Looking to pay? FGUA has a way.

An improved economy and a pickup in home sales has numerous new residents reaching out to the Florida Governmental Utility Authority for utility connections or bill pay. FGUA provides water and wastewater services to customers across 84 utility systems in 14 counties in Florida, including Lee.

Customer numbers in Lehigh Acres continue to grow. For many new customers, the initial service set-up can be done right from home.

According to Donna Lizotte, community service representative on behalf of the FGUA, the process of opening an account does not need to be cumbersome.

“The FGUA website www.fgua.com is robust and user friendly. The “New Customer” tab offers a “Welcome Kit” which can be download. The Welcome Kit is a comprehensive and instructional guide to setting up and managing their account, and provides an explanation of the different payment options available. They will also find important information about their plumbing and steps to ensure water safety around the home. The New Service and Service Termination Forms which can be faxed or emailed to the local business office,” Lizotte said.

FGUA is trying to make payment options easier. too. Many residents currently come to their local business office to open accounts and to pay bills. In particular, older cusgtomers may be unaware of far more convenient ways to pay their bills.

“We have the information on the FGUA website but many seniors may still not be comfortable with using the internet. We offer customers a number of ways to make paying their bills easy and convenient. Customers can save time by using the many alternative options to initiate, transfer or terminate services,” Lizotte said.

Also in an attempt to protect the privacy and security of FGUA customers, their local office is no longer able to accept payments by phone. Instead customers can use an automated pay by phone system where they can pay by credit, debit card or check.

“Our Pay-by-Phone System is the fastest, easiest, and most convenient way to make a payment. This option is available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day and payment can be made using a check, credit or debit card. It is a toll-free call to 1 (855) 396-1256 and they will simply need to enter their account number and payment information following the prompts,” said Lizotte.

Another payment option is E-Z Pay, which is available to customers who want the convenience of not having to worry about paying their bill each month.

“Our customers can elect to enroll in the E-Z Pay program and each month their bill will automatically be deducted from their checking account. Enrollment is free, and they can cancel at any time. A copy of the enrollment form is available online at www.fgua.com and they can submit the completed form along with a copy of a voided check to your local office by fax to (239) 368-7486 or email to lehigh@fgua.com. There are no processing fees for using any of these payment options,” said Lizotte.

For customers who are more comfortable making their payment in person they can do so at the Beall’s Plaza location on Homestead Road. One Stop Multiservice can assist FGUA customers with paying their bills via Western Union service. New customers will find a FGUA-Welcome Kit with copies of New Service and Service Termination Forms which can be faxed or emailed.

Customers can also mail in their payment or drop it off at the local business office which serves Lehigh Acres and North Fort Myers located at 9841 Bernwood Place Drive, Ste. 120, Fort Myers, FL 33966.

For more information or to reach the Florida Governmental Utility Authority, call (239) 543-1005 or visit www.fgua.com Email: lehigh@fgua.com