Why do I have to pay a late fee if I'm only a few days late with my payment?

There always is a deadline for utility payments (water, sewer electricity, phone service, etc.), the purpose of which is to enable the utility to pay its own bills, which also have deadlines. The deadline date is the last date for payments to be in before late fees are applied. ALPUC's bond documents require the company to collect all legal service and other fees, including late fees. The WV Public Service Commission as part of ALPUC’s tariff sets the 10% late fee. A late fee charge is standard business practice.

Monthly water & sewer payments are due by the 20th of each month. When the 20th falls on a weekend or a holiday, the payment is due by the next following business day. If a payment is late, a penalty is assessed - just as is the case with the power company. ALPUC will not make exceptions because to do so would be discriminatory.