Navigating Bill Pay for City of Columbia Utilities: Payment Options, Due Dates, and More

Living in Columbia, Missouri? Then you likely receive electric, water, sewer, and trash services from the city. Paying your City of Columbia utility bill on time each month is important for maintaining uninterrupted service.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about paying your City of Columbia utilities bill, including:

• Available payment options and instructions
• Due dates and late fees
• Setting up automatic payments
• Payment assistance programs
• And more bill pay tips!

Whether you prefer to pay online, by mail, in person, or automatically, the City of Columbia offers flexibility. Read on to find the best payment method for you.

Overview of City of Columbia Utility Services

The City of Columbia provides electric, water, sewer, and trash/recycling pickup services to residents. This means you’ll receive a single monthly bill for all four utilities.

Utility rates are set by the Columbia City Council and depend on factors like

• Electric usage
• Water consumption
• Sewer service level
• Trash cart size

You can review the City’s utility rates on their website to estimate costs, Now let’s go over when bills are issued and due,

City of Columbia Utility Billing Cycles and Due Dates

City of Columbia utility bills are issued on a monthly billing cycle based on your service address.

Your bill is generated on the same date each month depending on your neighborhood:

• District 1: 1st of the month
• District 2: 4th of the month
• District 3: 9th of the month
• District 4: 14th of the month
• District 5: 19th of the month

All utility payments are due on the 10th of each month.

So for example, if you’re in District 2, your bill would be created on the 4th of each month and payment is due on the 10th.

Mark your calendar with the key monthly dates for your billing district to help remember. Now let’s go over payment options.

Pay Your City of Columbia Utilities Bill Online

The fastest and most convenient way to pay your City utility bill is online through Account Management. This accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-Checks with no processing fees.

To pay online:

1. Go to https://www.como.gov/utilities/customer-service-billing/

2. Click on “Account Management”.

3. Login using your account number and PIN.

4. Select “Make Payment” and enter your payment details.

5. Confirm the payment amount and submit.

You can also set up recurring payments through Account Management so your bill gets paid automatically each month.

Pay by Phone

In addition to paying online, you can pay your City of Columbia utility bill over the phone by calling 573-874-7380.

To pay by phone:

1. Call 573-874-7380 and select option 2 for the automated line.

2. Enter your account number and PIN when prompted.

3. Choose the payment amount and follow instructions to provide card details.

4. A payment confirmation number will be provided upon completion.

The automated phone payment system is available 24/7. Note there is a processing fee of $1.50 for debit/credit transactions over the phone.

Pay by Mail

If you prefer to pay your utility bill by check or money order via mail, here is where to send your payment:

City of Columbia
Utility Customer Service
P.O. Box 1676
Columbia, MO 65205

Be sure to include your payment stub or write your account number on the check. Allow 5-7 business days for mail delivery and processing time before the due date.

Pay in Person

You can also pay your City of Columbia utility bill in person at the Customer Service Office at 701 E. Broadway. They accept:

• Cash
• Check
• Credit/debit (with convenience fee)
• Money order

The office is open Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm. Payments made in person by 5 PM are posted same day to your account.

Sign Up for Automatic Payments

For maximum convenience, enroll in auto-pay through Account Management to have your bill paid automatically each month. Here’s how:

1. Log into your Account Management portal.

2. Under “My Profile”, click on “AutoPay Accounts”.

3. Select your payment method and date.

4. Check the box to authorize recurring payments.

5. Submit your request.

Once set up, you don’t have to worry about missing a payment deadline again! The funds are directly debited from your account on the due date.

City of Columbia Late Fees and Disconnection Policy

If your utility payment is not received by the due date, here is how late fees and disconnection are handled:

• A penalty of 10% is applied if not paid by the 10th.

• Accounts with a past due balance on the 20th are issued a Final Notice.

• If still delinquent on the 25th, a $30 penalty is added and disconnection is scheduled.

• Service is suspended on the 30th for non-payment.

• A $30 reconnect fee applies if disconnected.

Avoid penalties and service interruption by paying on time! The City does offer payment arrangements if you contact them to discuss.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you are struggling to pay your utility bill, City of Columbia provides assistance programs including:

• DollarHelp – Offers grants to cover part of a past due balance.

• Share the Light – Allows payment plan options and matching payment assistance.

• LIHEAP – Federal heating/cooling bill aid for qualified applicants.

• Payment arrangements – Extended due dates to break balance into installments.

Contact Columbia Utility Customer Service to learn more about these bill pay assistance options if needed.

Tips for Managing Your City of Columbia Utility Payments

Managing utility bills involves more than just paying on time. Here are some tips for City of Columbia customers:

• Review your usage and rates regularly to catch any spikes early.

• Change due dates if needed to align with your pay cycle.

• Go paperless and enroll in usage alerts through Account Management.

• Leverage autopay or calendar reminders to avoid late fees.

• Contact customer service with any billing questions.

• Check for leaks to avoid high consumption charges.

• Take advantage of budget billing to spread costs evenly.

Staying on top of your City utility account makes payment fast and hassle-free each month.

Paying Your Bill is a Breeze with Columbia’s Payment Options

As a valued City of Columbia utility customer, you have flexibility in how and when you pay each monthly bill.

Online and phone payments allow instant processing while mail, automatic, and in-person options fit different lifestyles. Just be sure to mark your calendar with key dates for your billing district.

If you have trouble paying on time, be proactive in contacting the City for payment assistance alternatives before service is disrupted. They are there to help residents maintain uninterrupted utilities.

So don’t stress about bill pay – the City of Columbia offers everything needed for smooth, on-time payment. Choose the method that works best for you and pay with confidence!