The City of Bend will soon resume collection efforts and water service shut-offs, for delinquent utility accounts. The City is no longer in a pandemic-related state of emergency and says it needs funds to operate and maintain its infrastructure.Starting July 1, the City will shut off water service to customers with unpaid bills. Payment plans will be available to people struggling to make payments and the city has utility assistance programs for qualifying customers. Two years ago on March 16th, the City suspended water service shut-offs and collection efforts for past due utility accounts after City Manager Eric King declared a State of Emergency due to the pandemic. Late fees, shut-off fees and reinstatement fees were all waived. That will no longer be the case. Beginning in April, customers will receive notices regarding the resumption of water service shut-offs and available assistance programs. Web: To avoid water service shut off or collections customers can contact the Utility Billing Department at 541-388-5515 or utilityassistance@bendoregon.gov to review their account or to learn more about payment arrangements and learn about assistance programs. Low-income qualifying customers can get help through the City’s partnership with NeighborImpact. Call 541-548-2380 or email bend@neighborimpact.org for information.
