Utilities Department

 

Location: 480 Park Avenue Phone: (440) 988-4224
  Amherst, OH  44001 Fax: (440) 988-3118
 

               Emergencies Only:

  Police Line (440) 988-2625
Payment Address: 
 
P.O. Box 470
Amherst,  OH  44001

 

Access online utility payments

Frequently Asked Questions
 

The Utilities Department is responsible for billing, collection and customer service for approximately 7000 accounts with the following services:  Electric, Water, and Sewer.  The Utilities office is located on the lower floor of the San Spring Building (next door to the Amherst Public Library).  Office hours are 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday thru Friday.

Meters are read and customers are billed monthly.  Payments can be mailed to P.O. Box 470, Amherst, OH  44001 or you may make payments in person at the office during our regular business hours.  For your convenience, there is a drive-up window on the west side of the building that is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Payments are also accepted at Discount Drug Mart (Amherst location only).  You may also drop off your payments in the locked drop box on the east side of our building.   Please do not place cash in the drop box.

Automatic Utility Payment Program

This service is available to all utility customers upon the completion and return of an automatic utility payment authorization form available in the utility office.  Automatic payment customers will still receive utility bills at the beginning of the month notifying them of the amount that will be deducted from their designated account on the 10th of each month.

Rates for Electric Service:

The electric service provided by the City of Amherst includes monthly usage plus a PPA charge.  For an explanation of the PPA charge, please read the document from our rate consultant. 

Rates for Water Service inside the City:

First 3,000 gallons                     $5.85 plus WSC (minimum monthly bill)
Each additional 1,000 gallons      $2.68 plus WSC
            WSC - Water Supply Cost rate varies each month and is charged per each 1,000 gallons.
 

Rates for Water Service outside the City:

The water rate is one hundred and fifty percent (150%) of the fee for all water service outside the City limits with a minimum of $8.77 per month.

Rates for Sewer Service:

Rates shall be based on wastewater treated as determined by water consumption which is expected to enter the sanitary sewer system with a minimum of $25.00 per month.

Second Meters Available

You can purchase a second water meter from the Utilities office for any outside usage such as car washing, sprinkling, watering, etc.  Only the water consumption is billed on this meter; sewage is not billed on this meter.

Utility Meters:  Accurate Billing Assurance

Utility meters are the best way to accurately bill residents and businesses for water and electric units.  Your assistance in providing access to the meter is greatly appreciated so that we can produce accurate, timely utility bills.  When meter reading is prevented for any reason, bills are estimated for that month.  If at any time you think there may be a problem with one of your meters, please call (440) 988-4224 so that the proper department can be contacted to investigate your problem.

Touching an exposed, energized meter can lead to serious injury or death

Tampering with or bypassing a utility meter constitutes a theft offense and can result in a fine and/or imprisonment.  Ohio law specifices a maximum penalty of up to six months imprisonment or a fine of up to $1000 for first-time offenders.  Please don't risk meter tampering--your life could depend on it.