FAQs • Fremont • CivicEngage

Do I need a deposit?: You will need a deposit if you are a new customer or if you are a previous customer that was sent to the Credit Bureau for collection of an old bill. If you are a new customer your deposit will be $200.00. If you had an old account referred to the Credit Bureau, you will need to pay the old amount due plus the deposit of twice the highest bill at your new address.

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Utilities - FAQ

1. How do I start utility service?: Applications for Service can be made online at Start or Stop Service | Fremont, NE - Official Website (fremontne.gov) or in person at 400 East Military Avenue. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Customers must be 19 years of age and present a valid, government issued, photo ID.

2. I’m moving. How do I transfer my utilities?: You will need to complete a Termination Request Form for your current address and an Application for Service for your new address. Both forms can be found online at Start or Stop Service | Fremont, NE - Official Website (fremontne.gov) or can be completed in person at 400 East Military Avenue, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

3. How can I save money and conserve energy?: Check out our Energy Conservation & Safety page for helpful tips on how to conserve energy and save money on your utilities.

4. Do I need a deposit?: You will need a deposit if you are a new customer or if you are a previous customer that was sent to the Credit Bureau for collection of an old bill. If you are a new customer your deposit will be $200.00. If you had an old account referred to the Credit Bureau, you will need to pay the old amount due plus the deposit of twice the highest bill at your new address.

5. What is Budget Billing and how do you sign up?: Budget Billing is a payment plan that allows you to pay the same amount every month. You must have lived at the address long enough to have twelve monthly bills. We take the amount of your 12 bills and divide by 11. This is the amount you will pay each month. Sign-up is open once per year during the month of April. To sign up for Budget Billing, return the completed Budget Billing Form to the Customer Service Department located at 400 East Military Avenue during the month of April or give us a call at 402-727-2600.

6. Can I pay with a credit card?: Yes, we accept all major credit cards online through our online payment portal and over the counter at 400 East Military Avenue.

7. What is a sewer average?: The amount of your sewer bill is based on an average of your water usage during December, January and February. Each year your average is refigured and the new amount is applied to your April bill.

8. How do I sign up for automatic payments?: There are two ways to sign up for automatic payment. The first option is to fill out an Automatic Bank Payment form (downloadable from our site) and return it to us along with a voided check. The second option is to sign up on-line through our online bill payment service.

9. I have rental property and would like the utilities to be put in my name automatically when a tenant moves out. Can you do that for me?: We have a Landowner’s Agreement form which authorizes us to do this for you. In addition, if you would like to be notified when that happens, we can send you a certified letter for a nominal fee. Return the completed Landowner Agreement Form to us at 400 East Military Avenue to sign up.

10. Does the Department of Utilities winterize my property if the power is shut-off?: No, the Fremont Department of Utilities does not winterize properties. If the power is disconnected through the customer's request or as a result of non-payment, the water remains the responsibility of the customer. A plumber will need to be contacted in order to have the water shut-off to a property.

11. How can I obtain a copy of my bill?: Register your account at our online payment portal to obtain a copy of your current and past bills at no charge. You may also request printed copies via the Customer Service Department by calling 402-727-2600. A small fee applies when copies are provided through the Customer Service Department.

12. Do I need to call someone before I start digging in my yard?: Yes, the utilities need to be located before you start digging. You can call the Digger's Hotline by dialing 811 from your cell phone or 800-331-5666 from a landline phone. You can also email them ne@occinc.com. The underground utilities will be located at no charge when you call the Digger's Hotline. The underground lines will be marked with paint or flags. Red = Electric Lines; Yellow = Gas Lines; Blue = Water Lines; Green = Sewer Lines.