Our goal is to make sure that Columbus City Utilities’ over 19,000 customers get good water service every day.
We take pride in ensuring that our drinking water meets the most stringent standards. We continue to do everything possible to exceed the requirements of the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act.
We are a partner in reasonable and responsible growth in our community. When CCU provides good services, they make neighborhoods better and can help create jobs in the future.
Paying your utility bill is an essential part of being a responsible homeowner or renter in Columbus, Ohio. The city provides water, sewer, electricity, and other utilities to residents and businesses, and it’s important to pay your bill on time each month. Here’s a guide on how and where you can pay your Columbus utility bill.
Overview of Columbus Utility Services
People in Columbus can get water, sewer, electricity, and other services from the City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities. The main utility services include .
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Water: Pipes bring clean drinking water to homes and businesses. The utility company takes care of the pipes, treatment plants, and other infrastructure.
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Sewer – Wastewater from homes and businesses is piped away and treated. The sewer utility handles maintenance and infrastructure.
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Electricity – Columbus electricity is provided by American Municipal Power. The city purchases wholesale power and delivers it.
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Trash – Trash and recycling collection for households is provided by the city
Other services like stormwater management are covered in your utility fees as well. The various utilities are all paid together in one monthly bill per account.
Utility Bill Payment Options
You can pay your Columbus utility bill in a number of ways, so you can pick the one that works best for you:
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Online – Pay on the city website by eCheck, debit or credit card. You can also set up autopay.
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By Phone – Call the payment line at 614-645-8276 and pay with a card or eCheck.
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Pay in person at the walk-in center at 111 N Front St. with cash, check, or money order.
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Mail – Send a check or money order to the payment mailing address. Allow 5 business days for processing.
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Third Party – Pay at Kroger, Giant Eagle, Walgreens and other authorized payment locations. Fees may apply.
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Drop Box – Place your payment in the drop box at the customer service center after hours.
Paying online through the city website is the most popular option since it’s fast, secure, and convenient without fees. But in-person and mail are also easy alternatives.
How to Sign Up for Online Bill Pay
To get started with online bill pay through the City of Columbus, follow these steps:
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Go to www.columbus.gov/utilities and click on “Payment Portal”.
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Select “Sign In or Sign Up” and then choose “Register” to create a new account.
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Enter your email and create a password. Check your email to activate your account.
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Sign in and select “Add Account”. Input your Columbus utility account number from your bill.
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You can now view your bill, make a payment, set up autopay, and more!
The online portal also allows you to enroll in paperless billing and access your payment history. It’s the fastest way to pay and manage your utility account.
Understanding Your Columbus Utility Bill
Your utility bill provides a detailed breakdown of all the charges for the month. Key sections include:
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Account Summary – Shows total amount due and due date at the top.
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Payment Stub – Detach and send this portion with mailed payments.
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Charges – Lists itemized charges for water, sewer, electricity, etc.
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Readings – Shows meter readings for water and electric use.
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Usage History – Compare your use over the last 13 months.
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Messages – Important notices from the utility department.
Review the full bill closely and make sure you understand each of the charges before paying. Contact customer service if you have any questions.
Getting Payment Assistance for Utility Bills
If you are having trouble paying your Columbus utility bill, assistance programs are available:
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Payment Arrangements – Set up a plan to pay your balance over multiple months.
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Percent Discount Program – Low income residents can get 25% off water bills.
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Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – Provides credits to help pay energy utility bills.
You may also qualify for updated COVID-19 payment assistance. Check with the utility department to discuss programs and funding available to help with your situation.
Avoiding Late Fees and Disconnection
To avoid penalties, make sure to pay your Columbus utility bill by the due date shown at the top of your statement. If your payment is late, these fees can be charged:
- 10% penalty fee on past due balances
- 1.5% monthly late payment fee
- $10 disconnection/reconnection fee
- Additional deposit may be required
If your account becomes 60 days past due, your service can be disconnected. Make payment arrangements if needed to avoid costly late fees and disconnection.
Paying your Columbus utility bill on time every month is essential for maintaining continuous service. Follow the steps in this guide to pay online, understand your charges, and get assistance if needed. Being a responsible utility customer keeps your household running smoothly.
City Chat: Electric Bill Payment Assistance
Where can I pay my Columbus utility bill?
Find in-person payment locations, online payment, or the mailing addresses. Western Union, Kroger, Meijer, Giant Eagle, Walgreens and others accept Columbus utility bill payments. For locations please visit Western Union or call 1 (800) 325-6000. Please be aware that contracted vendor payment locations charge a convenience fee.
How do I make a payment to the city of Columbus?
Welcome to One Time payment processing for the City of Columbus. When you’re ready to go, please enter the information about the account you want to pay from and click START. Please enter a hyphen between your customer number and account number.
How do I make a one-time utility billing payment?
Enter your account number, last name, and the captcha to make a one-time payment on your utility bill. You can also create an account to set up multiple payment options, recurring payments, and pay-by-text. After registering for an account you can: On the go?.
How do I pay my sewer bill online?
Payment Portal Pay online via eCheck, credit card, or sign up for auto-pay. Other features available include: Paperless eBill, bill copies and payment history, customer newsletters and other communications. Check for unpaid sewer charges. This site provides an easy-to-use way.
How do I pay my bills automatically?
After paying your current bill, you can enroll in Auto Pay to have future bills automatically paid by credit or debit card. You can also use the Quick Pay feature to pay your bill without setting up an account. You may also continue to pay by mail on in-person at our office, or using the Automated Payment Line at (812) 668-8109.
When will I receive my CCU Bill?
Every CCU customer will receive an invoice by mail in June, 2024. If you pay your bill online or have set up Auto Pay in the past, you’ll need to set up a new account with your new account number. Your new account number can be found on your June billing statement. Here’s a quick review on using CCU Bill Pay:
