Receiving utility bills and remembering to pay them on time can be a hassle Fortunately, the City of Palo Alto offers multiple convenient ways for residents and businesses to view account details and pay their electric, gas, water, and wastewater bills In this article, we’ll explore the various payment options to find the right fit for your needs.
Online Account Access and Payment
The easiest way to manage your Palo Alto Utilities account is through the MyCPAU online portal. This secure website allows you to:
- View current and past bills
- Monitor usage
- Make one-time payments
- Set up recurring auto-pay
- Go paperless with e-bills
To get started, you’ll need your account number and personal details from a recent bill. The portal offers a simple step-by-step process for registering and adding your preferred payment method.
You can pay immediately online using a credit/debit card or checking account. There are no fees for bank account payments. Credit and debit card payments incur a transaction fee.
Payment by Mail
If you prefer to pay your utility bill through the mail, simply send a check or money order using the payment stub from your bill. Be sure to include your account number.
Payments should be mailed to:
City of Palo Alto
PO Box 51019
Los Angeles, CA 90051-5319
Allow 5-7 days for mailed payments to process.
Payments In-Person
You can also bring cash, check, or credit/debit card payments directly to the Utility Billing Office located at City Hall.
City of Palo Alto Utilities
250 Hamilton Ave, Ground Floor
Palo Alto, CA 94301
In-person payments allow same-day processing if received before 5pm.
Pay by Phone
To pay over the phone, you can use the automated system or speak to a customer service agent:
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Automated Line: Call 650-329-2497 anytime 24/7.
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Customer Service: Call 650-329-2161 M-F 8am-5pm.
Have your account number ready. Fees apply to credit/debit card payments.
Auto-Pay for Worry-Free Bills
For ultimate convenience, enroll in auto-pay through your online account. This authorizes Palo Alto Utilities to automatically withdraw your balance from a bank account each month.
With auto-pay, you’ll never miss a payment or incur late fees. Payments process 1-5 days before the due date. You can cancel at any time.
Paperless e-Bills
You can also go paperless to receive bills electronically through your MyCPAU account. Toggle the paperless billing option to stop mailed statements.
E-bills provide instant access to billing details without waiting for snail mail. You’ll reduce clutter while saving trees. Print e-bills if needed.
Understanding Back-Billing
On rare occasions, billing inaccuracies may require back-billing. Palo Alto Utilities can back-bill undercharges up to 36 months if caused by:
- Meter inaccuracy
- Misapplied meter multiplier
- Incorrect meter readings
- Calculation errors
Conversely, overcharges will be refunded up to 36 months. Limits do not apply in cases of theft or fraud. Knowing the back-billing policy provides accountability.
Getting Help
Palo Alto Utilities offers top-notch customer service:
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Email: You can send billing questions to [email protected].
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Phone: Call 650-329-2161 M-F 8am-5:30pm to speak with a representative.
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In-Person: Visit the walk-in center at City Hall.
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24/7 Emergency: For gas leaks, outages, etc., call 650-329-2579 anytime.
Don’t hesitate to reach out by your preferred contact channel. The utility billing staff looks forward to assisting residents and businesses in Palo Alto.
With its user-friendly online portal, auto-pay options, and stellar customer service, Palo Alto Utilities makes managing your account convenient. Take advantage of e-bills and recurring payments to simplify bill pay. Understand back-billing policies to avoid surprises. And leverage the available support resources whenever needed. Streamlining utility bill payment saves you time and hassle as a valued customer.
New user to online account services?
- The primary ID # is the last four of your social, driver’s license or passport. For commercial customers, the primary ID is the last four of the Federal Tax ID
- Password must be 8-15 characters and include one of these special characters: ! @ # $ % * _ –
- Check your registered email for the activation link
Our secure customer service website provides access to your account from the comforts of your own home. You can view financial and consumption information and take advantage of the following services.
- Recurring credit card payments with no service fee
- Paperless billing and customized notification preferences
- Stop service or close your account
- Add or remove guest users
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FAQ
How do I contact the city of Palo Alto?
The City of Palo Alto City Hall is located at 250 Hamilton Ave. , Palo Alto, CA 94301. For general information, call City Hall at (650) 329-2100.
How do I pay my city of Palo Alto utilities bill?
City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) offers several ways to pay your bill. Simplify your life by paying your monthly bill directly from your checking account. Use our convenient Automatic Bank Drafting service; it’s free of charge to Palo Alto residents and businesses.
How do I receive billing notifications from city of Palo Alto utilities?
To receive the following billing notifications: City of Palo Alto Utilities Customer Service UtilitiesCustomerService@cityofpaloalto. org (650) 329-2161 Visit the City of Palo Alto Utilities business webpage for more information. Welcome to the City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) online utility account management service, MyCPAU.
What utilities does the City of Palo Alto offer?
Palo Alto is the only city in California that provides all of its residents and businesses with a full range of dependable, locally-based, and eco-friendly utilities.
How much does Palo Alto utilities charge per kilowatt hour?
Customers of Palo Alto Utilities are charged 16. 37 cents per kilowatt hour for residential electricity, which is higher than the average nationwide rate of 14. 11 cents. The total electricity charge is made up of 0. 22% industrial accounts, 13. 16% commercial customer accounts, and 86. 62% residential accounts.
When are Palo Alto Utilities electric rates highest?
The highest residential electric rates by Palo Alto Utilities occur in January. The highest average bill for Palo Alto Utilities customers each month is in April.
What is Palo Alto utilities’ energy loss level?
As a result, Palo Alto Utilities is ranked third best out of 63 providers in California and 164th best out of 3509 in the US when it comes to energy loss. However, their residential electric rates are highest in January and the highest average bill is in April.
