating rate increase is necessary to continue to provide services. In 2009, the Port Hueneme City Council conducted two Proposition 218 elections (per Article XIII D of the California Constitution), in which ratepayers and property owners had the opportunity to submit a ballot protesting increases in rates for Water and Wastewater / Solid Waste. A majority of ballots protesting the rate increases was not received, therefore the City Council approved the new rates.

The new Water rates took effect August 1, 2009. The new Wastewater and Solid Waste rates took effect January 1, 2010.

To view the Prop 218 notices sent to ratepayers and property owners, please click here: Water Wastewater Solid Waste
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Payment options
Payment can be made in person at the Finance Department in City Hall located at 250 N. Ventura Road between the hours of 8 A.M. and 5 P.M., Monday thru Friday, excluding holidays. After hour payments by check or money order can be placed in the drop box located at the exit end of the City Hall parking lot accessed from Pearl Street.

Visa and Mastercard payments can be accepted via phone at 805-986-6524 as well as in person.

The City of Port Hueneme also offers a direct pay program allowing customers to receive a paper water bill and have their payment automatically deducted from their designated bank account. To enroll, customers can call 805-986-6521 to request an application. Customers simply return the completed application including their signature and a voided check to apply.
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Do you offer discounts for low-income customers or senior citizens?
The City of Port Hueneme offers “CityCARE,” a program for income-eligible residents to receive a discount off their water/sewer/refuse bill, based on Southern California Edison’s CARE program guidelines. If you participate in SCE’s CARE program, you automatically qualify for CityCARE and are eligible to receive a 20% discount on your City utility bill and a 100% deduction of the Utility User Tax. Click for full information and instructions: CityCARE brochure (138 Kb)

To apply for the Southern California Edison CARE program, please visit the SCE CARE/FERA Program website for an online application. If you prefer, a printable application (2,301 Kb) is available.

Southern California Gas Company also offers qualifying income-limited customers a 20% discount on monthly gas bills, free energy saving home improvement assistance and one-time bill assistance up to $100. Visit the Southern California Gas Co. website for more information.

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