Frequently Asked Questions

SERVICE:
   How many customers do you serve?
   Where do you serve?
   Why are your electric rates so low?
   What time do you close?
   Where is your office located?
   How do I sign up for service?
   How do I report a power outage?

METER READING
   Is my utility bill based on actual usage or is it estimated?
    I've never seen a meter reader come to my home. Is my meter being read?
   Our yard is completely fenced with a locked gate. How is our meter being read?

ACCOUNT INFORMATION
   How is the sewer charge on my bill determined?
   What does a "final notice" mean?

PAYMENT OPTIONS
   Do I pay my utility bill by cash or check?
   Can I automatically pay by credit card each month?
   Where are your pay stations?

Where do you serve?
Our Electric Utility serves the cities of Lansing and East Lansing plus all or parts of the following townships: Bath, Delhi, Delta, DeWitt, Lansing, Meridian, Windsor, and Watertown. Our Water Utility serves the City of Lansing and the City of DeWitt plus all or parts of the following townships: Delhi, DeWitt, Lansing, Windsor, Bath and Watertown. We also sell wholesale water to Delta Township and Lansing Township’s West Side Water System.
        CLICK HERE FOR BWL ELECTRIC SERVICE AREAS
        CLICK HERE FOR ALL BWL UTILITY SERVICE AREAS

Why are your electric rates so low?
There are several reasons. Most important is the fact that we’re nonprofit. Our owners are also our customers, so dividends are returned to our owners in the form of lower rates. Our compact service area also helps us hold down costs. Finally, the BWL has had a long and proud heritage as a well-run utility that’s well-maintained and well-managed.

What time do you close?
Our office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Our Call Center Hours are 7:00am to 9:00pm Monday through Friday, the Call Center can be reached at 517-702-6006.   We are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays..

Where is your office located?
Our Customer Service Center is located at 1232 Haco Drive in Lansing. Haco Drive runs east from Pennsylvania Avenue, just north of the Potter Park Zoo, and south of the I-496 expressway. The Customer Service Center features plenty of free parking and a drive-through window.

Do I pay my utility bill by cash or check?
There are a number of ways you can pay your utility bill. We accept checks or cash, although we don’t recommend cash payments, unless you’re paying in-person at our main office, or at a pay station where you receive a receipt. We also accept VISA, Master Card, American Express, or Discover Card.
     CLICK HERE FOR MORE PAYMENT OPTIONS INFORMATION

Is my utility bill based on actual usage or is it estimated?
Your bill is based on actual usage whenever possible. If, for some reason, we can’t get access to your meter we’ll submit an estimated bill based on your usage history. Your bill will indicate whether it is based on an actual or estimated read. In the column labeled "Type" on your bill, an "Act" indicates an actual reading and an "Est" means it was an estimated bill.

How is the sewer charge on my bill determined?
The BWL provides sewerage billing services for the City of Lansing, although we don’t set sewer rates or operate the system. Sanitary sewer rates are established by Lansing City Council and the system is operated by the city’s Public Service Department. Your sewerage use is not separately metered. The city determines your bill on the amount of water you consumed during the previous month.

Can I automatically pay by credit card each month?
You may choose to pay either your current bill or your current and future bills with your credit card by completing a form on the back of your utility bill.
     CLICK HERE FOR MORE PAYMENT OPTIONS INFORMATION

How do I sign up for service?
You can do it in person between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at our Customer Service Center, 1232 Haco Drive. Or you can sign up over the phone any time, day or night by calling us at 702-6006.

Where are your pay stations?
     CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE LIST OF PAY STATIONS

What does a "final notice" mean?
It means your service can be disconnected at any time because you haven’t paid your utility bill. Call us immediately at 702-6006 so we can talk about payment arrangements and avoid a utility shutoff.

How do I report a power outage?
To report a power outage, call our toll-free PowerLine number at 877-BWL-5001. Water or steam emergencies can be reported by calling 702-6490.

I've never seen a meter reader come to my home. Is my meter being read?
We can assure you that your meter is being read, even though you may have missed seeing the meter reader. We estimate meter readings only rarely, such as when severe weather prevents our meter readers from make their rounds on your scheduled day. An experienced meter reader is capable of checking a meter in five to ten seconds. Consequently, it's not surprising that some customers have not noticed the meter reader.

Our yard is completely fenced with a locked gate. How is our meter being read?
The numbers on an electric meter are clearly visible from six to 10 feet away. And, by noting the position of the dial indicators, an experienced meter reader can accurately read an electric meter from as far away as twenty feet. We also provide binoculars and/or monoculars for readings beyond the range where the dials are not clearly visible. According to state law, however, we have the right to enter a customer's property for the purpose of reading the meter.
      CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON METER READER SAFETY