How to Pay Your BPU Bill Online and by Mail

What BPU is and how to pay your bill

BPU stands for Board of Public Utilities, and it is the public utility company that serves parts of New Jersey. If you receive a BPU bill, it covers electricity, natural gas, or both depending on your service area and what you have signed up for. You can pay your BPU bill online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location.

The fastest way to pay is online at the BPU customer portal. You log in with your account number and password, then choose to pay once or set up automatic payments. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one using your account number and the zip code on your bill. Phone payment is also quick — you call BPU's automated line or speak to a representative, and the payment posts within one business day.

If you prefer not to use the internet or phone, you can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your bill, or pay in person at a BPU office or authorized payment location. Mail payments take longer to process, usually five to seven business days, so plan ahead if your due date is coming up soon.

Key Takeaways

• BPU bills cover electricity, natural gas, or both in parts of New Jersey, and you can pay online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
• Online payment through the BPU customer portal is the fastest method and lets you set up automatic monthly payments so you never miss a due date.
• Phone payments are processed within one business day, while mail payments typically take five to seven business days to reach BPU and post to your account.
• You will need your account number to pay online or by phone, and you should include it on any check or money order you mail.
• If you are having trouble paying your bill, BPU offers payment plans and information programs for customers facing hardship.

Setting up an online account and paying through the BPU portal

To pay online, go to the BPU website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Customer Portal" link. If you already have an account, log in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, select "Create Account" or "Register" and enter your account number, the zip code on your bill, and your email address. BPU will send you a confirmation email with a link to finish setting up your password.

Once you are logged in, you will see your current bill amount, due date, and payment history. Click the button to make a payment, enter the amount you want to pay, and choose your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account. Some payment methods charge a small fee, usually between $1 and $3, so check before you confirm. The payment posts to your account when ready, though it may take one business day to show on your bill.

If you want to stop worrying about due dates, you can set up automatic payments from the same portal. Choose the day of the month you want BPU to withdraw the payment, and whether you want to pay the full bill amount or a fixed amount each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account.

Paying by phone or at a BPU office

To pay by phone, call BPU's customer service number listed on your bill. You can use their automated system to pay with a debit or credit card without speaking to anyone, or press the option to speak to a representative if you have questions. Have your account number and payment method ready. Phone payments are processed the same day and show up on your account within one business day.

If you prefer to pay in person, BPU has customer service offices in several New Jersey locations. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card at these offices. Hours vary by location, so call ahead or check the BPU website to find an office near you and confirm their hours. Payments made in person are posted to your account the same day.

Some authorized payment locations, such as certain grocery stores or check-cashing services, also accept BPU payments. These locations may charge a small fee on top of your bill amount. Ask the location what fee they charge before you pay.

Paying by mail and what to include

If you choose to mail your payment, write a check or money order for the amount shown on your bill. Do not send cash through the mail. On the front of the check, write your account number in the memo line so BPU knows which bill to credit. Include your account number on any letter you send with the payment.

Mail your payment to the address printed on your bill. This address is usually a lockbox or processing center, not a BPU office, so do not mail it to a local office address. Mail payments typically take five to seven business days to arrive and be processed, so send your payment at least one week before the due date to avoid a late fee.

Keep a copy of your check or a photo of the money order receipt for your records. If you are worried your payment did not arrive, you can log into your online account or call BPU to check whether the payment has posted.

Late payments, past-due bills, and payment plans

If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill, BPU will charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee varies, but it is usually a percentage of your bill or a flat fee — check your bill or the BPU website for the exact amount. If you are more than 30 days late, BPU may shut off your service.

If you have fallen behind on your bill and cannot pay the full amount right away, contact BPU to ask about a payment plan. A payment plan lets you split your bill into smaller payments spread over several weeks or months. You will need to make the first payment to set up the plan, and you must keep making payments on time or the plan can be cancelled and your service shut off.

BPU also offers information programs for customers who are struggling to pay. These programs may help cover part of your bill if you meet income requirements. Call BPU or visit their website to learn whether you may be able to get help.

What to do if you have trouble paying online or by phone

If the BPU website is down or you cannot log into your account, try again in a few minutes — the site may be temporarily unavailable. If the problem continues, call BPU's customer service line to pay by phone instead. You can also mail your payment or visit a BPU office in person.

If you forgot your online password, click the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. BPU will send you an email with a link to reset it. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or call customer service to have them reset it for you.

If you see a charge on your account that you did not make, or if you think you have already paid but the bill still shows as due, contact BPU right away. Have your account number and recent payment information ready when you call. BPU can look up your payment history and correct any mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does BPU charge a fee to pay online?

BPU does not charge a fee to pay from a bank account through their website, but paying with a debit or credit card usually costs $1 to $3. The exact fee depends on the payment method and may be shown before you confirm the payment. Paying by phone, mail, or in person does not have a fee.

How long does it take for a payment to show up on my account?

Online and phone payments post the same day and show on your account within one business day. Mail payments take five to seven business days to arrive and be processed. If you are close to your due date, use online or phone payment to make sure it arrives on time.

Can I pay someone else's BPU bill?

Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. When you pay online or by phone, enter their account number instead of yours. If you mail a payment, write their account number clearly on the check. The payment will be credited to their account.

What happens if I miss a due date?

BPU will charge a late fee, usually a percentage of your bill or a flat amount. If your bill is more than 30 days late, BPU may shut off your service. Contact BPU as soon as you realize you will be late — they can set up a payment plan or discuss other options to help you catch up.

Can I set up automatic payments and still pay extra some months?

Yes. If you have automatic payments set up, BPU will withdraw the amount you chose on the day you selected. You can also make an extra payment anytime through your online account or by phone without affecting your automatic payment schedule.