1. Customer Service
Town Hall Meetings

2. Lake Worth guarantees next business day service initiation.
Initiating Services
By Mail:
Request application, complete and mail to: Lake Worth Utilities, P.O. Box 404, Lake Worth, FL
By Phone:
Best Times to Call are Between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm
Visit the Office:
Customer Service is located in the City Hall Annex at 414 Lake Avenue.
Hours of Operation are Mondays through Fridays, from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
The following documentation is required for positive identification:
Valid Photo ID
Social Security Card
Deposit
Lease/Rental Agreement
Lake Worth guarantees next business day service initiation.

3. Service Initiation Fees
Initiating Services
Service Initiation Fees
Application Fee
$17.00/Application
Service Connection
$35.00/Meter
Excessive Trip Fee
$30.00
The excessive trip fee is applied if return trips are necessary to initiate service, due to customer controllable circumstances.

4. Deposit Policy
Unless otherwise exempted in accordance with Resolution , a security deposit shall be required on all utility accounts to establish, re-establish, continue, or maintain services with the City, which shall be paid in full prior to receiving any services unless an alternative is authorized by this Resolution.
If you have had utility services from another provider and can provide a letter of credit from that Utility showing you were in good standing, your deposit will be waived.

5. Residential Deposits Residential Service in Occupant’s Name:
Electric $230.00
Water & Sewer $85.00
TOTAL $315.00
In Corporate Name:
Electric 2X Average Monthly Bill*
Water & Sewer 2X Average Monthly Bill*
(* Rounded to the nearest $50.00.)

6. In Preparation for Service
Locate your circuit breaker box and place all breakers in the off position.
If there is a load at the meter the service can’t be safely connected; the service worker will leave a door hanger explaining why service was not connected.
In this event, turn all breakers off, and call the number that is on the door hanger.
If the service worker has been to your location and you still don’t have power, check to ensure all breakers have been moved to the on position.
Make sure all water spigots are in the off position, as water service will not be left on if there is heavy water usage at the time of turn-on.

7. Meters
The services provided by Lake Worth Utilities are measured by meters and billed based upon the readings recovered from these meters.
The meters are read by meter readers assigned to the Customer Service Division, and are entered into a handheld device for retrieval by the billing system.
The meter reader plays no part in the billing process after entering the reading into the handheld device, and has no access to the previous month’s readings.
In some instances, radio read meters are installed, which removes the need for the meter reader to directly access the meter or to manually input the readings from the meter.
For the measurement of residential water use, the City uses nutating disk type meters. These meters are a positive displacement meter, and as such rarely will produce a high reading.

8. How to Read Your Bill

9. NUMBER OF DAYS IN THIS BILLING PERIOD
How to Read Your Bill
NUMBER OF DAYS IN THIS BILLING PERIOD

10. How to Read Your Bill THIS IS YOUR TOTAL UTILITY BILL
WATER, SEWER AND ELECTRIC

11. Electric Rates
A typical City of Lake Worth residential electric bill is comprised of five (5) charges, customer charge, energy usage charge, power cost adjustment, conservation surcharge, and taxes.
Customer Charge: Fixed administrative charge, which covers all billing activity associated with the electric meter (from reading to bill delivery. ($8.90)
Energy Use Charge: Consumption charges for metered energy, billed per kilowatt hour of use and subject to rate variation based upon block rates. (the first 1,000 $ all use greater than 1,000 $0.1499)
Purchased Power Adjustment Charge: Adjustable charge for the recovery of actual costs related to the purchase of energy from all outside sources.

