Living in Austin? Then you likely receive monthly utility bills for services like electricity, water, sewer, and trash from the City of Austin. But with so many payment options available, you may be wondering the easiest way to pay your City of Austin utility bill. This guide will walk through the various payment methods, fees, locations, and programs offered by the City of Austin for residential utility bill payment.
Overview of Payment Options
The City of Austin provides both online and in-person payment options for customers:
- Autopay
- Quick Pay Online
- Pay by Phone
- Pay In Person
- Pay by Mail
- Payment Extensions
- Payment Arrangements
So whether you prefer automatic payments online payments paying by phone, or making in-person payments, the City of Austin has a billing payment method that will work for you.
Autopay
One of the most popular ways residents pay their Austin utility bill is through Autopay With Autopay
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Your utility bill amount is automatically deducted from your bank account each month
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It’s free to enroll and easy to sign up online
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You can cancel or change accounts anytime
Autopay ensures your bill is paid on time each month, avoiding any late fees. It’s a simple “set it and forget it” approach.
Quick Pay Online
For those who prefer paying bills online, the City of Austin offers Quick Pay through their partner Paymentus. With Quick Pay you can:
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Pay immediately online without needing to login or create an account
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Use credit/debit cards, checking accounts, Apple Pay, Google Pay
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Receive emailed receipts
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Create an account to store payment info for quicker checkout
The main downside is Paymentus does charge a $1.95 transaction fee for each online payment.
Pay by Phone
In addition to online payments, customers can pay their Austin utility bill over the phone using Paymentus. You’ll dial the City of Austin utility customer service line and follow prompts to make a payment. The $1.95 transaction fee still applies on phone payments.
Pay In Person
For those who prefer paying bills in person, there are multiple options:
- At one of the City of Austin Utility Service Centers
- Authorized pay stations around the city like HEB, Fiesta Mart, Randalls
- Use the drive up drop box at service centers
In person payments can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card. No fees apply to in person payments.
Pay by Mail
Customers can always mail in a personal check, money order, or cashier’s check to pay their utility bill. No additional fees apply but make sure to allow enough time for the mail delivery.
Payment Extensions
If you need a little extra time to pay your Austin utility bill, you can request a payment extension by phone or online. This pushes your due date back a few days avoiding late fees. Only a certain number of extensions are allowed per year.
Payment Arrangements
For past due balances, the City of Austin offers payment arrangements to spread the amount owed over multiple months. You’ll need to pay a percentage of the past due balance upfront, and the rest will be divided over your next few monthly bills. This helps avoid disconnection while paying off the past due amount.
Assisting Low Income Residents
The City of Austin also offers financial assistance programs to help low income residents maintain their utility services:
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Customer Assistance Program – Offers a discount on utility bills for qualifying households
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Plus 1 Fund – Provides emergency bill assistance for customers facing disconnection
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Project Help – One time utility bill grants administered through local non-profits
Avoid Late Fees and Disconnection
No matter your preferred payment method, the key is paying your Austin utility bill by the due date each month. Late payments incur a 5% penalty fee. If your account becomes past due, you risk disconnection which has an additional $30 reconnect charge.
Set payment reminders and use Autopay or Quick Pay to ensure your utility account stays current. And if you ever need help paying your bill, contact the City of Austin utility customer service team to ask about available financial assistance programs. Don’t let an unpaid bill threaten your essential utility services.
Contact City of Austin Utility Customer Service
If you ever have questions about your utility account or bill payment options, contact the City of Austin utility customer service:
Phone:
- 512-494-9400
- Toll Free: 888-340-6465
Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 7am – 9pm
- Saturday: 9am – 1pm
The City of Austin offers flexible payment methods for your utility services. Find the option that fits your needs and budget. Pay on time each month to avoid penalties and keep your water, electric, sewer, and trash service uninterrupted. The City of Austin is here to help every step of the way.
Billing & Payment Options
Budget Billing lets you pay approximately the same amount each month for your utility services.
With Autopay, your utility bill payment is deducted automatically from your bank account each month.
Pay anytime day or night – on the phone or online. Multiple payment methods accepted. Transaction fees apply.
The City of Austin Utilities Gift of Comfort program allows individuals, businesses, and organizations in our community to make a payment towards a customers utility bill as a gift. It is a thoughtful, practical, and convenient way to show you care.
Log In Username Password
- Create your online account
- Start, stop or transfer utility services
- Choose your energy source
- Sign up for Paperless Billing
- Pay your bill securely
- Track your usage
You can now pay City of Austin Utilities bills, track usage from any device
What if I can’t pay my city of Austin Utility bill?
Your payment must be received on or before the due date on the bill. For help with paying your bill if you are having trouble with money, call City of Austin Utilities Customer Care at 512-494-9400. You can use the Quick Payment by phone or online option to make a payment at any time and have it posted right away.
How do I pay my bill in Austin Texas?
The City of Austin offers a variety of payment options so you can pay your bill conveniently. Your payment must be received on or before the due date on the bill. Make a quick payment online or by phone with a credit card. Pay at an authorized pay station. Pay at a drop box.
Does the city of Austin provide public utilities?
The City of Austin provides public utilities to residents of Austin and some surrounding areas. Depending on where you live, you could receive one or more utility services from the City of Austin. New residential customers are charged fees and security deposits to start utility service.
What services does the city of Austin offer?
City of Austin utility services include electricity, water, wastewater, solid waste, drainage, and street service.
What is the city of Austin Utility gift of Comfort program?
People, businesses, and groups in our community can use the City of Austin Utilities Gift of Comfort program to give a customer a gift by paying their utility bill. It is a thoughtful, practical, and convenient way to show you care. How can we help? Report power outages. Get text alerts.
Does Austin Energy charge a fee for quick payment?
Find out how to use Quick Payment to get your service back online. Please keep in mind that Austin Energy does not get any of the convenience fee that is charged for this service. Paymentus, our payment processing partner, charges this fee to cover the transaction and processing costs of taking credit and debit card information.
