Our culture of safety at Bryan Municipal Utilities extends beyond our everyday operations. The health and safety of our customers, employees and all those we serve is our top priority.

As the impact of the Coronavirus continues to unfold, at BMU, we’re here with you, and our hearts go out to all those affected.

We continue to shift our operations and community response as the situation evolves and believe it’s our responsibility to take further action to preserve the health and safety of our customers, employees, contractors and communities. We’re focused on continuing to meet the needs of our customers during the uncertainty. While the way we do this may look different, BMU maintains appropriate staffing for critical business functions and utility services.

Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio Health Director, signed and Governor DeWine has issued a ‘stay at home’ order to be effective 3/23/2020. As a publicly owned utility, we are here to respond in times of uncertainty and to support our customers who may be experiencing difficulty paying their bills during this unprecedented time. BMU has temporarily suspended utility disconnections for non-payment to customers on Monday, March 16, 2020 in order to give those experiencing financial hardship extra time to make payments. The temporary non-pay disconnect suspension runs until 6/20. Late penalties are suspended on bills from 4/20-7/19.

BMU continues discussing and evaluating all that can be done for our customers with local officials and will have additional information available as needed. BMU wants to ensure clear and transparent communications to customers, that while our disconnects are suspended until 6/20/20 customers are not released from the responsibility of paying utility bills for services received during this time. BMU has been advised that some social service agencies WILL NOT provide financial assistance without a late notice. BMU will continue to send late notices with hopes that our customers’ will attempt to keep their bill as current as possible, seek financial assistance and attempt to make regular payments to avoid a worsening financial situation.

What customers can expect from BMU during this time:

• Employees will continue to respond to calls to ensure the safe, reliable delivery of service as possible.
• Customer service representatives continue to be available with our call center.
• We will take steps to further reduce public interactions for employees. Customers will see employees who must engage with the public wearing additional protective equipment such as masks and gloves and inquiring about the health of residents inside homes and businesses before entering. This will be done with respect and out of an abundance of caution to protect our employees and our customers.
• We will focus primarily on necessary or time-sensitive field work, outage response, water leaks, compliance work and other projects determined on a case-by-case basis to be appropriate and safe to complete.

For more information and ongoing updates on the situation, please visit:

• Ohio Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID-19
• World Health Organization: COVID-19

Helpful information for customers

You can reach us to report outages, water leaks, make payments, and conduct additional business in a number of ways, including:

• • Online at cityofbryan.net/your-account
  • Phone: 419-633-6020
  • Pay by phone: 855-985-1097
  • Pay by Auto Payment (ACH)* Automatic payment
  • Payment dropbox*: Don North Municipal Building
  • Pay by Mail*: Bryan City Clerk’s Office, PO Box 190, Bryan, Ohio 43506

*No Fees

Payment Arrangements & Energy Assistance

Several community and state organizations offer utility assistance including “211” First Call for Help, the Bryan Good Neighbors Fund (419-636-4924), HEAP (1-800- 282-0880), United Way of Williams County(www.unitedwaywc.org) and Northwest Ohio Community Action Coalition (1-844-493-1193).

BMU wants to ensure clear and transparent communications to customers, that while our disconnects are suspended customers are not released from the responsibility of paying utility bills for services received during this time. BMU has been advised that some social service agencies WILL NOT provide financial assistance without a late notice. BMU will continue to send late notices with hopes that our customers’ will attempt to keep their bill as current as possible, seek financial assistance and attempt to make regular payments to avoid a worsening financial situation.

Beware of scams

Don’t fall for scams. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that scammers are taking advantage of the COVID-19 outbreak to send phishing emails, texts, and social media posts. Be on the lookout for these links or attachments. For the most up-to-date facts, visit the CDC or WHO.

You can visit our Avoiding Utility Scams page to learn how you can protect yourself.

Increased energy use

If you’ve been asked to work from home, you may experience increased energy use. Visit our Energy Savings Tips page to learn more about ways to save.

Community Resources

• • • Low Income Assistance
    • Small Business Administration
    • WEDCO Economic Dashboard

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my power get shut off for non-payment during the Coronavirus outbreak?

BMU has made the decision to temporarily suspend all disconnects for customers as our community responds to the impacts of the Coronavirus outbreak. We encourage customers who may be facing financial difficulties to call us at 419-630-6020.

BMU is discussing and evaluating all that can be done for our customers with local officials and will have additional information available soon. BMU wants to ensure clear and transparent communications to customers, that while our disconnects are suspended customers are not released from the responsibility of paying utility bills for services received during this time. BMU has been advised that some social service agencies WILL NOT provide financial assistance without a late notice. BMU will continue to send late notices with hopes that our customers’ will attempt to keep their bill as current as possible, seek financial assistance and attempt to make regular payments to avoid a worsening financial situation.

How can I afford my bill if I can’t work due to a Coronavirus outbreak in my community?

We are here to help. Our Customer Service Representatives will work with you to make flexible payment arrangements to help get you through this difficult time. In addition, there may be energy assistance or other programs available to help, visit Low Income Assistance to learn more.

What can I do to control my energy bill while I have to spend more time at home?

Naturally, spending more time at home, especially with children out of school, can increase your energy usage. We offer energy saving tips that may also help you manage your use. Learn more about saving energy.

Will our community lose power because of this outbreak?

We remain committed to our obligation to provide safe and reliable service and are focused on ensuring this critical function is our focus at this time. We’ve taken steps over the last few weeks to ensure those employees whose responsibilities are critical to the delivery of our service are prepared and well-positioned to continue on in their roles without interruption.

I received a call demanding payment. How do I know if it’s you?

Not only has BMU made the decision to temporarily suspend all disconnection activity, but we are aware that scam calls, texts and e-mails have been on the rise with the current pandemic. Please visit our scams page to learn more. If you are uncertain, you should always call us at 419-633-6020.