12. THIS IS THE ELECTRICITY YOU USED
How to Read Your Bill
THIS IS THE ELECTRICITY YOU USED

13. THIS IS THE COST FOR THE ELECTRICITY
How to Read Your Bill
THIS IS THE COST FOR THE ELECTRICITY

14. THIS IS A CHARGE/CREDIT APPLIED SUBJECT TO FUEL COSTS
How to Read Your Bill
THIS IS A CHARGE/CREDIT APPLIED SUBJECT TO FUEL COSTS

15. THIS FUNDS THE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
How to Read Your Bill
THIS FUNDS THE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

16. THESE ARE TAXES WE ARE REQUIRED TO COLLECT
How to Read Your Bill
THESE ARE TAXES WE ARE REQUIRED TO COLLECT

17. THIS IS YOUR ELECTRIC BILL
How to Read Your Bill
THIS IS YOUR ELECTRIC BILL

18. Water Rates
A typical City of Lake Worth residential water bill is comprised of four(4) charges, customer charge, base facility charge, a volume charge, and taxes.
Customer Charge: Fixed administrative charge, which covers all billing activity associated with the water meter (from reading to bill delivery. ($4.11)
Base Facility Charge: Fixed charge (based on meter size) for the recovery of costs related to the maintenance of the water system. ($12.28 – typical)
Volume Charge: Consumption charges for metered water, billed per hundred gallons of use and subject to rate variation based upon block rates.

19. Typical Water Charge Calculation
Block Rates
Blocks
Block Range
Cost/100 gals 1
1,000 – 4,000
$0.264 2
4,001 – 8,000
$0.407 3
8,001 – 12,000
$0.551 4
12,001 – 20,000
$0.963 5
20,001 and up
$1.204
Typical Water Charge Calculation
Usage
Customer Charge
Facility Charge
Volume Charge
Total Water
6,500
$4.11
$12.28
$20.74 *
$37.13
* Volume Charge = Block 1 and Block 2

20. How to Read Your Bill THIS IS YOUR WATER USAGE
NOTE: EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2010 THE BILLING UNIT IS 100 GALLONS (HGAL). PREVIOUSLY IT WAS 1000 GALLONS (TGAL).
WATER USE IS BILLED ON A 5-TIER CONSERVATION RATE
TIER 1
0 to 4,000 Gallons
TIER 2
4,001 to 8,000 Gallons
TIER 3
8,001 to 12,000 Gallons
TIER 4
12,001 to 20,000 Gallons
TIER 5
20,001 Gallons and up

21. THIS IS THE COST FOR THE WATER
How to Read Your Bill
THIS IS THE COST FOR THE WATER

22. THESE ARE TAXES WE ARE REQUIRED TO COLLECT
How to Read Your Bill
THESE ARE TAXES WE ARE REQUIRED TO COLLECT

23. How to Read Your Bill
THIS IS YOUR WATER BILL

24. Sewer Rates
A typical City of Lake Worth residential sewer bill is comprised of four (4) charges, customer charge, base facility charge, a volume charge, and taxes.
Customer Charge: Fixed administrative charge, which covers all billing activity associated with sewer charges. ($3.73)
Base facility Charge: Fixed charge for the recovery of costs related to the maintenance of the sewer system. ($7.78 – typical)
Volume Charge: Based on consumption charges for metered water, billed per hundred gallons of use up to a maximum of 12,000 gals. ($0.348)

25. Typical Sewer Charge Calculation
Usage
Customer Charge
Facility Charge
Volume Charge
Total Sewer
6,000
$3.73
$7.78
20.88
$32.39

26. SEWER IS ALSO BASED OFF WATER USE
How to Read Your Bill
SEWER IS ALSO BASED OFF WATER USE
NOTE: SEWER USE IS CAPPED AT A MAXIMUM OF 12,000 GALLONS.

27. THIS IS THE COST FOR THE SANITARY SEWER
How to Read Your Bill
THIS IS THE COST FOR THE SANITARY SEWER

28. How to Read Your Bill
THIS IS YOUR SEWER BILL

29. How to Read Your Bill
A MESSAGE IS ALSO INCLUDED TO LET YOU KNOW OF UPCOMING EVENTS OR OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

30. Errors and Disputes
The Utilities Department acknowledges that errors do occur and that occasions arise whereby meter reads must be estimated to expedite billing; the following is a guide of actions available for customers to gain confidence that their billing is correct.

31. Errors and Disputes
The Customer Service billing team has a daily process to analyze all bills that exceed preset meter read parameters (hi/lo), before the bills are produced. This process includes rereading the meter and possible checking the meter for accuracy if reading comes back correct.
In the case of a water meter, the team will produce a work order to check for a leak when the analysis reveals unusually high readings.
It should be noted that the most probable outcome of meter testing (electric and water) is less than 100%; however, the opposite is possible.

32. Errors and Disputes
Customers have the right to request a reread of their meters if they suspect that the reading is incorrect (even in light of the checks of the billing team).
The request for a reread can be taken by any customer service representative (please provide preferred contact method for results).
A customer requested reread that is verified as correct after field inspection, is subject to a normal trip charge as is identified in the fees section of this presentation.
If after this process, a customer believes that he or she has not been afforded the attention and provided the best possible customer service, the problem should be escalated as is outlined in the above dispute resolution section.

33. Customer Dispute Resolution
Steps to follow for a Resolution:
Notify customer service representative of the problem; if not resolved
Request a supervisor for resolution of the problem, if not resolved
The supervisor will refer you to the customer advocate.
After consultation with the customer, the customer advocate will research the situation, and present a recommended resolution to the manager.
Customer complaints are taken very seriously by the City of Lake Worth and the Utilities Department.

34. Customer Advocate Team
Operational Information:
Hours of operations: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Mon thru Fri
Telephone number: (561)
Our Customer Advocate Team is Staffed with
Three Customer Services Representatives.

35. How to Pay Your Bill By Mail: By Phone: Visit the Office:
Send payments to Lake Worth Utilities, P.O. Box 30552, Tampa, FL
By Phone:
Busiest times are between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm.
Visit the Office:
Customer Service is located in the City Hall Annex at 414 Lake Avenue.
Hours of Operation are Mondays through Fridays, from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Night Depository Drop Box:
The box is located outside the south entrance to the City Hall Annex and is available 24 hours a day.
Payments received by 5:00 p.m. each business day are posted the same business day. Payments received after 5:00 p.m. will be posted the next business day.
Pay Stations:
We are part of the Fidelity Express Payment Network. Authorized local merchants can receive payments on our behalf, and for a convenience fee of $ The City receives no part of the convenience fee.
Automatic Electronic Funds Transfer (AEFT):
We can automatically draft from your bank account the exact amount of your monthly bills.
Pay On-Line:
The City's Click2Gov system provides up-to-date information concerning your utility account and a payment options. Visit to sign up.

36. Pay Station Locations LOCATION NAME ADDRESS CITY HOURS
KWIK STOP #3
903 PARK AVE
LAKE PARK
6:00 AM - 12:00 AM DAILY
KWIK STOP #4048
4048 FOREST HILLS BLVD
WEST PALM BEACH
6:00 AM - 1:00 AM DAILY
KWIK STOP
4701 BROADWAY
BROADWAY FOOD MARKET
4117 BROADWAY
5:00 AM - 12:00 AM DAILY
A&M DISCOUNT BEVERAGE #8
1030 SOUTH MILITARY TRAIL
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM DAILY
KWIK STOP FOOD STORE
1402 LUCERNE AVE
LAKE WORTH
24HRS DAILY
MAJESTIC
632 NORTH DIXIE HWY
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM DAILY
KWIK STOP GROCERY STORE
1418 SOUTH DIXIE HWY
6:00 AM - 11:00 PM DAILY
COLLEGE MOBIL
3032 LAKE WORTH RD
NOTE: All payments received after 3:00 p.m. will be posted on the next regularly scheduled business day.

