Frequently Asked Questions

BPW provides reliable electric, water, and wastewater services to support the daily needs of our community. From powering homes and businesses to delivering clean water and managing wastewater, our team is committed to safe, efficient, and dependable service.

No matter how you prefer to pay—by phone, online, or in person—we’ve got you covered. Visit our Pay My Bill page to explore convenient, flexible payment options designed to fit your needs.

BPW defines tampering as unauthorized use or modification of a meter. Tampering with a utility meter or bypassing a meter is considered theft of service. This includes electric or water service and is treated the same as stealing.

BPW enforces a strict policy against meter tampering to ensure fairness to all customers.

If meter tampering or utility fraud is discovered, BPW will pursue prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.

In addition, a meter tampering charge will be billed to the customer who benefited from the tampering.

Yes. A deposit is required when establishing new service with BPW. Deposit amounts vary based on the type of account and service.

Residential Accounts

• Electric service: $250.00
• Homes with gas service: $175.00 (proof of gas service is required)
• Water service: $100.00
• Sewer only: $100.00

Town of Blacksburg Water Customers

• Water: $125.00
• Sewer: $100.00

Commercial Accounts

• Deposit is based on the average of the three highest monthly bills, doubled.

Additional Fee

• A $50.00 non-refundable service fee is required for all new service setups.

Customers with questions about deposits or applicable fees should contact BPW for assistance.

Customers are automatically granted a seven-day extension beyond the due date, after which a 5% late fee ($5 minimum / $50 minimum for commercial accounts) is applied. 

Higher-than-normal bills are often caused by changes in weather. During periods of extreme cold or extreme heat, heating and cooling systems tend to run longer and more frequently, which increases electricity usage.

We recommend reviewing the service dates on your bill and considering whether there were temperature extremes during that time. Weather patterns can have a significant impact on your overall energy consumption.

If your bill also includes water usage and you notice it is unusually high, there may be a leak. Even small leaks can lead to increased usage over time, so it’s a good idea to check for any signs of running water or plumbing issues.

If you have questions or would like help reviewing your bill, please contact our customer support team.

Conservation Tips

Customers are automatically granted a seven-day extension beyond the due date, after which a 5% late fee ($5 minimum / $50 minimum for commercial accounts) is applied.

If you’re unable to pay your bill, we encourage you to explore local assistance resources that may be able to help. Visit our Financial Assistance page to view a list of organizations and programs that provide support.

BPW utility bills are designed to show how charges are calculated and provide important account information.

Account Information

• Account Number: Identifies the customer account and service location.
• Billing Address: Mailing or electronic billing destination.
• Service Address: Physical location receiving utility service.

Billing Dates

• Billing Date: Date the bill is generated.
• Service Dates: Date range for which you are being billed.
• Due Date: Payment due date to avoid penalties.

Meter Information

• Meter Readings: Previous and current readings used to calculate usage.

Usage & Rate Information

• Rate Codes determine billing structures such as residential/commercial classifications, inside/outside city limits, and measurement methods.

Charges & Line Items

Bills may include:

• Base utility charges
• Energy adjustments
• City transfer fees
• Security light charges

Customers who need help understanding rate codes or charges should contact BPW.

To disconnect your utility service, please contact our office using one of the following methods:

• Phone (864-488-8800)
• In person
• SmartHub
• Emailing customerservice@gbpw.com

When you submit your request, our team will:

• Verify your identity using the last four digits of your Social Security number
• Collect your forwarding address for final billing
• Confirm the date you would like your service to be disconnected

Once all required information is received, your request will be processed and scheduled for disconnection.

Customers requesting a name change on an existing BPW account must provide updated documentation supporting the requested change. A name change applies only to correcting or updating the name of the current account holder (such as due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change). A name change is not the same as transferring utility service to another individual. Requests to transfer service to a different customer must follow BPW's established procedures for opening and closing utility accounts.

Required documents include:

• A valid updated photo ID
• A copy of the marriage license if the change is related to marriage

Once documentation is received, BPW will update the account accordingly.

BPW uses several methods to read water and electric meters, depending on the type of meter and its location.

Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI)

Some meters send usage information automatically to BPW using secure communication networks, including cellular and fixed networks, these meters do not require a BPW employee to visit your property.

Automated Meter Reading (AMR)

Other meters are read using a mobile system. A BPW vehicle equipped with a mobile collector drives through the area and wirelessly collects meter readings. 

Manual (Visual) Reads

In some cases, meters are read visually by a BPW employee. This may be necessary if the meter is not automated or if communication is temporarily unavailable.

Using multiple reading methods allows BPW to ensure accurate billing and reliable service for all customers.

No, this service is not handled by BPW. Please contact the Cherokee County Public Works Department for assistance. Visit their website for contact information: https://cherokeecountysc.gov/public-works/

Budget Billing helps level out your utility costs by averaging your usage over a 12-month period, so you pay a more consistent amount each month.

Visit the Budget Billing page for more information.

BPW is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the water service line up to the water meter, including the meter itself under normal conditions. 

BPW is responsible for the maintenance of the sewer service line to the cleanout; if no cleanout exists or if located on private property, BPW's responsibility does not extend beyond the sewer main.

BPW is responsible for the maintenance of the electrical service lines to the meter base.

Customers are responsible for:

• The water service line from the meter to the home or building
• Any plumbing or water lines on private property beyond the meter
• Damage to the meter caused by the customer, contractor work, landscaping, vehicles, freezing due to lack of protection, or other preventable causes

If you notice a leak, damage, or have questions about responsibility for a repair, please contact BPW for assistance.

Customers can enroll in Auto Pay through two options.

In Office (Checking Account Draft Only)

Customers may visit the BPW office and complete an Auto Pay enrollment form.

Required documentation:

• Voided check OR
• Bank letter showing routing and account number

BPW does not process debit or credit card Auto Pay enrollments in person.

Online Through SmartHub

Customers wishing to use debit or credit cards must enroll online through SmartHub, BPW’s customer portal.

BPW staff can assist customers with enrollment questions.

Residential customers may qualify for a sewer credit when filling a swimming pool, including:

• In-ground swimming pools
• Above-ground swimming pools
• Portable splash pools, hot tubs, spas, and similar recreational water features are not eligible unless specifically approved by management.

Credit Limitations

Customers are eligible for one (1) swimming pool sewer credit per calendar year per service address.
The credit applies only to water used for the initial filling of the pool.
Additional water used for maintenance, topping off, leak replacement, or refilling after draining is not eligible for additional sewer credits.

Customer Requirements

To receive a sewer credit, the customer must:

• Notify the utility before or immediately after filling the pool.
• Provide the following information:
• Service address
• Approximate pool size or gallons
• Date(s) pool was filled
• Allow verification by the utility if requested.
• The utility reserves the right to request documentation or inspect the pool to verify eligibility.

Credit Calculation

The sewer credit will be based on the difference between the customer’s prior three months average water usage and the water usage associated with filling the pool.
Credits will apply to sewer charges only. Water charges will not be adjusted.