Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

New Utilities Billing System

Transition Challenges

 

Please note that effective May 2, 2022, all delinquent accounts will be subject to late fees and disconnection of service. Delinquent account holders are encouraged to bring their balances current in order to avoid service disruption.


Q&A:

1.  Is there a delay in posting payments?

You may experience a delay in seeing your payments reflected on your Utility bill. If you know you made a payment for prior balances, then please continue to pay the amount on your bill for the new charges. Please do not place a stop payment or make any banking changes at this time if nothing has changed and you made the payment, as charges may apply from your banking institution for any returned payments regardless of the reason.

2.  Why have my EFT (Automatic payments) not been processed to come out of my bank account yet?

The EFT payment program is in the process of being reconfigured. We anticipate the EFT payment program will be fully operational soon.  However, at this time we have not begun the process to pull the AFT/EFT payments. When we start the process of pulling AFT/EFT payments, the full balance on the account will be pulled for payment. In the meantime, in order to keep your account balance current, you can make a payment using one of the three options below. To ensure you are paying the correct amount, please enter the amount due that is displayed on your most recent bill. In order to make a payment, you can choose to:

1. MAKE A PAYMENT USING ANOTHER METHOD:  You may choose to make a payment using another method (such as pay by phone, mail in a check, etc.)

2. To make a payment using your new Utility Account number - Customer number, please visit: http://www.ppines.com/newutilitybill to register and link your Utility account in Citizen Self Service (CSS). 

3.  To make a payment online using your original 14 digit account number, you can still do so temporarily at: https://paydirect.link2gov.com/PembrokePines/ItemSearch 

4. To make a payment via phone, you will need your original 14-digit Utility Account number until further notice. Dial 1-877-261-7681

Once the EFT Program is fully operational, we will notify all our customers and the EFT file process will update with your new balance and continue from there.

 

We appreciate your patience and will continually update you as we resolve these issues.  Please view this video to help you register and link your account.


ADDITIONAL FAQs


  1. How do I register my online account in Citizen Self-Service (CSS)?
    Go to www.ppines.com/newutilitybill and register your account in the Citizen Self-Service (CSS) Portal. You will be able to look up your new Utility Account number and Customer number there. Please note, you must have your new 12-digit Account number and Customer number, the name (exactly as it appears on your bill with no extra spaces before or after the name), and service address.
  2. How do I link my Utility account in Citizen Self-Service (CSS)?
    In order to link your utility account, you will need to provide your new Account number, Customer number, and full name as it appears on your new bill. The name will need to match exactly how it shows on your bill including spaces and commas.
  3. What is Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal)?
    1. Citizen Self Service (CSS) is a portal that allows customers access to their Utility accounts 24/7. Click this link http://www.ppines.com/newutilitybill and you will find a YouTube video on how to set up your account for:
    2. Account Summary
    3. Automatic Payment (EFT)
    4. Ability to Update Account Information
    5. Create Service Request
    6. Change Bill Delivery Preference
    7. Manage Utility Bills and Make Payment
    8. View Consumption History
    9. Utilities Contact Information
  4. Will my Utility bill look different? 
    1. Yes. Click this link for a quick tutorial video on how it will look:  http://www.ppines.com/newutilitybill 
  5. Will my Utility account number change? 
    1. Yes, you will see a new Account Number and Customer Number, which, combined, will be your new 12-digit number to reference when inquiring or paying on your account.
  6. I have not received my bill yet. Is there a problem with my bill?
    1. During this transition, should you experience a delay in receiving your bill, please visit the City’s website at http://www.ppines.com/newutilitybill where you can register your account in Citizen Self Service (CSS) to receive, view, and pay your bills.
  7. Can I still make a payment online?
    1. Yes, you can still make a payment online but you must register and link your Utility account in the Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal. Visit the City’s website at: http://www.ppines.com/newutilitybill
  8. I am trying to make a payment online or pay by phone and I am receiving an error. Am I doing something wrong? 
    1. To ensure you are paying the correct amount, please enter the amount due that is displayed on your most recent bill.
    2. To make a payment using your new Utility Account number - Customer number, please visit: http://www.ppines.com/newutilitybill to register and link your Utility account in Citizen Self Service (CSS).
    3. To make a payment online using your original 14 digit account number, you can still do so temporarily at: https://paydirect.link2gov.com/PembrokePines/ItemSearch
    4. To make a payment via phone, you will need your original 14-digit Utility Account number until further notice. Dial 1-877-261-7681
  9. If I pay my utility bill through my banking institution. What do I have to do?
    1. If you pay your utility bill through your banking institution and your bank sends your payment to the Utilities Department, you must contact your bank and provide your new 12 digit Account number which includes your Account and Customer numbers, for your payments to be posted to your account (please note that the - between your account number and customer number is not necessary).
  10. What if I signed up to have automatic payments (AFT/EFT) set up with the Utilities Department?
    1. Your payments will still be received. However, if you update or cancel your EFT, you must provide your new 12-digit Account number and Customer number.
  11. What if I want to make a payment inside of the Utility office? 
    1. At this time, the Utility Office is only open to walk-in CASH-only customers. Please utilize one of many other methods of payment including, one of our 3 convenient night drop box locations (City Hall-601 City Center Way, Utility Office-8300 S Palm Dr, West Police Station- 18400 Johnson Street, USPS mail, or at City Hall Cashier window.
  12. I made a payment, but I do not see it posted. What happened? 
    1. During this transition, we have slowed down our processes to ensure accuracy. All payments that have been received are being posted. Don’t worry, the City is not posting any late fees at this time. Before taking any action with your bank regarding your payments, we encourage you to give us a call first so we can check if your payment has been posted. Remember, all returned payment fees, including “Stop Payment”, still apply. Call before you act to avoid these fees.
  13. I was expecting an adjustment on my account, why don’t I see it?
    1. We have slowed down our processes to ensure accuracy. Be assured any approved adjustments will be posted and will show on your bill within the next 2 billing periods.
  14. Why has the number of days in my December billing period changed?
    1. This is due to the transition period which may take a couple of months. We ask that you be patient during this time and if you believe this has affected the amount of your bill, please call customer service at 954-518-9000
  15. What kind of accounts does the City of Pembroke Pines provide for residents, tenants, etc.?
    1. Owner Accounts only. Due to a recent Ordinance change in November 2021, all new accounts to be opened will be in the name of the Owner(s) found in BCPA
  16. Do I need to have the Utility Application notarized?
    1. The new utility application no longer requires a notary.
  17. What’s happening with my trash?
    1. Beginning January 2, 2022, there will be a change to the trash and recycling process. This process is illustrated on the City’s website at: https://www.ppines.com/DocumentCenter/View/14415/Recycling-Transition2021