BPU bill pay lets you settle your electric and gas charges through multiple channels instead of mailing a check

BPU (Black Hills Power Utility) serves parts of Missouri and operates bill payment systems that work through their website, phone line, or in-person at authorized locations. You can pay online without creating an account, by phone with a representative, or through automatic monthly withdrawals. Each method has different timing and fee structures, so knowing your options helps you avoid late charges and choose what fits your routine.

The bill itself tells you the due date and the amount owed. Most people pay within a few days of receiving the bill to stay ahead of the deadline, though BPU allows payment up until the close of business on the due date. If you miss that date, a late fee applies and your service may be interrupted after a notice period.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay online at the BPU website, by phone at their customer service number, or set up automatic monthly payments from your bank account.
  • Online and phone payments typically post within one to two business days, so paying a few days before the due date prevents accidental late fees.
  • Automatic payments (also called autopay) withdraw money on a date you choose each month and carry no transaction fee.
  • If you pay by check or mail, allow at least one week for the payment to reach BPU and post to your account.
  • Late payments trigger a fee and may result in service disconnection after BPU sends a notice giving you time to pay.

Paying online through the BPU website

The BPU website accepts one-time payments without requiring you to create a login. Go to their payment portal, enter your account number (found on your bill), the amount you want to pay, and your payment method. You can use a debit card, credit card, or bank account. The system will show you the transaction fee upfront — credit card payments typically carry a fee, while bank account payments may not.

After you submit the payment, you receive a confirmation number immediately. The money usually reaches your account within one business day, though BPU recommends allowing two business days to be safe. If you pay on a Friday afternoon, expect the payment to post on Monday or Tuesday. Save your confirmation number in case you need to track the payment later.

Setting up automatic monthly payments

Autopay removes the need to remember your due date each month. You authorize BPU to withdraw a set amount from your bank account on a date you choose — typically a few days after you receive your bill or on a date that aligns with your paycheck. Once autopay is active, the payment happens automatically every month until you cancel it.

To set up autopay, log into your BPU account online or call their customer service line. You will need your bank account number and routing number. Most utilities charge no fee for bank account autopay, though some charge a small fee for credit card autopay. If your bill amount varies month to month (which is common for electric and gas), you can set autopay to pay a fixed amount or adjust the amount manually each month before the withdrawal date.

Paying by phone with a BPU representative

Call BPU's customer service number during business hours to pay over the phone. A representative will ask for your account number, the amount you want to pay, and your payment method. Phone payments work the same way as online payments — they post within one to two business days and may carry a transaction fee depending on your payment method.

Phone payment is useful if you have questions about your bill or account at the same time, or if you are not comfortable entering payment information online. Keep your confirmation number from the representative for your records.

Mailing a check or money order

If you prefer to mail payment, write your account number on the check and send it to the address listed on your bill. Mail typically takes five to seven business days to arrive, and BPU needs another day or two to process and post it. This means a check mailed on a Monday may not post until the following week, so mail payments well before your due date to avoid late fees.

Include only the check or money order — do not send cash through the mail. If you need a receipt, request one when you mail the payment, though most utilities do not provide receipts for mailed payments. Instead, watch your account online to confirm the payment posted.

What happens if you miss the due date

BPU charges a late fee if payment does not post by the due date shown on your bill. The fee amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat amount — check your bill or account for the exact fee. After you miss the due date, BPU sends a notice warning that service may be disconnected if you do not pay within a set timeframe (usually 10 to 15 days). If you receive a disconnection notice, contact BPU immediately to arrange payment or discuss a payment plan.

If your service is disconnected, you will need to pay the full overdue amount plus any reconnection fee to restore power and gas. Reconnection can take several hours to a full business day depending on BPU's schedule and whether a technician needs to visit your home.

Avoiding common payment mistakes

The most common mistake is waiting until the due date to pay. If you pay online or by phone on the due date itself, the payment may not post in time, triggering a late fee. Instead, pay at least two business days before the due date. This gives the payment time to process and post without risk.

Another mistake is paying the wrong amount. Check your bill carefully — the amount due is usually highlighted and separate from other numbers like your account number or previous balance. If you are on a budget billing plan, your monthly payment may differ from your actual usage, so confirm the amount BPU is asking for rather than guessing.

Do not assume that paying online means your payment is final. Always save your confirmation number and check your account a day or two later to confirm the payment posted. If it did not, contact BPU right away so they can investigate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my BPU bill with a credit card?

Yes, BPU accepts credit cards online and by phone. However, credit card payments usually carry a transaction fee (typically 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount), so paying with a debit card or bank account is cheaper if you want to avoid fees.

What if I pay too much by accident?

If you overpay, BPU will credit the extra amount to your next bill. You can also request a refund by contacting customer service, though some utilities process refunds only at certain times of year. Check your account online to see your credit balance.

Can I change my autopay amount or date?

Yes. Log into your BPU account online or call customer service to adjust the payment amount or the date the withdrawal happens. Changes usually take effect within one to two billing cycles, so plan ahead if you need to change the amount before your next payment date.

Is there a fee to set up autopay?

No, autopay itself is free. However, if you choose to pay by credit card through autopay, BPU may charge a transaction fee. Bank account autopay typically has no fee.

What if I want to cancel autopay?

You can cancel autopay anytime by logging into your account online or calling customer service. Cancellation takes effect immediately or within one to two business days, depending on when you cancel relative to your scheduled payment date. If you cancel after the withdrawal has already been processed, the payment still goes through.