37. Payment Assistance Availability
Social Service Agencies
United Way Crisis Line (561)
Gateway to service assistance; will provide information on available services within the area.
Adopt A Family (561)
Care To Share (561)
Funded through donations accepted from the customers of Lake Worth Utilities.
Customers can donate to this fund when making a utility payment.
Childcare Resources (561)
Must have case manager to use this service.
Community Action Council (561)
Customers may also see the Customer Advocate at Lake Worth Utilities for application forms.
The Customer Advocate is located in the City Hall Annex at 414 Lake Avenue.
Hispanic Human Resources (561)
Human Services (561)
Lake Worth Salvation Army (561)
Urban League (561)
Women Services Network (561)

38. Water Leak Investigations
When a monthly reading shows that there is an unusual increase in water usage a billing representative will generate a work order sending a service worker from the Water Department to check for a leak. A customer may also request a check for a leak.
If a leak is found, the service worker will note the severity of the leak and leave a door hanger (if the customer is not present), with the findings and a telephone number for follow-up. The water department does not typically make repairs on private property.
If the leak is significant, the service worker will shut off the water so as to prevent further water loss; this action will also be noted on the door hanger that is left. (Customer Service will also be notified of this action)

39. 586-1695 Service Availability
Service personnel are working 24-hours per day 7-days per week. For service needs call:

40. Service Lifeline
The City of Lake Worth reads meters and bills it’s customers for services in billing cycles.
There are twenty (20) cycles each month.
Each cycle is comprised of four (4) routes; routes and cycles are divided geographically.
Each cycle bill has a past due date that is thirty-five (35) days after the bill date. (A second bill will have been generated prior to the pending past-due date.)
Seven (7) days after the past due date, a late notice is generated and mailed for accounts with balances remaining. This notice provides the required five (5) day notice of possible service interruption.

41. Lifeline cont’d
Seven (7) days after the past due date, a late notice is generated and mailed for accounts with balances remaining. This notice provides the required five (5) day notice of possible service interruption, and is printed on canary yellow paper.
An account remaining unpaid after the date listed in the past-due notice is subject to service interruption. No service is disconnected without notice which is separate and apart from any bill.
If service is interrupted due to nonpayment, the customer must then pay all monies due on account as well as the required reconnection fee.
To guarantee same day restoration, payment must be received before 5:00 pm.

42. Credit Related Fees
Late Fee – the greater of $11.00 or 1.5 % of past-due balance.
First delinquent restoration $35.00.
Subsequent delinquent restorations $90.00.
Service restoration which requires reconnect at the pole $ (Restoration may require 1-5 days)
Customer requested reread $ (customer is only responsible for this fee if current reading is validated in the field)
Trip charge - $30.00, if a service worker is dispatched to a property for a service interruption but service is not disconnected due to customer making a payment to halt the cut, or because of the granting of time extension to make payment.

43. Fees cont’d
Checks returned unpaid from customer’s bank are subject to the following fees:
$ $ $25.00
$ $ $30.00
Over $ the greater of $40.00 or 5%
Unauthorized connection to, or tampering with the Utility’s meters, seals, or other equipment, will be cause for immediate service termination without notification.
Each instance of tampering is subject to a charge of $ plus any damages, each of which must be paid prior to service restoration.
Meter tampering and/or energy diversion are criminal offenses and subject to prosecution under the laws of the State of Florida.

44. New Initiatives During FY-2011 (10/1/10 – 9/30/11)
Customer Service will implement the following
measures to improve service offerings:
A functional Call Center operation, providing improved telephone service for all customers. As a part of this endeavor will be the installation of an interactive voice response (IVR) system, which will automate most tasks and free customer service reps to answer calls that need personal attention.
New improved bill production process using a 3rd party vendor for bill production and mailing. This process will allow archiving of bills for a 13 month period, as well as allow a customer service rep. to retrieve and an exact replica of bills to customers on demand.
Electronic bill presentment and payment capability. Customers will be able to receive and pay utility bills via secure , with the ability to store electronically, or print bills as desired.
Increased remote payment locations; during the coming year, customers will be able to pay their Lake Worth utility bills at various locations throughout the City with no waiting.