How to Pay Your Utility Bill in Forest Grove, Oregon

Paying your utility bill is an essential part of being a responsible resident of Forest Grove, Oregon. The city provides electricity, water, sewer, and surface water management services that need to be paid for regularly. Learning how to pay your Forest Grove utility bill quickly and easily will ensure that you have continuous access to these important utilities.

Overview of Utility Services in Forest Grove

The city of Forest Grove provides the following utility services that residents pay for through regular billing

• Electric Service Forest Grove provides electricity to residents and charges for this service, Having power in your home or business is vital

• Water Service: The city delivers clean, potable water to properties and bills for this water usage. Access to water is a basic necessity of life.

• Sewer: This service handles wastewater and sewage generated by properties. It is a joint service provided by both Forest Grove and Clean Water Services. Proper sanitation is critical for public health.

• Surface Water Management: This helps manage stormwater runoff and drainage. Fees help fund infrastructure to control flooding.

Keeping up with payments for these utilities ensures your property has power, water access, sewer service, and proper drainage. The city bills residents monthly for these services.

Payment Options for Forest Grove Utilities

Forest Grove offers several ways to pay your utility bill so you can choose the most convenient method:

• By mail: Simply mail your payment stub and check or money order to the address listed on your bill. Do not mail cash payments.

• In person: Bring your payment to City Hall at 1924 Council Street to pay in person at the utility billing office.

• 24-hour drop box: A secure drop box is located across the street from City Hall to drop off payments any time. Again, no cash in the drop box.

• Online: Pay online through the city’s UB Online portal once you create an account. It allows online payments from checking accounts or credit cards.

• Phone: Call 866-283-2539 to pay by phone with a credit card or electronic check.

The city accepts cash, checks, money orders, and major credit/debit cards. Be sure to pay by the due date listed to avoid late fees or service interruptions. Online and phone payments allow fast, convenient payment options if you don’t want to travel to City Hall or use the drop box.

Payment Timelines and Late Fees

Customers typically have 14 days from the billing date to pay their utility bills. If your bill remains unpaid after 15 days, the city will mail a reminder notice that payment is due immediately to avoid a service disconnection.

To avoid late fees or service interruptions:

• Pay bills within 14 days of the billing date. This ensures on-time payment.

• Watch for a reminder notice at 15 days past due. Pay immediately once you receive this.

• If a bill goes unpaid, services like power and water may be disconnected around 30 days past due. Reconnection fees apply to restore service.

Paying on time is critical to keep utility services flowing smoothly. Set payment reminders and use automatic payments if you occasionally forget bills.

Enrolling in Online Bill Pay

The fastest, most convenient way to pay your utility bill is through the UB Online portal. Here are the steps to enroll:

1. Go to the UB Online website and click “New Users Click Here”.

2. Enter your account number, email address, name, and create a secure password.

3. Agree to the terms and conditions and click submit.

4. Check your email for a verification link to activate your account.

Once enrolled, you can log in anytime to view or pay bills, see payment history, update account information, set up recurring payments, receive paperless billing, and more. The online option makes managing utility bills easier than ever.

What to Do If You Fall Behind on Payments

If you fall behind on utility bills, it’s important to contact Forest Grove right away to make arrangements. Call 503-992-3221 or visit the utility billing office at City Hall to discuss options like:

• Payment plans to pay the past due balance over time.

• Budget billing to pay a fixed amount each month.

• Payment assistance programs if you qualify based on income.

• Requesting alternative due dates to better align with your pay schedule.

As soon as an outstanding balance occurs, reach out to avoid service interruptions. Be proactive in seeking flexible payment solutions. Temporary hardship programs are also available for qualifying residents facing financial struggles.

Where to Get Help with Utility Bills

If utility bills become unaffordable, here are some resources:

• United Way: Offers utility payment assistance through their UtilityAssist program. Call 211 or visit 211info.org.

• St. Vincent de Paul: This nonprofit organization provides some utility bill aid. Call 503-357-9647.

• Forest Grove Family Resource Center: Helps connect residents with social services and resources.

Don’t let an inability to pay disrupt your power, water, or other utilities. These programs provide financial assistance, bill reductions, and free weatherization services to help lower costs.

Services for Customers with Disabilities

Forest Grove offers accommodations for utility customers with disabilities, including:

• Large print, braille or audio bill formats
• Home delivery of bills for homebound customers
• Accepting TTY/TDD calls at 503-992-3222

Just contact the utility billing office to request an accommodation that meets your needs.

Moving In or Out of Forest Grove

To start or stop utility services when moving, visit the utility billing office at least 3 days before your move date. Bring proof of ownership/rental agreement for the property and a valid ID.

You’ll complete a quick form to have services turned on or off on a specific date. Make this part of your moving preparation well in advance to avoid any service lapses.

Key Takeaways on Paying Your Bill

• Monitor bills closely and pay within 14 days to avoid late penalties.

• Enroll in convenient online bill pay to easily manage your account.

• If you fall behind, immediately contact the city to arrange alternate payments.

• Assistance programs and payment plans can help if you’re struggling financially.

Staying on top of utility payments is important for keeping the lights on and water flowing in Forest Grove. Follow these tips and guidelines to pay bills on time every month. Reach out for help if you need flexible payment solutions.