How to get your utilities activated in Charleston

Water and Sewer Service Activation–

If you are responsible for your water and sewer bill, you will need to activate your service by going to the Water Department. You can find the customer service office on the first floor at the Charleston City Hall Building. This building is located at 520 Jackson Avenue by the square in Charleston. In order to activate your water and sewer service, you will need to bring a photo ID or driver’s license with your photo, the address where service will be needed, the date you want your service to start, or provide a different mailing address if that is applicable to your situation. It is free to apply for service. You can apply for service through the Water Department’s fax line as long as you are able to fax the above information with a copy of your photo ID or driver’s license. You will also need to provide a signature when requesting for service through the fax line. The fax number for the Water Department is (217) 345-7554.

AmerenCIPS Electric and Gas Service Activation

Some customers are required to pay a deposit upon turning on service with AmerenCIPS. The deposit is limited to one-sixth of the estimated annual service charge. This deposit can be paid in installments as long as 1/3 of that deposit is paid within 12 days of requesting service. You can apply for electric or natural gas service electronically by visiting AmerenCIPS’ website at http://www.ameren.com/ or you can call (888) 789-2477. The address for AmerenCIPS is 711 South 9^th Street, Mattoon, Illinois.

Coles Moultrie Cooperative Service Activation

To become a member of the Coles-Moultrie Cooperative, you must fill out an application. You can download this application at the Coles-Moultrie website at http://www.cmec.coop/billing/generalinfo.cfm or you can go to the main office at the main office at 104 Dewitt Avenue in Mattoon. You may need to pay a deposit depending on the state of your credit. This deposit can be waived if you can provide a good credit history with your previous electric provider. You can reach customer service at (888) 661-2632.

Waste Services

There are two waste removal services in Charleston, either Prairie State Waste Services or Coles County Sanitation and Removal. You can reach customer service for Prairie State Waste Services at (217) 345-7404. You can reach customer service for Coles County Sanitation and Removal at (217) 345-7101.